Why Do Dogs Lick Each Other’s Faces? Decoding Grooming and Social Signals

Dogs often lick other dog faces or mouths as a sign of appeasement. Credit: Meaghan Browning | Getty Images

One big reason your dog may lick other dogs’ faces is as an appeasing behavior. My past bully breed, Trent, used to groom the other dogs in the house, at least those who allowed it. When done to my female Rottie mix, it was a social bonding thing. They were two peas in a pod. When done to my Doberman mix, it was basically Trent showing respect to the doggie “leader” though my Dobe mix was never bossy or inappropriate acting. He was simply a natural leader. Trent wasn’t, and he was socially awkward, like many dogs who do this.

There are many other reasons why dogs might lick each other, such as saying they are sorry for what they just did when it was likely not well received but, truthfully, that brings us right back to appeasement behavior.

Puppies: Early Life Shapes Licking Habits

Other causes can include when the dog being licked just had a yummy treat and the dog doing the licking wants a taste. Very young puppies also perform this on older dogs because, quite simply, they are hungry and that is how they instinctively got food from their mother. This is a genetic holdover from their relation to wolves.

Some dogs will retain that trait into adulthood often because they are less confident than other dogs. This can be their default “please don’t hurt me” behavior to show that they are not a threat to another dog. It’s universally understood by dogs. So again, we come back to appeasement behavior. This is not a bad thing. It’s simply conflict avoidance. As long as the recipient dog does not object, there is no reason for concern.

Dog Licking As a Sign of Affection

Licking another dog’s mouth or face can also simply be grooming. Many dogs “care for” other dogs or even other animal family members in this manner. It can be considered a sign of affection when done for this reason. An attempt to nurture if you will. Some dogs will groom each other when laying together in a relaxing manner. It’s self-soothing to them.

Yet another reason for licking another dog’s face (or other animal or even a human in the home) is what has been coined as “kiss to dismiss.” That context means “please go away.” It’s a non-threatening ask for space or an exit on the part of the recipient. This is a context that truly needs immediate attention, as in some cases, it can escalate to threatening if not heeded.

Obsessive Licking in Dogs

In most scenarios, if social licking is not seen as a problem by the recipients, you can simply ignore it. The only potential problem with this type of licking behavior can be when it becomes insistent and obsessive. If licking of this type is a new behavior for your dog, it’s a good time to schedule a visit with your veterinarian to rule out a medical issue. Often obsessive licking caused by a medical issue is gastrointestinal related.  If you have any concerns over sudden changes in your dog’s behavior, always speak with your veterinarian first to rule out medical causes. Once cleared, then examine the context to determine the behavior category.