Why Does My Dog Lick My Feet?
Sarah from Liverpool recently asked us, “Why does my dog Frodo keep licking my feet? It’s become a daily habit, and I’m starting to wonder if there’s more to it than just affection.”
Frodo, a 4-year-old Beagle, had been displaying this curious behaviour for a while, and although Sarah found it endearing at first, it was happening more frequently. She wanted to understand the reasons behind Frodo’s constant licking and whether it was something she needed to be concerned about.
Our Chief Veterinarian, Dr. Guy MRCVS, Answers
While it might seem odd or even ticklish, foot-licking is a common behaviour in dogs, and there can be several reasons why they do it. In this article, our Chief Veterinarian and Omni Co-Founder, Dr. Guy MRCVS, sheds light on why dogs tend to lick their owners' feet and when it might signal something more serious.
Reasons Why Your Dog Is Licking Your Feet
There are many reasons why dogs lick their owners’ feet, and while it’s usually harmless, it’s worth understanding the motivations behind this behaviour.
1. Your Dog Likes the Taste of Salt
Dogs have an incredible sense of smell and taste. The sweat on your feet contains salt, and many dogs are drawn to it. After a walk or a workout, your feet can be particularly appealing to your dog due to the salty residue from sweat.
Key signs your dog is licking for the taste:
- It often happens after you’ve been active or sweating.
- Your dog seems particularly focused on areas of the foot where sweat accumulates, like between the toes.
In this case, the licking is usually harmless, but if it becomes excessive, you can try gently redirecting your dog to another activity.
2. Your Dog Wants Attention
Another reason dogs lick feet is to get their owner’s attention. Dogs quickly learn that licking is an effective way to communicate, and if licking your feet has previously led to cuddles or playtime, they might be using it as a way to say, “Hey, pay attention to me!”
Key signs your dog is licking for attention:
- The licking often happens when you’re preoccupied or not focused on your dog.
- Your dog stops licking as soon as you engage with them.
If you notice this pattern, it’s important to ensure your dog is getting enough mental and physical stimulation throughout the day to reduce attention-seeking behaviours.
3. Licking as a Bonding or Communication Tool
Licking is a natural behaviour for dogs, and it’s often a way of showing affection. In the wild, dogs and their ancestors use licking as a bonding ritual, and your dog might be doing the same with you. This is their way of telling you that they trust and love you.
Key signs your dog is licking to bond with you:
- Your dog licks other parts of your body, not just your feet.
- The licking is gentle and usually accompanied by other calming behaviours, like snuggling.
This behaviour is typically harmless and is just your dog’s way of showing affection.
4. Your Feet Have Fascinating Smells
Dogs are known for their incredible sense of smell, which is thousands of times stronger than a human’s. Your feet pick up various scents from the environment as you go about your day, and to your dog, these scents can be incredibly interesting. Dogs may lick your feet to explore and investigate these smells further.
Key signs your dog is licking out of curiosity:
- Your dog sniffs your feet before licking, sometimes intensely.
- The licking happens after you’ve been outdoors, especially if you’ve walked through different environments.
When to Be Concerned
In most cases, foot licking is harmless, but there are times when it could indicate an underlying issue.
- Excessive licking: If your dog is licking your feet to the point where it seems obsessive or they’re not easily distracted from it, it might be a sign of anxiety or boredom. It’s a good idea to speak to your vet about strategies for addressing compulsive behaviours.
- Changes in behaviour: If your dog suddenly starts licking your feet out of the blue, especially if it’s accompanied by other changes like lethargy or a loss of appetite, it could indicate a medical issue. Seek veterinary advice to rule out any underlying health concerns.
How to Address Excessive Foot Licking
If your dog’s foot licking is becoming a problem, here are some ways to manage the behaviour:
1. Redirect Their Attention
Provide alternative activities to keep your dog occupied, like puzzle toys, treat-dispensing toys, or engaging in more regular playtime. Mental stimulation can reduce boredom and prevent your dog from developing compulsive behaviours.
2. Ensure Proper Exercise and Stimulation
Make sure your dog is getting enough physical exercise and mental enrichment. Long walks, play sessions, and training exercises can all help to reduce attention-seeking behaviours like foot licking.
3. Avoid Reinforcing the Behaviour
Try not to give your dog attention (positive or negative) when they lick your feet. Even scolding can sometimes be perceived as a reward because it still means they’ve got your attention. Instead, ignore the behaviour and redirect your dog to another activity as above.
Speak with a Vet If…
- Your dog’s foot licking becomes obsessive or excessive.
- The licking is accompanied by other unusual behaviours or symptoms like lethargy or loss of appetite.
- There are any sudden changes in your dog’s behaviour.
If you notice any of these signs, don’t hesitate to book a free consultation with our vet team at Omni to get tailored advice for your dog’s needs.
Thoughts from Dr Guy MRCVS
As dog lovers and guardians, it’s natural to worry about our furry friends, especially when they display abnormal symptoms that can’t be easily explained. That’s why, when I founded Omni, I knew that I wanted to keep vet consultation free and accessible at the heart of the business.
If you’re understandably worried about your dog, but you don’t think you need to take them to the vets urgently, I highly recommend getting some friendly, professional advice from one of our team.
Explore some of the frequently asked questions in our Ask a Vet series
Got a question for the Ask a Vet team?
Submit your question via email to woof@omni.pet. We’ll get back to you as soon as we can, and, if suitable, post the response here to help others, too!
Disclaimer: Whilst the advice given here is based on medical experience from our experts, and scenarios we do encounter during our career - we do not give tailored or specific advice for individual pets - please seek assistance from your in person vet as a first point of call with any issues your pet is having which are a cause for concern as soon as possible.
