5 Reasons Why Do Dogs Lick Feet
Affection and Bonding
Dogs are known for showing affection through licking, and this behavior extends to feet as well. Licking your feet can be a way for your furry friend to demonstrate love, affection, and a desire to strengthen the bond between you. It’s their way of saying, “I care about you.”
Grooming Instincts
Dogs have a natural grooming instinct, and licking is a part of that behavior. Just as they lick themselves to keep clean, they may lick your feet as a way of grooming and caring for you. Your feet may have a different scent or texture that intrigues them, which naturally leads to licking.
Smelly Feet
Feet can naturally emit salt and sweat, which can be enticing to dogs. They have an enhanced sense of smell, and the saltiness of your feet may attract them. If your feet have been sweating, dogs may be inclined to lick them to taste the salt. It’s important to note that excessive foot licking due to sweat can indicate a potential medical issue, and consulting with a veterinarian is advised.
Attention-Seeking Behavior
Dogs are highly social animals and seek attention from their human companions. Licking your feet may be a way for them to gain your attention and elicit a response from you. If they see that you react to their foot licking, they may continue the behavior as a means of getting your attention.
Stress and Anxiety
Dogs may also lick feet as a self-soothing behavior when experiencing stress or anxiety. Licking can release endorphins, providing comfort and relaxation for them. If your dog tends to lick your feet when feeling anxious or stressed, it’s essential to address the underlying cause and provide appropriate support and calming techniques.
Why Do Dogs Lick Stinky Feet
We all know that dogs have some bizarre habits, and one of them includes licking stinky feet. While it may seem gross or puzzling to us, there are a few reasons why dogs like smelly feet.
Feet offer Biological information:
Dogs have an incredible sense of smell that surpasses ours by miles. They are attracted to odors that we may find unpleasant, including the smell of stinky feet. Stinky, smelly foot scents are filled with biological information (pheromones) that gives them clues about you.The strong scent intrigues them, and they feel compelled to investigate further by licking your feet.
Cleaning Behavior
Dogs have an innate instinct to keep themselves and their surroundings clean. When they lick your stinky feet, they may be trying to remove the odor or dirt they detect. While it may not be the most effective cleaning method, it’s their way of instinctively addressing the smell.
Health Concerns
Persistent foot odor can sometimes indicate underlying health issues like fungal infections or bacteria. Dogs have an exceptional sense of smell, and they can detect the scent of wounds or injuries. Their keen sense of smell allows them to identify changes in the chemical composition of the body and detect various scents associated with wounds, infections, or inflammation.
Did you know?
Dogs can be trained to use their scenting abilities for medical purposes, such as detecting diseases or alerting to diabetic emergencies. To draw your attention to the problem, they may lick your stinky feet to signal their concern.
Sniffing out Diabetes
Medical detection dogs have shown an impressive ability to detect signs of a deadly hypo in their diabetic owners. These remarkable dogs are trained to lick their owners’ faces when they detect specific scents associated with hypoglycemia on their breath. Astonishingly, they are correct in identifying these dangerous episodes approximately 83% of the time. This highlights the incredible potential of medical detection dogs in assisting individuals with diabetes by providing an early warning system for hypoglycemic episodes.
Their exceptional sense of smell allows them to pick up on subtle changes in breath odors, enabling them to detect the presence of low blood sugar levels. This groundbreaking research sheds light on the invaluable role that dogs can play in medical settings, providing vital assistance and potentially saving lives in the process.
Habitual Behavior
Sometimes, dogs lick stinky feet out of habit or learned behavior. If they’ve received positive reinforcement or attention in the past when licking your feet, they may continue the behavior regardless of the foot’s odor.
Read more: Why Do Dogs Roll On Their Backs?
Why Do Dogs Lick Feet With Athlete’s Foot?
One reason is that dogs are attracted to the smell. Athlete’s feet can produce a distinct odor due to the fungus thriving on the feet. Dogs have an exceptional sense of smell, and they may be drawn to the scent, finding it intriguing or even appetizing.
Additionally, dogs may lick feet with an athlete’s foot as a way to provide comfort or relief. The licking action can soothe itching or irritation caused by the infection. Dogs have a natural instinct to groom and clean themselves, so they may instinctively try to “heal” the affected area by licking.
However, it’s important to note that while a dog’s saliva contains certain antibacterial properties, it does not necessarily eliminate or cure the fungal infection. In fact, excessive licking can introduce more bacteria into the affected area, potentially exacerbating the condition.
If you have athlete’s feet and your dog is persistently licking your feet, it’s crucial to seek proper treatment for the infection. Consult with a healthcare professional who can recommend appropriate antifungal medications or topical treatments to eliminate the fungus.
Why Do Dogs Lick Feet in the Morning and Before Sleeping?
In The Morning
In the morning, dogs may lick your feet as a way of greeting and showing affection. After a night of sleep, they are excited to see you and engage in their morning routine. Licking your feet is their way of saying, “Good morning! I’m happy to see you!” It’s their version of a warm and loving welcome to start the day.
Licking feet in the morning can also be a form of grooming behavior. Dogs have a natural instinct to groom themselves and their pack members. By licking your feet, they may be removing any dirt or odors that have accumulated overnight. It’s their way of ensuring cleanliness and maintaining a fresh scent for you, their beloved human companion.
Before Sleeping
Before bedtime, dogs may lick your feet as part of their routine to settle down and relax. It can be a soothing and comforting behavior for them, similar to how we might engage in bedtime rituals to unwind. Licking can release endorphins and help dogs feel more at ease before sleep. So, if your dog likes to give your feet a good lick before dozing off, it’s likely their way of winding down and preparing for a peaceful slumber.
Furthermore, licking feet before sleeping can also be a way for dogs to mark their territory. Dogs have scent glands in their mouths, and by licking your feet, they are leaving their scent and claiming you as part of their pack. It’s their instinctual way of establishing a connection and reinforcing the bond they share with you.
While these morning and bedtime foot licking behaviors are generally harmless and can even be endearing, do be mindful that excessive foot licking may indicate underlying issues. Dogs may excessively lick their feet due to allergies, skin irritations, or anxiety.
If you notice persistent or excessive licking that causes discomfort or affects their daily activities, it’s recommended to consult with your veterinarian. They can help determine the cause and provide appropriate guidance or treatment to address any underlying conditions.
Is It A Bad Thing That My Dog Licks My Feet?
Not necessarily! While some may find it odd or unpleasant, your dog licking your feet is not always a bad thing. In fact, it can be quite normal behavior for our fur kids.
Dogs have a natural instinct to lick, and they use this behavior as a way to communicate and show affection. Licking your feet can be their way of bonding with you and demonstrating their love and devotion. It’s their version of giving you kisses!
However, there are a few things to consider. Excessive licking or nibbling on your feet may indicate an underlying issue, such as allergies or anxiety. If your dog’s foot licking becomes obsessive or interferes with daily activities, it’s best to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any medical conditions.
Additionally, if you have any cuts, wounds, or open sores on your feet, it’s important to prevent your dog from licking them. Their saliva may contain bacteria that can potentially cause infection. Keep the affected area clean and protected, and consider using a barrier like socks or bandages to prevent access.
Overall, if your dog’s foot licking is moderate, occasional, and doesn’t cause any discomfort or problems, it’s generally harmless and can be seen as a sign of affection. Just make sure to monitor their behavior and address any concerns with your veterinarian. Embrace those foot licks as a display of love from your furry baby.
5 Ways To Stop Your Dog from Licking Your Feet
If you find your dog’s foot licking behavior to be excessive or bothersome, there are a few strategies you can try to redirect their attention and discourage the behavior.
Distraction Technique
Whenever your dog starts licking your feet, distract them with a toy or treat. Offer an alternative activity that they enjoy and can focus on instead of licking your feet. This helps shift their attention away from your feet and onto something more appropriate.
Positive Reinforcement
When your dog refrains from licking your feet, reward them with praise, treats, or playtime. Positive reinforcement helps reinforce desired behaviors and encourages your dog to repeat them. Consistency is key to effectively using positive reinforcement to stop foot licking.
Provide Mental and Physical Stimulation
Dogs may engage in excessive licking when they’re bored or understimulated. Ensure your dog receives enough mental and physical exercise to prevent boredom. Interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and regular playtime can help keep them mentally engaged and tire them out physically.
Read more: Best Brain Games To Mentally Stimulate Your Dog
Use a Taste Deterrent
Apply a taste deterrent to your feet, such as a bitter apple spray or a pet-safe deterrent recommended by your veterinarian. The unpleasant taste discourages your dog from licking your feet, as they associate the taste with the behavior.
Seek Professional Help
If the foot licking behavior persists or is accompanied by other concerning behaviors, it’s best to consult with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. They can assess the underlying causes and provide customized guidance and training techniques to address the issue effectively.
Remember, patience and consistency are vital when training your dog to stop licking your feet. With time and proper guidance, you can help redirect their focus and discourage the behavior.