A veterinarian has revealed what it really means when a dog licks the feet of its owner and why it is not always a sign of affection.
Paul Manktelow, a TV veterinarian from LondonIt revealed that there are four reasons why a pooch can take the action – including that they simply long for attention.
“It’s a bit weird, isn’t it, but there are reasons behind it,” said Paul in a Tiktok video.
This action can indicate that the dog indeed feels affection towards their human being.
Paul, that post on Tap When Drpaul_Tevet acknowledges that “it is a sign of affection.”
“Licking dogs to show that they love you and their share of your pack.”
Although a dog can simply show people affection by licking their feet, the action can also indicate that the dog longs for attention.
“It can also seek attention,” says Paul.
He explains: “If you respond when they lick – as if you are smiling or stroking – then it can be the behavior that they know it attracts your attention.”
Dr. Paul Manktelow (depicted) says that when your dog licks your feet, this can mean one of the four things
In other words, if an owner confirms the behavior with a smile or by showing affection in exchange, the dog is more likely to keep doing it.
The third reason why a dog could lick their owner’s feet, according to Dr. Paul, has to do with the supposed ‘salty’ taste.
“The feet of most people taste salt because of sweat and there are some interesting scents down there, and that is how dogs explore the world,” he says.
However, there is a fourth reason – and it is perhaps the most surprising of all.
“It can be a natural care behavior,” Paul reveals.
“Dogs in the wild would lick each other to keep themselves clean and it really just says they take care of you.”
Dogs of course have many other ways to show their owners that they love them and take care of them.
Natasha Watson, a vet at Vetfone – a company that offers the clock on support for pets owners via telephone or video call – explained: ‘Dogs have a unique way to express their love and affection. From wagging their tail to giving your soft hugs, their actions speak volumes.
‘They are very social animals that are great at understanding human emotions and will often learn to mirror them.
A common reason that a dog can lick its owner’s feet is to show affection
“By recognizing the signs that your dog shows to let you know how much they worship you, you can deepen your bond with your hairy companion.”
While dogs use their tail to communicate many different emotions, a somewhat upright side-to-slow WAG can indicate happiness and satisfaction, according to Natasha.
If a dog greets his owner when then walks into the room with this kind of happy tailwag, that is a clear sign that they love their people and are happy to see them.
And if dogs show a ‘helicopter’ tail – where their tail moves in a fast, circular movement – then they are more than a bit excited to see their owner.
Dogs that feel trust and affection towards their owners often make long -term eye contact.
Research has shown that when a dog looks at his man, it can cause the release of oxytocin, the ‘love hormone’, both in the dog and the owner.
So when a pooch looks at someone with soft eyes, it is a clear sign of their love for that person.
From wagging their tail to eye contact in a certain way, dogs have different ways to show their people that they love them
According to research conducted by Tesco Insurance, 31 percent of dog owners report that their puppy shares their toys with them.
Most dogs are good jury members, so if a hairy companion brings his man a toy to play, then it is a sign that the person has achieved an unconditional level of trust and love with the Pooch.
Dogs will hug and lean on people they feel comfortable with.
In fact, 39 percent of dog owners report that their puppy will shower them with hugs and kisses – and this rises to 41 percent when owners are upset.
This is because hugs bring back feelings of motherly proximity and release pheromones that calm the dog.
If a dog follows from room to room, they probably show affection.
This behavior means that they want to be near the person, and since dogs are naturally parcel animals, it is a sign of attachment or loyalty.
Although this can be cute, dogs still have to be able to have some time.
Dogs are naturally protective of those they love.
Natasha explains that if a dog shows signs of guarding their man or their house, this can be a sign of affection.
They want to keep their person safe and show loyalty and love.
Dogs communicate with their owners in different ways, and vocalizations are one of them, according to veterinarian Natasha Watson.
Although some breeds are more vocal than others, many dogs will ‘talk’ with their owners with barking or whining to get attention or express emotions.
If a dog barks or makes noises when they see their person or during moments of excitement, this can be a sign of love and attachment.
Although the jump can sometimes be seen as a sign of excitement or a way to get attention, it is also a usual way in which dogs show affection.
When a dog jumps on its owner, they can simply express their joy to see them – or to look for proximity.
Likewise, almost half (45 percent) of the dog owners say that their hairy companion is on them if they want attention.
Natasha says that dogs that respond well to recall and commands often want to please their owners.
Their willingness to obey shows trust and a desire to make their people happy.
Training strengthens the bond between a pooch and their owner, while dogs enjoy the positive reinforcement and the satisfaction of making people proud.
Dogs wants to please their owner and receive their reward, so if they follow the instructions, as come back when they are called, they must get an extra special ear.
Dogs are remarkably empathetic creatures. If dogs reflect the emotions of their people, it is a sign that they love them.
Natasha points out that they can feel when people are upset or happy and adjust their behavior accordingly.
For example, if a dog owner feels, his pooch can sit with them or offer comfort.
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