Why do dogs lick humans? The surprising science behind the cute habit and its medical risk
The Hidden Risks of Dog Licks
When a Lick Turns Dangerous
Symptoms and Safety Measures
When dogs lick their owners, it's often viewed as a sign of affection. However, experts say there are deeper evolutionary reasons behind the behavior. Dr. Alexandra Horowitz, a noted dog cognition expert and author of The Year of the Puppy, explained that licking is an instinct dogs inherited from their wolf ancestors. In the wild, when wolves return from a hunt, other members of the pack lick their faces to prompt regurgitation of food.'So, your dog's lick of you when you come home is absolutely a greeting — you know, they're happy to see you. But also, it's a little bit of a request for whatever you just ate,' said Horowitz on CBS Mornings Plus.Licking also helps dogs gather sensory information. Horowitz noted that when dogs lick, they are essentially 'smelling you by licking you,' using their mouths to explore their environment much like humans use their eyes.Beyond affection, licking can serve as a form of communication. 'On some level, they are communicating with us. We're not always good at interpreting what they're saying,' said Horowitz. For instance, when a dog appears to look guilty — ears back, whining — it may not indicate actual guilt. According to Horowitz, this reaction is more about submission and an attempt to avoid punishment.Tail behavior also reveals emotional cues. Horowitz explained that a low tail wag may signal anxiety or fear, while a high, waving tail often shows interest or arousal.Despite their ability to adapt to human environments, Horowitz emphasized that dogs experience the world differently. 'The way we see the world — dogs smell it... They're living in a kind of parallel universe to us.'Though licking is normal and instinctive for dogs, health professionals warn that it can carry risks — especially when it involves the face. Dogs lick various objects daily, including their own genitals, which can introduce bacteria into their mouths.A widely viewed video by a medical professional known as 'The Gut Doc' raised awareness about Capnocytophaga, a bacterium found in dog saliva. While infections are rare, they can be severe, particularly for those with compromised immune systems. 'Did you know that a dog's lick can introduce harmful bacteria into your body?... It's rare, but it can lead to life-threatening infections," the doctor warned, as per the Times of India.Marie Turner, a woman from Ohio, experienced the devastating impact of such an infection in 2019. After being licked by her dog while having a small cut on her hand, she developed a rapid and severe infection from Capnocytophaga. The bacteria entered her bloodstream, and despite medical intervention, doctors had to amputate all four of her limbs to save her life.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirms that while most people will never be affected, those with conditions such as diabetes, liver disease, cancer, or without a spleen are more vulnerable to serious outcomes. People undergoing chemotherapy or those with alcohol dependency are also at higher risk.Signs of a Capnocytophaga infection include redness, swelling or blisters near the site of contact, along with fever, vomiting, and confusion. In extreme cases, the infection can lead to organ failure or sepsis.To reduce risk, medical professionals recommend avoiding face licks, washing any licked area thoroughly, and seeking medical attention if unusual symptoms appear. People with open wounds or weakened immune systems are advised to be especially cautious.While dog licks may feel like acts of love, experts suggest safer alternatives for bonding, like petting or playing. Appreciating a dog's affection doesn't have to come at the cost of personal health.
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