Your daily dose of doggy goodness!
Every day, we celebrate our shared love of dogs and hopefully brighten your day. Enjoy!
Dog(s) of the Day:
Mugsy
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Meme of the day: They’re so silly!
Costco’s Best-Kept Secrets: 10 Weird Tricks Only Superfans Know
Do you shop at Costco? Then you know the thrill of saving money. But you might be missing other smart ways to stretch your dollars. Check out our list of genius money hacks—almost as good as that $1.50 hot dog!
The Sweet Licks of Love: Why Your Dog Randomly Turns Into a Lick Machine
If you're a dog owner, you know the feeling: you're sitting on the couch, watching TV, or maybe just walking by, and suddenly—slurp, slurp, slurp! Your furry friend has decided your hand, face, or ankle is the perfect canvas for a spontaneous tongue bath.
While some find it endearing, others might wonder, "Why on earth is my dog trying to clean me right now?"
The truth is, those random licks are rarely random at all! They are a complex, yet beautiful, form of canine communication rooted in instinct, affection, and even a little bit of opportunistic behavior.
The Deep Roots of Affection and Bonding
The most common reason for those sweet, wet kisses is simple: love and bonding.
A Familiar Behavior: Licking is a deeply ingrained behavior that starts in puppyhood. Mother dogs lick their puppies to groom them, stimulate them to nurse, and show them comfort. When your dog licks you, they are essentially replicating this early, positive behavior, seeing you as a valued member of their "pack" or family.
"You're My Favorite": By licking you, they are releasing feel-good hormones like endorphins. For them, it's a calming, rewarding activity that reaffirms their bond with the most important creature in their life—you!
The Instinct to Groom and Nurture
Dogs are naturally clean animals (mostly!). Licking is their primary tool for hygiene, and this instinct can easily transfer to their favorite person.
Social Grooming: In a pack environment, dogs often engage in "allogrooming"—mutually grooming each other to maintain cleanliness and strengthen social ties. When your dog meticulously cleans your arm, they are participating in this social ritual, showing their care and dedication to your well-being.
Checking for Wounds: Sometimes, an older dog may lick a specific spot on a puppy or person if they detect something is "off." It's an ancient instinct to check for minor injuries and help clean them.
"Hey! I Need Your Attention!"
Sometimes, a lick is simply a less-than-subtle way to get you to stop scrolling and start petting.
A Proven Strategy: Your dog has likely learned that a well-placed, persistent lick will cause you to react—whether with a smile, a laugh, a push away, or (best of all) a belly rub. Because they got a response, the behavior is reinforced, and they'll try it again the next time they feel ignored.
A Polite Request: Think of it as a soft tap on the shoulder. They are politely (in dog language) asking for playtime, food, or just a little bit of focused love.
A Taste for Salt (and Other Good Stuff!)
Let's face it: we humans are savory snacks.
Salty Skin: After a walk or even just existing throughout the day, our skin accumulates a thin, appealing layer of salt and sweat. For a dog, this is an interesting and mildly tasty treat. Your random afternoon lick might just be a four-legged friend enjoying a little savory seasoning!
Scent Information: A dog's sense of taste and smell are closely linked. Licking is one way they gather information about their environment—and that includes you. Your unique smell, perhaps even the scent of the lunch you just ate, is fascinating data for them to collect.
The Takeaway
The next time your dog interrupts your quiet moment with a sudden smack of the tongue, take a moment to appreciate the sweet gesture.
They aren't trying to annoy you or make you bathe; they are trying to communicate profound feelings: I love you, you are important to me, and your arm smells interesting.
These wet, enthusiastic demonstrations are just another wonderful, quirky way that dogs enrich our lives and remind us of the simple, joyful power of unconditional love.
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Dog Food and Supplement Recalls
Here are the recent recalls and advisories:
Bonnihill Farms (Fromm Family Foods) - BeefiBowls Beef Recipe gently cooked frozen dog food, 16 oz. chubs for potential plastic contamination
Foodynamics - Freeze Dried Pet Treats for potential Salmonella contamination.
Nature’s Own - Pet Chews Bully Bites Treats for potential Salmonella contamination.
Family Photo of the Day:
Butch!
We want to feature your pup!
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Meme of the day - Instagram: @the_frenchie_boy
