The slobbery truth: Why does my dog lick my hands?

Updated 20/12/24

Ever wondered “Why does my dog lick my hands?”, or more specifically, “Why does my dog lick me when I pet her?”? We’re here to explore whether it’s simply because you taste good or if your pup’s trying to tell you something – and share a few tips to keep your hands off the menu.

Key takeaways

• “Why does my dog lick my hand?” Often, it’s a sign of affection or bonding.
• Excessive licking could signal anxiety or a need for comfort.
• To stop licking, use gentle redirection and consistent cues.

Why does my dog lick my hands?

So what does it mean when a dog licks your hand? Here are seven possibilities:

It’s their way of saying hello

While we wave or shake hands, dogs have their own unique greeting style: one of which is a friendly slurp! Trust us, a quick lick beats their other methods of greeting, which usually focus around the rear end.

Pure love and affection

Licking is a dog’s version of a big hug, and it’s a classic way to show affection. It’s common for them to lick their mother and other family members, so take it as a compliment! Affectionate licking helps them bond with you, and if they lick you more when you seem sad, they probably just want to cheer you up.

You’ve got tasty hands

Whether you’ve just cooked something tasty or you’ve been browsing yummy treats, your pup’s super-sensitive nose knows it! They might lick your hands to savor those lingering scents, even if they don’t smell quite so “delicious” to you. Be mindful that sometimes, something that smells good to them may actually cause them harm. If you come into contact with something that could potentially be toxic to your pooch, make sure you wash your hands thoroughly before touching them.

Curious about other scents on you

Aside from food, you might have picked up another interesting smell – from an animal, person, or place. Licking helps your dog to obtain more information on where you’ve been and what you’ve been doing.

They have something to tell you

Without words, dogs rely on actions and body language to communicate. A lick of the hand might mean they want your attention or have something to “say.”

They’re feeling stressed or anxious

Licking can help to comfort dogs, particularly in stressful situations, as it triggers the release of endorphins which help to calm them down. If they’re feeling anxious, this licking might feel quite urgent and compulsive, and could extend to furniture or even themselves.

They’re in pain

Sometimes licking is a way to soothe pain, so if your pup is licking both your hands and a specific part of their body, it might be worth going for a check-up at the vet.

Why do dogs lick hands? When to worry 

If your dog licks your hands when you’re petting them, it’s probably just their way of showing affection and returning the greeting. However, compulsive, obsessive, or excessive licking might be a sign they are suffering from a disorder such as pica, anxiety, or stomach issues. This is particularly true if your dog is licking themselves as well as you, and is worth a trip to the vet to get them checked out.

How to stop your dog from licking your hands

If your furry friend is allowed to lick you, they may struggle to understand that it’s not okay to lick others, such as your friends or dog sitters. Whether those slobbery kisses turn your stomach or you simply want to keep things hands-free, here are some tips to help curb the licking.

Understand the behavior

Start by asking, “Why does my dog lick my hands?”. Some dogs simply have a licking habit, or they might do it as a comforting ritual for anxiety. If it seems excessive or compulsive, reach out to a vet for guidance.

Try a new greeting

With a bit of positive reinforcement, you can teach your pooch a new way to say hello, such as a friendly paw shake or a belly roll.

Distract them

No, this isn’t your time to do an interpretive dance – instead, try redirecting their energy with a licky mat or a stuffed Kong toy.

Walk away

When all else fails, the best response is none at all. Avoid eye contact, remain neutral, or simply walk away when the licking starts to show your pup that it’s not cool.

Considerations for pet sitters

If you don’t like it when dogs lick your hands, it’s worth noting some of the ways to avoid their slobbery kisses.

• Ask the pet parents for some general info about the pup’s behavior during your initial call. It’s always helpful to know if the pooch has a habit of going in for those “kisses”.
• If the pet parents are trying to discourage licking, ask for any signals or commands they use. You don’t want to undo all the hard work they’ve put in!
• If the dog’s licking gets a bit much, try redirecting their attention away from you with a favorite toy or chew, or simply walk away. 
• Remember, a quick lick might just mean the dog is warming up to you! Avoid any big reactions; stay calm and gently redirect if needed.
• Be sure to wash your hands after a dog licks you to maintain good hygiene.

Whether you mind your dog licking your hand or not, getting to the bottom of why they do it is an important part of understanding how they’re feeling at any given time.

Meet our veterinary expert, Gemma

This article has been checked by veterinarian Gemma Cliffin BSc BVSc MRCVS. Gemma is an experienced small animal vet who combines her love of writing alongside working in practice. Since her graduation from the University of Liverpool in 2014 she has worked in a wide variety of roles including first opinion practice, as a night vet, and as a locum vet. She has also spent time working at a charity clinic in the Cook Islands which was a challenge but also immensely rewarding. She loves all aspects of veterinary work, but she especially enjoys medicine cases and diagnostic imaging. She is passionate about pain management, particularly in her more senior patients. She currently works in a first opinion small animal practice in North Yorkshire where she deals with both routine and emergency cases.