What happens if a dog licks its face. Why does a dog often lick its owner? Causes of dog "kissing"

Be able to recognize essential elements umwelta animal means, in fact, to become a specialist in ticks, dogs, people and so on. This is how we bridge the gap between what we think we know about dogs and what they really are.

We can try to learn umwelt another animal, to incarnate into an animal (remembering the limitations imposed by our sensory system). It's amazing to spend a day as tall as a dog. Sniffing (even with our less-than-perfect noses) of the objects we encounter during the day radically changes our perception of familiar things.

Now pay attention to the sounds in the room where you are - sounds that you are used to and that you usually do not listen to. So, with some effort, I hear the noise of a fan in the corner, the hum of a truck in the distance, the unintelligible voices of people going up the stairs; creaks under someone wooden chair; my heart is beating; I swallow; the turning page rustles. If my hearing had been sharper, I might have heard the scratching of a pen on paper at the opposite end of the room, I would have heard a flower growing and insects talking under my feet. Perhaps other animals clearly hear these sounds.

The meaning of things

Different animals see objects around them differently. A dog that looks around the room does not at all consider itself surrounded by human things - all these are objects of its world. Our ideas about what this or that object is intended for may or may not coincide with the dog's. The meaning of things is determined by what we do with them (von Uexkül called this "functional tone"). A dog may be indifferent to chairs, but if you teach him to jump on them, the chair becomes a thing to sit on. Subsequently, the dog may independently discover that there are other things to sit on: a couch, a pile of pillows, or, for example, a person's knees.

So, we begin to understand how ideas about the world of dogs and humans are similar and how they are different. For dogs, a lot of objects in the world around them are associated with food - much more than for people. Moreover, they distinguish "functional tones" that do not exist for us - for example, things that can be tastefully rolled on. If we are not children and are not inclined to such games, then the number of such objects tends to zero for us. Conversely, a huge number of things that have a strictly defined meaning for us (forks, knives, hammers, pushpins, fans, watches, and so on) have no (or almost no) meaning for dogs.

So, for a dog there is no hammer. It doesn't mean anything to her, at least not until it's connected to another meaningful object (for example, it's used by its owner; it's been peed on by a cute dog down the street; it has a wooden handle that you can gnaw on).

When umwelts dogs and humans collide, then, as a rule, people do not understand what their pets are doing. For example, a person quite seriously claims that his dog knows that she has nothing to do on the bed. A person can even buy a special dog bed and order the dog to go lie down there. Usually the dog obeys. The person feels satisfied. Still, another step towards mutual understanding has been taken.

But is it? Many times, returning home, I found a crumpled, still warm bed and realized that either my dog ​​had just been lying there, joyfully welcoming me on the threshold, or some unknown invisible alien. We can easily formulate: a bed is for a person, a dog bed is for a dog. A human bed is a place to relax, it can be expensive bedding and a variety of pillows. It would never occur to us to sit down on a dog bed that cost us (relatively) inexpensively and is littered with chewed-up toys.

What about a dog? She does not see much difference between her and our beds, but ours is much more attractive. After all, the bed smells like a man, and the dog bed smells like what was at hand from the master. The bed is where we spend some time; there, it happens, crumbs are scattered and clothes are lying around. Of course, the dog will prefer our bed to his couch! She doesn't know why we perceive this place differently. Of course, a dog can remember that a human bed is something special if he is regularly scolded for lying on it. But then he will understand not the difference between his couch and our bed, but rather the difference between places where he can and cannot lie unhindered.

In the dog world, the bed has no "functional tone." Dogs sleep where they can, not where we would like it to. For recreation, they choose places where you can comfortably lie down, where it is neither hot nor cold, where there are relatives and it is safe. Almost any flat surface in the house satisfies these requirements. Customize a corner to your dog's tastes and your pet will probably find it just as desirable as a bed.

dog kisses

Kissing for Pumpernickel is a way of establishing contact; so to speak, an outstretched hand to me.

Pumpernickel licks my face when I get home and lean over to caress her. She licks my hand to wake me up when I start dozing in the chair. She thoroughly licks my sweaty after-jogging feet. Sitting next to me, Pumpernickel presses my hand with his front paw, unclenches his fist with his nose and licks my palm. I am delighted.

I often hear dog owners acknowledge their pets' love with the "kisses" that dogs give them when they get home, be it slobbery "kisses" on the face or thoughtful "polishing" of the hand with the tongue.


I consider Pumpernickel's kisses a sign of affection. "Affection" and "love" are not recent inventions of our society, which considers dogs to be little people to be shod in bad weather, spoiled with trips to the resort and dressed up for Halloween. Long before the establishment of "dog mangers," Charles Darwin (who, I'm sure, did not dress his puppy in a goblin or witch costume) wrote about dog "kissing" without questioning its meaning. Dogs, according to Darwin, demonstrate their affection in an amazing way, namely, by licking the hands or face of the owner. Was Darwin right? dog kisses to me seem to be a manifestation of love, but what does the dog think about it?

I have bad news for you. Observations of wolves, coyotes, and foxes have shown that puppies lick the muzzle of their mother, who has returned from hunting, and demand that she regurgitate half-digested food. Licking around the mouth seems to encourage the mother to do so. How disappointed Pumpernickel must be that I never shared the rabbit I ate with her!

However, dogs enjoy licking our faces. Their taste buds recognize salty and sweet, bitter and sour, and even the taste umami(a cross between mushrooms and sea kale), felt in monosodium glutamate. Dogs taste sweetness a little differently than we do (in our case, salt enhances the sweetness).

There are especially many "sweet" receptors in dogs, although, for example, sucrose and fructose act on them more strongly than glucose. Omnivorous dogs must have developed this ability to distinguish between mature and immature plants and fruits. Curiously, even pure salt does not stimulate the so-called "salty" receptors on the tongue and palate of dogs in the same way that it does in humans. But one does not need to puzzle over Pumpernickel's behavior for a long time to understand: her "kisses" are often associated with the fact that I recently swallowed a fair amount of food in front of her eyes.

And now for the good news: over time, pragmatic licking (what we call dog "kissing") has evolved into a greeting ritual. In other words, it serves not only as a way to beg for food, but also to say hello. Dogs, as well as wolves, lick each other's muzzles to congratulate them on their return and to determine by smell where and why a relative went away. Mothers not only wash their puppies by licking them, but when they return after a short separation, they give them a few quick "kisses". A young or timid dog may lick the muzzle of a large fearsome dog to propitiate him. Familiar dogs can sedately exchange "kisses" while walking on a leash.

"Kissing" also serves as a way to make sure (through smell) that the dog rushing towards is really familiar. And since welcome “kissing” is often accompanied by tail wagging, mouth gaping, and general excitement, it’s not a stretch to say that licking is a way of expressing excitement about being home.

Discussion

I add: Umwelt in German "the world around us, the environment."

22.07.2017 10:33:41, Natalia Neznakomkina

And what about pets? Cats and dogs don't lick their owners' faces because wild animals do. Where is the connection at all?) Animals eat from bowls and the face of the owners has nothing to do with it. And they lick the face solely because of the great attachment to the person.
For example, my dog ​​constantly licks my face - at a meeting, when I wake up, but obviously not expecting to get a piece of meat from my mouth)) And because of love. Let's say she doesn't lick my husband's face, although he ate a huge steak for dinner, she can lick, but rarely.

I don’t know if kissing a dog means love or affection, but here interesting fact- My shelter dog can't kiss. Apparently she didn’t learn in childhood - she didn’t have a person to kiss or lick him. I don’t know if she licked other dogs at the shelter, but she doesn’t even try to me. Conclusion - dogs kiss a person because they understand that it will be pleasant for him and they learn this in childhood.

The so-called dog kisses mean that human kisses are a manifestation of love)

Dogs are the best best friends a person, she will never betray and will be with you until the last minute of her life! I love dogs, especially small ones.

By the way, she began to train her dog, so to speak, so that he would know his place and not go to sleep on my bed. To be honest, I don't really like it. A dog of the Dachshund breed, although not big, should still sleep well, at least in an armchair, but not white linen!

Here it is as it turns out. Ah, I thought a little differently. But, in principle, she was not upset that she did not quite clearly understand such kisses of her beloved dog

plus a lot. Not an article, but a mockery :)

03/24/2013 21:12:19, yyyyyyy

Verbose and obscure to those who previously knew little about dogs. The same is explained much better in Signals of Reconciliation. "Signals" - a short, clear and understandable guide to understanding the behavior of dogs. And this article is water from which you need to catch crumbs of information.

Comment on the article "How a dog sees the world - and what do dog kisses mean"

How a dog sees the world - and what do dog kisses mean. poll type. dogs. And write down from whom what breed dogs. just one word (breed name). Yorkie and matched poodle terrier mix 23.08.2017 16:27:01, I.P. Shiba - Inu.

How a dog sees the world - and what do dog kisses mean. When the umwelts of a dog and a human clash, as a rule, people do not understand that a Human can even buy a special dog bed and order the dog to go lie down there.

How a dog sees the world - and what do dog kisses mean. It's amazing to spend a day as tall as a dog. Section: Psychology of the game. The child is a dog. Maybe she just needs a real friend? not necessarily a dog (it’s more problematic with her), but a hamster, a pig, and so on.

if you pay attention to the entire thread on my question, you will see that this is a common problem in most small breeds and experienced owners solve it by introducing a tripe into the puppy's diet, which is what I plan How the dog sees the world - and what dog kisses mean.

How a dog sees the world - and what do dog kisses mean. Dogs sleep where they can, not where we would like it to. For recreation, they choose places where they can lie down comfortably, where it is not hot and not cold, there are relatives and Dog "kisses" seem to me a manifestation ...

I adopted a dog from a shelter. Dogs. Pets. All these years I did not want a dog at all. And here under New Year, probably, having seen enough videos about animals from With such behavior, the dog should immediately be euthanized! With such inclinations, dogs often suddenly ...

The dog is about seventeen. Veterinary. Pets. Keeping pets - nutrition, care, treatment of dogs, cats, birds. The dog is about seventeen years old. Cataract in one eye. Suffers from chronic heart failure for more than a year - we take pills ...

Behavior correction. Dogs. Pets. How a dog sees the world - and what do dog kisses mean. The world through the eyes of animals (Guillaume Duprat). It seems to me that this book will be of interest to everyone, and "You are forever responsible for those whom you tamed" (According to the work of Antoine de...

hears that I have arrived. the behavior of the dog is doubly surprising ... It is unlikely that you will be comforted, but my dogs met me only as a puppy. Then they realized that I must definitely drink coffee, and only then there will be a walk.

in general, dogs often growl at each other, this does not mean at all that they will rush and bite. Usually they advise you to let it go. But I understand it's scary. And even more so, I didn’t see exactly how it growls. And what do the owners of an adult dog say, is he even capable of biting someone?

Section: Guardianship (how guardianship relates to dogs at home). Guardianship attitude towards dogs in the home. What to do? For advice. This summer, my mother died suddenly (I don’t understand how she didn’t die of grief herself) and I took the dogs to my apartment.

Read about the behavior of dogs, prol signals of reconciliation (there is an excellent book on this subject, atk is called -signals of reconciliation). To better understand the behavior of the dog. I don't see the crime you describe. Except for some looseness of the dog.

The dog does not understand what you want from it. Because it is very important, forbidding something to the dog, to immediately show him the way out of the situation, i.e. if you bark For dogs that are obsessed with toys, a method of incompatible behavior, such as going out with a toy in their mouth, is a great help.

How a dog sees the world - and what do dog kisses mean. Was Darwin right? And the dogs - how loudly they bark and wag their tails funny! Pug vs Jack Russell. About pugs, the following is of interest: is it true that they have as much wool as everyone writes.

Those. the dog can already understand who is who in your family, but she feels strength in herself and therefore behaves this way. The fight can take various forms: from simple disobedience and ignoring the owner. But I can definitely say that such behavior is atypical.

A person sometimes does not understand how serious his dog is and how to deal with it. I am not going to give you advice about your dog and discuss its behavior too. You see, if your dog has never been killed/mutilated by an older...

About dogs. That is why in Europe all dogs are not only without muzzles, but they all have a massive head, a very short and upturned muzzle, with thick (brushed) lips. How a dog sees the world - and what do dog kisses mean.

How a dog sees the world - and what do dog kisses mean. Their taste buds recognize salty and sweet, bitter and sour, and even the taste of umami (something so also cats and dogs lick each other - as a sign of respect. Our Mekong sneeze sometimes licks up, well, he does it ...

Section: Dogs (how long to show your displeasure to a dog). Does a dog have the right to complain? You can express dissatisfaction with his behavior, but be sure to show him that you understand what is happening to him.

How a dog sees the world - and what do dog kisses mean. Why does the dog lie on the bed and lick your face? One person to fix the dog on the floor, the second to drip into the ears. Or sit the dog sideways between the legs, squeeze the legs and quickly drip into the ears.

Some owners are alarmed and worried by the fact that the dog constantly licks his lips. This problem is often voiced on the forums, but it is difficult to get an answer to the question remotely, since there are many reasons why the pet does this. One of the most interesting explanations for this behavior in dogs is the theory of communication signals. According to a map of signals compiled by animal psychologists, repeated licking of the muzzle with a long tongue is a signal of reconciliation. So the animal “asks” its counterpart to calm down or “expresses” an insistent request. However, frequent licking can signal health problems, psychological or physical discomfort.

The cause of licking can be both natural, physiologically determined reactions, and symptoms of a pathological condition. Natural causes of frequent muzzle licking are:

  • hypersalivation - abundant secretion by the salivary glands;
  • drying of the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth;
  • the desire to increase the sharpness of smell.

Reflex salivation in dogs occurs under the control of the central nervous system. In response to food irritation of the taste and olfactory receptors, the animal begins to secrete abundant saliva, which the dog licks and swallows.

The process of salivation occurs not only at the sight of food, but also “in anticipation” if the dog receives food at a certain time and in the allotted place. Food hypersalivation is an unconditioned reflex, and salivation in anticipation is conditioned, the mechanism of which was studied by the great physiologist I.P. Pavlov.

Drying of the mucous membranes can also be caused by natural causes and pathology. The thirst experienced by the dog causes discomfort. Licking, the animal tries to moisten its lips and nose. It is worth the owner to drink the pet and the need for frequent licking will pass.

The reason for licking the mirror of the nose and lips may be the desire of the dog, it is better to “examine” any smell. Volatile substances cause irritation of olfactory receptors. But the dog, as it were, “decomposes” the smell into components that affect different groups receptors.

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that a layer of mucus on the surface of the nose allows the dog to "sort" odors and capture even the smallest fraction of odorous substances. Therefore, "sniffing", the dog wets the tip of the nose to increase sensitivity. During sleep, such a delicate scent is not needed and the nose dries up, so when waking up, the dog licks his nose and lips. In a tired dog, the mirror also dries up, so frequent licking can be a signal that the dog is tired.

In dogs with a loose type of muzzle, large jowls and an abundance of skin folds around the mouth (Newfoundlands, Bloodhounds, St. Bernards, dogue de bordeaux) so-called false ptyalism is noted. Saliva accumulates in folds, and licking is dictated by the natural desire to remove excess moisture.

Psychological reasons

Obsessive movements in dogs, as well as in humans, are a sign of psychological discomfort or illness. In a state of stress, the dog begins to nervously lick his lips, nose or lick his hair. Thus, he "switches", calms down. "Washing" the faces of the puppies by the bitch evoked in them a sense of security and pleasure.

In a state of stress, the dog repeats actions that awaken positive emotions in him. If licking continues for a long period of time, it is worth observing the pet, identifying and eliminating the cause of psychological discomfort.

The dog's reconciliation signal is used both in relation to fellows and in relation to a person. Often licking, the dog makes a warning that some actions of the counterpart cause him moderate discomfort. Licking his lips, he seems to ask not to do so.

Scientists who have studied animal signals have noted that visual stimuli cause a similar reaction. When the pet was shown a photo of the owner with a gloomy or threatening expression on his face, he immediately began to lick his lips. Voice or motor expressions of displeasure similar action did not call.

Licking when meeting with the owner can be a manifestation of joy, pleasure. It is impossible to determine exactly what the dog wants to say with his behavior and body movements, but it is worth trying to understand the pet. If there are suspicions about the mental health of the dog, you need to consult with an experienced dog handler or animal psychologist.

Pathological factors

Increased secretion of saliva or, conversely, drying of the mucous membranes, causing frequent licking, cause various diseases:

  • dental pathologies - caries, stomatitis, gingivitis, loose teeth, jaw dislocation;
  • infectious and bacterial agents;
  • kidney pathology - renal failure, urolithiasis;
  • liver - portosystemic shunt;
  • endocrine diseases;
  • allergic reactions;
  • preeclampsia - late toxicosis, which causes heartburn, nausea, increased salivation in puppies;
  • colds, runny nose;
  • pathologies of the digestive system - food or chemical poisoning, increased acidity of the digestive juice (hyperacidosis), tumor of the esophagus, hernia of the locking sphincter;
  • the presence of a tight muzzle in hot weather or during intense physical exertion;
  • overheating or sunstroke;
  • helminthiasis;
  • neoplasms of the oral cavity and tumors of the salivary glands;
  • pathology of the central nervous system - epilepsy, traumatic brain injury.

The dog can often lick and with severe infectious pathologies:

  • botulism;
  • rabies;
  • tetanus.

Discomfort is caused by bones stuck in the interdental space, chips, fragments of small objects. Hypersalivation and, as a result, frequent licking causes irritation of the oral cavity as a result of contact with poisonous insects or animals.

At the call of the hunting instinct, puppies may chase and try to eat toads, lizards, the surface of the skin of which is covered with irritating mucus. Contact with toxins causes irritation or burning of the mucosa and increased flow of saliva.

Diagnosis and treatment

Before contacting a veterinarian, it is necessary to observe the animal. Remember if the pet was in contact with poisonous animals and plants, if any medications were used, if pest control measures were carried out nearby. You should carefully examine the eyes, muzzle, oral cavity dogs. Look for signs of bites, burns, injury, or an allergic reaction. It is necessary to assess the mental state of the dog.

Signs of diseases are not limited to 1-2 symptoms. Careful observation of the behavior and condition of the pet will help to compile a list of manifestations of the pathology, which will help the veterinarian to make an accurate diagnosis. Some causes of frequent licking the owner can eliminate on their own by taking the following actions:

  • provide the animal with fresh water in sufficient quantity;
  • delete foreign objects from the mouth;

Have you ever wondered why dogs lick a person's face? Some people believe that this is how pets show their love, others argue that this is inherent in nature. In this article, we will analyze in detail the question of why dogs lick people and what happens after that.

Why do dogs lick people?

1. Dogs can't directly tell a person how they feel, so they get creative and lick their owner. Pets can lick away back side your palm, thereby demonstrating his love for you. Some experts point out that the dog is thus laying claim to you. She shows by licking that this person is already busy and most often demonstrates this in crowded places.

2. Habit from childhood. If a dog in childhood often licked its mother's muzzle or other animals, then after a few years it can switch to people. Many owners note the fact that the dog begins to lick their face or hands because they want something, usually a treat.

3. Knowledge of man. First of all, dogs use their sense of smell when meeting people, after which the animal may begin to lick their hands, feet or face. This method allows the dog to get to know the person closer, it focuses on its receptors in the nose or mouth, after which it receives unique information about a stranger.

What really happens when a dog licks a person's face?

1. Various microorganisms in the mouth. Only 16% of the bacteria in a dog's mouth are similar to the germs in a human mouth. Therefore, it is impossible to be sure that the remaining 84% of bacteria, if they enter our mouths, will not cause any special problems. Some scientists conducting research have come to the conclusion that the transfer of bacteria from the mouth of a dog into the oral cavity of people can cause periodontal disease or gingivitis.

2. Lichen. If a pet has lichen bacteria, then after kissing him, you will definitely get this infection. To prevent this, check the animal and do not let him lick you.

3. Dog bacteria are resistant to antibiotics. If any microorganisms in the dog's mouth are resistant to antibiotics, then destroying them in the human body will become a very difficult task. This reason makes many people stay away from such "kissing".

4. Capnocytophaga Canimorsus. One of the worst infections that can enter the human body. Never let your dog lick your open sores on your body. The infection spreads rapidly within the body and it takes many days of therapy to correct the patient. Cases of partial amputation after the influence of capnocytophaga canimorsu are also known.

  • It is interesting -

10 signs your dog loves you - video

Everyone has heard the popular phrase that: "A dog's mouth is cleaner than a human mouth." This is one of the myths that cannot be believed, and there is an explanation for this. Dog and human mouths contain a certain amount of bacteria, most of which are harmful. These bacteria are different, therefore, cannot be compared, the skin reaction to such “kisses” is also different.

Causes of dog "kissing"

  1. Finding a kindred spirit. The dog considers his relatives as a family, therefore they betray this feeling with such tenderness.
  2. Banal greeting. Thus, four-legged friend greet their owners.
  3. Pleasant aroma and taste. The dog is attracted to the scent of the body: perfume, cream or soap. And the skin has an alluring aroma.
  4. Requiring attention. Dogs cannot avoid loneliness, therefore, in order to attract maximum attention to their person, they specially lick their faces.
  5. Manifestation of love. There is nothing more true than a dog, therefore, the dog gives the maximum of his feelings and emotions.

but on the other hand

In the mouth of dogs, there are 16% of bacteria that coincide with human microorganisms. And there is no certainty that more than 80% will behave positively after being in the oral cavity and other mucous membranes. After the study, the bacterium Porphyromonas gulae was found. This microorganism, after accidentally entering the human mouth, inflames the gums or causes tooth loss. The disease caused by this microorganism occurs most often in dogs, but in 15% of cases it has been found in people with pets.

In rare cases, saliva enters the human body, but even this percentage can cause disturbances. Some organisms that have been found in dog mouths do not respond to antibiotics. This means that once a bacterium enters the human body, it is difficult to remove it from the body with medication.

Infection protection

Thanks to the saliva of these animals, many infectious lesions die, which is why the wounds are licked by dogs. For example, when various cuts, burns, and other injuries are licked. Thus, the dog finds sore spots, removes bacteria, stimulates local immunity, and the body destroys the lesion.

Hygiene

Do not forget about the personal hygiene of the animal. Dogs don't clean, so there's food leftovers between them that rot. This saliva rot can get on the inflamed skin, causing infections.

The habit of licking the owner's face is not bad. This is a sincere gesture of love that should not be rejected. It is enough to ensure that saliva does not enter the human oral cavity, and then rinse the skin thoroughly.

In most cases, a dog licks its lips when it feels hungry or sees food in front of it. But the constant manifestation of such a habit is not the norm, and therefore it is necessary to understand why the dog constantly licks his lips and what he wants to say to the owner.

Deviations in the behavior of the animal can be caused by several factors. Excessive salivation can be caused by irritability or rejection, which appear due to any diseases or stress factors.

We list the main reasons why the dog constantly licks his lips:

  • The dog may lick itself after you have changed the animal's diet. Perhaps you changed the food, gave the dog some new foods and she had an allergic reaction and for this reason she began to constantly lick her lips. What to do in this case? You will find the answer in the article
  • Sometimes owners forget to provide the animal with access to fresh water. Then licking is a sign that the dog is dying of thirst. Keep a large bowl of water within easy reach of your pet, and change the water regularly to keep it fresh. We wrote about thirst in a dog in an article.
  • It is very common for an animal to lick itself when suffering from any dental problem, such as loose or loose teeth. An experienced veterinarian can help you here. This symptom is also triggered by most infectious or bacterial diseases.
  • Excessive licking indicates food or chemical poisoning. Think about it, maybe she ate something off the floor or while walking, maybe she swallowed something from household chemicals, ate something from cosmetics, or she could lick poisons for rodents or insects.
  • Dogs lick themselves with chronic pathologies of the kidneys and liver. That is why, having noticed such a sign, you should immediately consult a doctor to refute fears about possible health problems.
  • This may be a sign of a psychological problem. Scientists say that addicted dogs often lick their lips. This is how puppies behave big dogs inclined to obey. The owners like this demonstration of affection, but according to experts, constant licking is an extremely negative factor. With time strong submission may change in the direction of active superiority. When the owners encourage this display of emotions, the animal begins to think that licking is good way attract attention.
  • One of the causes of constant licking is heartburn. To eliminate it, you can try to feed the dog with food soaked in water or give less fatty foods.
  • Hyperacid gastritis makes itself felt by increased salivation. Subsequently, the animal constantly licks its lips. This gastritis is manifested by increased production of gastric juice and hydrochloric acid in the dog's body.
  • The dog may lick its lips for a long time when it is sick. When she also refuses to eat at the same time, she needs to be examined by a veterinarian. If there is an appetite, then most likely she has a stomach or gastritis.
  • The dog will begin to lick frequently and for a long time if it has swallowed a foreign object. This often happens. For example, an ungnawed bone could get stuck in the mouth. Try to put on sterile gloves and carefully examine the dog's mouth, if possible, remove the foreign object yourself. You can trust professionals in this matter.

What should the owner do when the dog constantly licks his lips?

To begin with, calm down and not suspect the worst. Try to test a few of the assumptions above, about possible reasons this violation. Think about whether the dog has eaten something bad, return it to the old diet. Rule out heartburn and behavioral factors. If the dog has been eating well lately, could not pick up something extra from the floor or eat something superfluous, it does not need increased attention, praise or care - examine the oral cavity, if there is foreign body or dental disease. If the cause has not been identified, the symptom persists and assistance has not been provided, contact your veterinarian.

If you are sure that dog licking is clean behavioral disorder- several proven methods will help you. The attention of the animal needs to be redirected. The dog licks his lips when he is bored. She can also lick her paws, lick objects. It happens that the dog even licks the owners. Distract her, let her play with rubber or soft toys. During the walk, play active games with her - throw a stick or a ball. So the life of the animal will be full, varied, and she will not have to entertain herself with various nonsense.

If the animal undertook to lick objects or you, grease them with something sour or spicy, or buy a special spray at the pet store. This method doesn't seem very nice, but it works. The dog will remember the discomfort when licking and will not do it again.

If the dog has a habit of licking its paws or other parts of the body, and, we repeat, you have ruled out possible pathologies and are sure that this is behavioral problem- use the same method. Spread something sour or peppery on her paws. But! Pepper should be diluted with water and used sparingly so that the animal does not burn its tongue. Sour taste is safer. By the way, dogs can't stand even the taste of apples. You can use this method.

That's all. We wish you success and health to your pets!!!