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Every day, we celebrate our shared love of dogs and hopefully brighten your day. Enjoy!
Dog of the Day: Oreo!
Meme of the day: I wouldn’t have it any other way!
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The Saliva Smooch: Why Our Canine Companions Love to "Kiss" Our Mouths
There's a scenario many dog owners know well: you lean in for a cuddle, and before you know it, a wet, enthusiastic tongue is making a beeline for your face, often with a particular fondness for your mouth. While some find it endearing, others might recoil, wondering, "Why on earth do they do that?!"
Rest assured, this slobbery demonstration of affection isn't just about a love for your toothpaste. It's a fascinating and deeply ingrained behavior rooted in canine communication, pack dynamics, and even a little bit of opportunistic foraging. So, let's dive into the delightful (and sometimes debatable) world of doggy mouth licks!
A Puppy's Plea: The Echoes of Infancy
One of the most significant reasons dogs lick our mouths is rooted in their past as tiny pups. When a litter of puppies is born, they instinctively lick their mother's mouth and muzzle. This behavior serves a crucial purpose: it stimulates the mother to regurgitate partially digested food, providing a vital source of nourishment for her growing offspring.
Although our adult dogs no longer require us to provide their meals via regurgitation, this instinctual behavior can persist. Licking your mouth can be a way for your dog to express that they are hungry, seeking food, or simply asking for attention and resources from their "provider" – you!
The Ultimate Greeting: A Sign of Submission and Affection
In the canine world, mouth licking is also a powerful form of greeting and social bonding. Subordinate dogs will often lick the faces and mouths of more dominant pack members as a sign of respect, deference, and a desire to appease. When your dog licks your mouth, they may be acknowledging your leadership within the "pack" (your family) and expressing their desire to be close to you.
Beyond submission, it's also a profound display of affection. Dogs don't have hands to hug or faces to kiss in the same way humans do. Licking is their way of showing love, comfort, and connection. It releases oxytocin, the "love hormone," in both dogs and humans, strengthening the bond.
Gathering Information: A World of Scent and Taste
Dogs experience the world primarily through their noses and mouths. Your mouth, with its unique scent and residual tastes from your last meal, is a fascinating information hub for your canine companion. They might be trying to "read" your emotions through your scent, or simply gathering data about what you've been eating. To a dog, your mouth is a treasure trove of intriguing smells and flavors!
Attention, Please!
Let's be honest, we often react to mouth licks, whether with a giggle, a gentle push away, or an "Eww!" Even an adverse reaction is still a form of attention. If your dog has learned that licking your mouth elicits a response from you, they'll continue to do it, especially if they feel a little ignored or want to initiate interaction.
Should You Allow It?
This is where personal preference comes in. While a dog's mouth isn't sterile, the risk of disease transmission from dog saliva to humans is generally low for healthy individuals. However, if you have a compromised immune system, open wounds, or simply find it unhygienic, it's perfectly fine to discourage the behavior.
Managing the Smooches:
If you'd prefer to keep your mouth un-licked, consistency is key:
Redirect: When your dog goes for your mouth, gently turn your head or offer another part of your body (like your hand) for them to lick instead.
Offer a toy: Distract them with a favorite toy or a chew.
Positive reinforcement: Reward them with praise or a treat when they offer a more appropriate "kiss" (like a quick lick on your cheek or hand).
Teach a "no licks" cue: With consistency, your dog can learn to understand that your mouth is off-limits.
Ultimately, your dog's mouth licks are a testament to their love, their history, and their unique way of communicating with the world. Whether you embrace the slobbery kisses or prefer to redirect them, understanding the "why" behind this behavior can deepen your appreciation for the fascinating creatures that share our lives. So, next time your dog leans in for a "smooch," you'll know it's coming from a place of deep affection, canine instinct, and maybe, just maybe, a curiosity about what you had for lunch!
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Dog Food and Supplement Recalls
Here are the recent recalls and advisories:
Savage Pet - Cat Food Chicken for potential bird flu exposure
Wild Coast Raw - Frozen Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula raw pet food for cats for possible bird flu exposure.
Blue Ridge Beef - Natural Mix for potential salmonella.
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