Why Does My Pug Lick Me So Much? 9 Possible Reasons
By Oliver Jones
Updated on
All dogs lick their owners and sometimes other people occasionally, but Pugs seem to take it to another level. If you have one of these lovely dogs and would like to know more about this behavior, keep reading as we list several reasons that your Pug might be licking you so frequently. We also provide a few tips to help you control it, so you can have a better time with your pet.
The 9 Reasons Why Your Pug Licks You
1. They Love You
If your Pug is licking you, there is a good chance that they are attempting to show you that they like and appreciate you. Many people refer to this behavior as your pet giving you doggy kisses.
2. It’s Soothing
The act of licking releases oxytocin and serotonin in your Pug’s bloodstream. These hormones help relax your dog and make them feel more comfortable and secure.
3. They’re Seeking Attention
It’s hard to ignore your dog when they are licking your face, so it’s a great way to get your attention. If your dog is ready to play or needs to go out for a quick walk, there is a good chance that they will let you know by licking your hands or face.
4. You Taste Good
Human skin seems to taste good to many dogs, especially Pugs, and your dog might simply be trying to get a quick snack. You might also have something on your hands that is tasty to them, especially if you were just making dinner or petting another dog. Some dogs even like the taste of freshly washed hands.
5. They Are Grooming
Another reason your Pug might lick you is that they are grooming themselves and your hand or arm got in the way. Dogs spend a lot of time grooming themselves, and this may coincide with your presence and cause you to get an extra lick!
6. They Want to Play
Many dogs will substitute biting with licking when playing rough with their owners because they don’t want to hurt them. Instead of biting, your dog will continuously lick your face.
7. They’re Stressed
Your Pug might lick you more than usual if they feel stressed. Dogs can get stressed out for many reasons, including being home alone for too long and loud noises, like fireworks and construction work.
8. They’re Comforting You
If your pet senses that you are having a bad day, there is a good chance that they will try to comfort you by licking your hands or face. They may also sniff and nuzzle you with their nose.
9. It’s a Submission Behavior
One dog will often lick another as a sign of respect and submission, and they might lick you for the same reason. You provide their food and comfort, so the dog likely sees you as the boss and wants to thank you and show respect.
Tips for Getting Your Pug to Stop Licking You
- If your Pug is licking you more than usual because they are suffering from anxiety due to loud noises, like fireworks, you can try to calm them down by turning on soft music to help relax them and mask the noise. Close the curtains and try to keep your dog’s mind away from the event. Once this event is over, you should speak to your vet to make a treatment plan for the future since your dog’s noise phobia won’t disappear on its own.
- If your dog frequently suffers from separation anxiety, you can train them to become accustomed to staying at home alone. Leave for a few minutes initially, and gradually increase the time that you are away as the dog adjusts.
- Spend more time playing with your dog. Burning off excess energy will make them less likely to be bored and turn to grooming you or seeking attention.
Summary
Your Pug likely licks you so often as a sign of love. These are affectionate dogs that enjoy spending time with their owner and will give you plenty of affection and try to groom you while watching a movie. Your pet may also lick you to get your attention when they want to go outside or you’ve been sleeping too long, and some will lick you if they sense that you are feeling down. They will also lick you if they feel stressed from loud noises, new pets, or another reason, so it’s important to pay attention if the licking is something new or happening at an unusual time of the day.
Featured Image Credit: angelbandala, Shutterstock
