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Why Does My Dog Lick My Feet? Vet-Approved Dog Behavior Explained

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By Nicole Cosgrove

a dog licking human's feet

Vet approved

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Reviewed & Fact-Checked By

Dr. Paola Cuevas

MVZ (Veterinarian)

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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It’s no secret that dogs use their tongues for all sorts of communication. They don’t have arms to hug us. A big, sloppy kiss on the face is a surefire sign your dog is trying to give you affection. Even if you push away their advances, they’re elated to give you a lick to tell you just how much they love you.

But how about your feet? It may seem like odd behavior to humans for our best friends to lick our delicate toes, but it’s actually part of their love language. Learning what your dog is trying to say can help you know one another a lot better.

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Why Do Dogs Lick Your Feet?

Feet licking is a submissive gesture. Your dog thinks you’re the king or queen of the castle, and they want you to know they are totally okay with it. In their eyes, you are their alpha—they are going out of their way to show you that they know where you stand.

Don’t confuse this with fearful submission. It’s not that you are a bully, and they aren’t scared; it’s merely a message that they accept you as their master. Think of it similar to how a child feels about their parents. It’s a natural and straightforward social order where each person is in their place.

Snapping at them for acting this way can bum them out, so make sure you aren’t getting angry. It can make things pretty confusing for them. After all, if you’re trying to compliment someone and they scold you, you’re probably going to feel pretty offended or hurt.

Dog licking man's feet at home
Image Credit: GagliardiPhotography, Shutterstock

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The 4 Reasons Why Dogs Like to Lick Feet

Of course, it may not all be due to submissiveness. Sometimes, licking behavior can be due to other factors. You have to pay attention to the cues to see just how your dog acts when they lick your feet.

1. Attention

If you’re an incredibly ticklish person, or if you loathe having your feet touched, you’re probably very reactive to feet licking. If your dog links the lick to you having a large response, they may just want to get your attention so the two of you can roughhouse.

If they see you flailing around with the giggles, they may feel like you’re engaging in play. Try to be as unresponsive as possible. The less reactive you are, the sooner they’ll look for another way to get you to have a good time.


2. Anxiety

If they have any obsessive behaviors, feet licking may be among them. If they’re feeling uncertain or uneasy, licking your feet could be a soothing action—kind of like a pacifier. If you notice your dog is anxious, there will likely be other actions that indicate your dog is a sufferer.

Anxiety is usually manageable, but sometimes it requires veterinary attention. Your vet may prescribe your dog an anti-anxiety medication or otherwise help you uncover and deal with underlying causes.


3. Comfort Grooming

Your dog is very comfortable with you. Naturally, they see you as part of their pack. Mutual grooming is a sign of affection. You pet your dog, they lick you—same concept, different actions.

Comfort grooming is just another way your dog tries to bond with you. So, it may not be enjoyable, but it’s also kind of cute.


4. Pheromones

Your dogs love anything that smells like you. Without even realizing it, we are continually secreting pheromones and glandular bodily signals. Your dog can smell things that we simply don’t have the nose to detect.

If you’ve been sweating, your dog might enjoy the taste of salt on your skin (gross!).

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Fun Facts on Why Dogs Lick Human Feet

During training, diabetic service dogs learn to detect influxes in blood sugar by smelling secretions from the feet. Many trainers use the socks of the diabetic person to teach the dogs the scent their body lets off when the sugar is high or low.

The dog learns whether the person is out of range. When the dog smells this during a diabetic episode, they alert the person. Isn’t it amazing what dogs can do?

a dog licking woman's feet
Image Credit: IKO-studio, Shutterstock

If Feet Licking Makes You Uncomfortable…

While your dog certainly means well, you may not enjoy this behavior so much. It may feel funny, cringe-worthy, or overwhelmingly ticklish. But no matter how you feel about it, it’s important not to be mean to your dog or respond aggressively. They are just trying to display their feelings in their own way since they can’t just tell you how they feel. If you punish your dog, you’re going to hurt their feelings and not accomplish much else.

Also, if you immediately react, this could turn into a way to get attention. If you aren’t giving them the response they want, a lap of a tongue across your sole will stir you up, and they’ll know it. Instead of letting the feet licking turn into a habit, try to redirect their attention.

It’s far more likely that this probably won’t turn into a problem. Occasionally, your dog may take the opportunity to lick your feet, but it’s very likely to be an infrequent act.

Distracting or not reacting can make your dog forget all about your toes. Alternatively, you can make it physically impossible for your dog to lick your feet by putting on a pair of socks every time they start licking your feet. Make sure you do not pay attention to the dog, and try not to even look at him, as this will send a clear message and gradually decrease the licking behavior.

Beware of Paw Licking

white puppy dog licks on her feet
Image By: Kwan Kajornsiri, Shutterstock

Human feet licking may be annoying, but licking paws can be a sign of an issue. Occasionally grooming the paws is okay, but licking excessively is abnormal. There can be several underlying causes, and getting to the root cause can be tricky.

Some of the main culprits in paw licking are:
  • Physical injury
  • Dermatitis
  • Infections
  • Allergic reactions
  • Parasites
  • Leg numbness
  • Paw pad pain

Working alongside your veterinarian can determine the reason your dog is licking their paws. A change in diet or an antibiotic may be in order.

But as long as their foot licks are just happening with you, you shouldn’t worry much about this.

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Final Thoughts: Why Dogs Lick Your Feet

If your dog doesn’t stop licking your feet, hopefully you have a better idea of what may be causing this behavior. Remember, your dog sees you as their pack leader, and they love you very much. That may be all they’re trying to say. Or maybe old Fido is just trying to get a response so that you’ll throw the ball or feed them a treat. In any regard, tuck away those tootsies when you see them coming.


Featured Image Credit: KAZLOVA IRYNA, Shutterstock

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