Dogs love to lick! And they especially love to lick the faces of nearby humans. Our cavapoochon Georgie Tortellini does this all the time. Sometimes we wake up in the morning to a Georgie licking our faces. We’re pretty sure it’s because he loves us and wants our attention and wants us to get out of bed to play with him but the truth is, there are many reasons why a dog may lick your face. And we’re going to go over them like right now!

However, if you notice your dog engaging in excessive licking, it’s important to talk to your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues and to discuss ways to reduce your dog’s anxiety and stress levels. This may include behavioral training, environmental modifications, or medication, depending on the severity of the problem. Seriously, talk to your vet or your doggy health care provider immediately!

1. Wet Kisses and Slobbery Smooches: How Your Dog Expresses Affection

According to the American Kennel Club, licking can indeed be a sign of affection from your dog. Dogs often show their owners affection through physical contact, such as licking. Like kissing for humans, licking your face is a way for your dog to show that they love you and feel close to you. Sometimes they’re mimicking their behavior as a puppy. Puppies naturally lick their mother’s face for comfort and to receive nourishment, and this behavior can continue into adulthood as a way of showing affection.Dogs are social animals and often show affection through physical contact. Licking their owner’s face can be a way for dogs to establish a bond with their human family and show their love and loyalty.

2. From Ruff to Fluff: How Dogs Lick Your Face to Keep You Groomed and Gorgeous!

Licking is a natural behavior for dogs when they are grooming themselves or others. Your cavapoochon may be trying to clean your face as they would their own fur. Like cats, dogs use their rough tongues to clean themselves, removing dirt and debris from their fur. When they lick their owner’s face, they may be trying to do the same thing, removing any dirt or sweat that has accumulated on the skin. While it may not always be the most pleasant sensation — especially when you’re trying to get something else done! — it’s a sign that your cavapoochon cares about you and wants to keep you clean! Just be sure to return the favor with a good bath every once in a while.

3. Kisses for Attention: Why Your Cavapoochon is Licking Your Face to Get Your Undivided Love!

Dogs are social animals and enjoy interacting with their owners. In fact, your cavapoochon thrives on attention and affection from their owners. The folks at The Spruce Pets tell us that one way dogs may seek attention is by licking your face. Licking can be a subtle yet effective way for them to communicate their desire for attention — whether it’s to go for a walk, play a game, or simply looking for attention and affection. While it may not always be convenient or comfortable, responding to your dog’s licking can help strengthen your bond and deepen your relationship. Next time your dog licks your face, take a moment to show them some love and attention – they’ll appreciate it more than you know! And let’s get real. You love it too.

4. Love at First Lick: Why Your Dog Can’t Get Enough of Your Tasty and Smelly Face!

Dogs — including the mighty cavapoochon! — have a powerful sense of smell and taste. Your dog may be licking your face to taste or smell something they find interesting, such as food particles or other scents on your skin. Did you just come in from a 5-mile run, hot yoga, or another kind of sweaty workout? The UK Kennel Club points out that when we sweat, us humans tend to release salt and acidic chemicals that your cavapoochon may think is delicious. Or maybe you’ve put on some makeup, lotions, and/or moisturizing cream? The UK Kennel Club also points out your dog may be tasting these too — and really really points out that some creams and lotions can be very toxic to dogs! Read all your labels! Of course, our Georgie likes to lick our faces just when we’ve finished eating — especially if we’ve just had something salty and buttery.

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5. Excessive Licking Can Signal Anxiety & Stress in Dogs

While licking is often a sign of affection or grooming behavior, the good people at Oakbrook Animal Hospital point out that excessive licking can also be a sign of anxiety or stress in dogs. Unfortunately, dogs feel anxiety and stress — just like their humans do. Doesn’t that suck? Sometimes we humans pick our nose but a cavapoochon may rather lick your nose out when he’s stressed out. Licking can be a self-soothing behavior for dogs. If your dog is feeling anxious or stressed, they may start licking your face to calm themselves down. When dogs are feeling anxious or stressed, they may start to lick excessively, often targeting specific areas of the body, such as the paws, legs, or face. This behavior is sometimes referred to as “stress licking” or “anxiety licking” and can be a sign that your dog is experiencing discomfort or distress.

6. Dogs are History’s Purest Explorers!

Like Marco Polo and Neil Armstrong before them, dogs fancy themselves as great explorers! Your cavapoochon will use their sense of taste to explore their environment, something the folks at the ASPCA point out. If your dog is curious about your face — especially if they are meeting you for the very first time — they may start licking it to learn more about you and get to know you better. Do not take offense if a dog wants to lick your face, but if this makes you uncomfortable or if you are sick, you do not have to engage with the dog.

7. Face-Licking as an Act of Submission

In some cases, dogs may lick their owner’s face as a sign of submission, according to the American Kennel Club. If your dog views you as the pack leader, they may lick your face as a way to show respect and deference to your authority.

8. Do Dogs Have Emapthy? Hell Yes.

Are you have a stressful and tough day? Have you received some sad and unpleasant news? Was your favorite character just killed off the show you’ve been binging on? Your dog will almost certainly notice, and may lick your fact to demonstrate comfort and empathy. “Dogs have evolved alongside humans and appear to have the unbelievable ability to interpret and respond to human emotion,” says Lara Sypniewski, DVM, a professor of small animal medicine at Oklahoma State University. Sometimes your dog will lick your face because they know you are sad and they want you to feel better.

Final Thoughts on Cavapoochon Face-Licking

We love our Georgie, so it’s important for us to communicate effectively with him and understand what it means when he is licking our faces. Sometimes he wants to groom us as if we were a fellow cavapoochon, and sometimes he is trying to comfort us when we are sad. Sometimes he just thinks our faces are delicious to taste and usually Georgie Tortellini licks our faces to express his affection for us. Of course, context is very important, and we try to be aware if Georgie’s face-licking is a sign of hunger or anxiety. You should too! Happy dogs to your day.

Want to read more content about cavapoochons? Check out our story about Georgie’s chicken-free diet, as well as Why Does My Dog Paw At Me?

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