A viral TikTok video has sparked an interesting discussion about whether stopping a dog from licking its owner might hurt its feelings. In the video, shared under the username @theodog12340, the dog’s owner lets their Coton de Tuléar/Yorkshire mix lick them, explaining they could “never break his little heart” by asking him to stop. The post has gained significant attention, amassing over 1.7 million views and 156,000 likes. But is there any truth to the claim that stopping a dog from licking you could make it feel rejected?
The video’s caption reads: “Letting my dog lick me because I read that if you tell them to stop, they feel rejected and I could never break his little [heart].”
Newsweek reached out to Liza Cahn, a veterinarian at Embrace Pet Insurance, to weigh in on the topic. According to Cahn, while licking is a natural way for dogs to bond and show affection, preventing this behavior won’t harm your relationship with your pet.
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“Your pup may be persistent in trying to lick you, but they won’t get offended if you take steps to stop this behavior,” Cahn explained. She suggested several strategies for addressing excessive licking, such as providing enrichment activities to prevent boredom, redirecting the dog with commands and rewards, or simply moving away and ignoring the behavior. “Reward them with treats and attention for interacting with you in other ways,” she added.
Although the risk of disease transmission from dog licking is low, Cahn noted that a dog’s mouth contains over 700 species of bacteria. Some of these, like Capnocytophaga Canimorsus and Pasteurella, can be harmful to humans. Additionally, dogs may spread bacteria like salmonella and E. coli, particularly if they are on a raw food diet. Cahn also warned about the potential risks of topical medications or lotions on your skin, which could harm your dog if ingested during licking.
If your dog’s licking becomes excessive, begins suddenly, or occurs alongside other unusual behaviors, it could indicate an underlying medical issue. “Other causes of licking include attention-seeking, grooming, and self-soothing due to anxiety or stress,” Cahn said. “In many cases, your dog may simply like the taste. Rarely, excessive licking could be a sign of a medical condition known as Pica, in which nonfood items are ingested.” For dog owners uncomfortable with licking, particularly on the face, gently redirecting the behavior is an effective and guilt-free approach.
There are also plenty of other ways to bond with your pet and show them love, as suggested by the American Kennel Club. Spending quality time together, enrolling in training classes, and keeping your dog healthy and active are all great options. Treating your pup to a new toy or their favorite snack is another way to express affection.
Comments on the viral video showed a range of opinions. LadyAntonia55 wrote, “I always say thank you to my dog when he licks [me].” Erlx1n shared, “It’s so cute, but they won’t stop until you stop them.” Another user, Marie, commented, “I’m sorry, but it tickles too much and not in a good or funny way. I cannot stand it for too long.”
Ultimately, while a dog’s licking can be a sweet expression of affection, it’s perfectly fine to set boundaries if the behavior isn’t for you. Just remember, there are countless other ways to shower your furry friend with love and care.
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Images courtesy of ‘Beneful- Doggy Licks’/YouTube
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