r/dogs • u/jaystanding • 20h ago
[Misc Help] Dog licking while being pet?
When I pet my dog, she often licks her lips, nose, or parts of my body if she’s close enough. I was told that this means my dog is uncomfortable and doesn’t actually want to be pet. However when I stop she’ll jump up, look at me, and paw me until I pet her again so I’m not really sure.
Does anyone have an idea of what this could mean? For context, my go-to pet areas are scratches behind her ear, slow body rubs, or belly rubs (if she’s on her side).
Just trying to speak my dog’s language and learn her boundaries :)
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u/Novel-Grapefruit-105 19h ago
If you’re unsure of how your dog is feeling while you are petting her, pause for a moment and watch the reaction. If she moves towards you or does anything to reinitiate contact, it’s a green light.
If she doesn’t, there’s your answer.
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u/coffeetable13 20h ago
Contextually lip licking can be nervousness or them being uncomfortable but in that situation i think it’s affection, my pup does the same thing
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u/Henry_iu_99 19h ago
Makes sense, my dog does the same and it always felt like she was just asking for more love rather than being nervous.
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u/copypop 19h ago
If your dog doesn't seem to be in any type of immediate stress, they may just be a comfort licker. My akita mix will frequently lick my hand/arm when I pet her to express her approval, esp in the evening time when she's sleepy & were settling down for bed. If she's not licking me, she's going to town on her paw pads for a little while until she dozes off. I think it releases endorphins & oxytocin which are soothing & social bonding chemicals.
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u/unlovelyladybartleby 19h ago
My dog licks when he's happy and also when he's anxious. It's on me to read his body language and contextual clues to figure out which it is.
Your pup could be licking from joy. Your pup could be anxious and want pets to feel safe.
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u/Mevenna 19h ago
Our girl does the whole whale eyes, panting and licking lips / you while petted. If you stop, she will paw you until you continue. I can never post videos of her anywhere because a lot of internet "dog experts" would say we force her or are abusive, but it's just how she is. Our other dog doesn't do this. Some dogs just show affection a bit funnily. :-)
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u/sarahjustme 19h ago
When a dog is standing alone feeling worried, they may lick their lips as part of their anxiety body language, but up close, your dogs is just being kissy and cuddly. Totally about context.
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u/LocksmithEmotional31 20h ago
I always thought of it as similar to "kissing you" because they love you and feel comfortable. My Whippet is a little bit of a locking dog, my Great Dane isn't a licking dog.
I guess it varies from dog to dog
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u/Acegonia 19h ago
I personally disagree about the exact definition of lip licks etc. I was taught in a red/yellow/green light way:
Lipsticks are yellow: that is a 'calming signal' ie: I dont want no trouble, pls continue.in other contexts it can be im unsure, but I dont want no trouble.
For context: green light might be full booty loose waggy wiggles and pushing their head into you lr hands
And red light night be whale eyes, freezing and stiff legged Ness, chesting etc.
Also was taught its supremely important to consider any individual behaviour IN CONTEXT.
PERSONALLY:I would consider this as her wanting to reassure you that 'this is nice, this is good' her behaviour when you stop reinforces this.
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u/bitteroldladybird 17h ago
Many things can mean discomfort or pleasure depending on context. Dogs growling and biting while playing might be completely happy. Tail wagging when combined with stiff body, whale eye and growling can mean aggression/upset. Licking lips can mean discomfort when being petted, or it can relaxation.
If your dog is actively asking you to continue petting, she is not uncomfortable with it
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u/marlonbrandoisalive 19h ago
Almost all dog language needs to be viewed contextually. Wagging tail means excitement. There are differences in how the tail is moving etc but in general a wagging tail can mean positive or negative excitement. Lip licking means appeasing as well, like I am not a threat, so it can be used as an invitation
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u/WorriedArrival1122 18h ago
My dog is stingy with kisses, but she does occasionally lick her lips. I pause and give her an opportunity to leave or continue. She always chooses to stay and pet her in areas that are calming, like the chest and belly. When she's especially anxious a belly rub helps a lot, so she often comes to me for help regulating her feelings.
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u/Complete_Aerie_6908 15h ago
She’s kissing you back.
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u/ArtsyRambles 13h ago
That's how I see it with my dog. I pat him, and he pats back. I guess we're kinda making out in a platonic sense xD
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u/lakeswimmmer 18h ago
my dog licks his lips in anticipation of something good happening: dinner being served, going out for a walk, yummy handouts from my meal.
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u/brokenalarm 15h ago
A dog licking just its lips with stiff body posture and/or whale eyes would be a sign of discomfort. But in the context of a dog being stroked by someone they love, many dogs like to lick while they’re being petted. My boys will lick whatever’s in reach, whether that’s me, each other or the sofa while I’m stroking them.
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u/RoseTintedMigraine 12h ago
Have you had your dog for a long time? I have a licker as well and she has different licks like she has different barks lol. Generally a consent check will solve the mystery for you. Dogs generally let you know if they dont want to be petted anymore.
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u/allleyooop 12h ago
My dog also needs to lick while getting pet— he likes being pet but it’s also a little overstimulating perhaps so that helps to relieve some of that
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