Allowing your dog to lick you is a personal decision that comes with both benefits and risks, and while some owners let their pups do it out of love, others may refrain from it out of concern.
In a post shared on TikTok on Tuesday, a dog owner, under the username @milothebeagleboy, said that, although he never liked the idea of his pet licking him, he recently changed his mind after learning why it was so important for canines.
The owner wrote: “Licking is an important part of how they bond with others, causing them to release dopamine and endorphins that help make them feel relaxed, calm and happy.” A caption shared along with the clip reads: “I used to hate the idea of him licking me, now I actually love the affection he gives me, bless him.”
The poster, who didn’t want to give his name, told Newsweek: “His name is Milo, he’s a beagle, he’s nearly 3 years old, and I’m his 4th owner, adopted him at 7 months old.
“The thought of him licking me used to gross me out. I’d never owned my own dog so I had rules but… As time’s gone on and the more I love him, nothing like that bothers me anymore. He licks my face, too. I mean, I kiss him, so it’s only fair he can ‘kiss’ me, too,” the owner said.
milothebeagleboy
It is true, from a medical point of view, that licking their owners is a way for dogs to express their love. It also helps them feel safe, as Dr. Mary Burch, a certified applied animal behaviorist, and director of the American Kennel Club’s Family Dog program, previously told Newsweek.
Burch said: “Licking can be a sign of affection. It might also give a dog a feeling of security and comfort, just as the dog had when licked by its mother in the litter.”
However, some veterinarians also warn about the potential implications of letting your pup lick you, especially on the face.
The Kennel Club says that a dog’s mouth is full of natural bacteria, and their saliva may also contain parasites. Even though the chances of becoming unwell from it are quite small, you may want to wash your face with soap right after to minimize any contamination.
The video quickly went viral on social media, getting viewers from across TikTok. It has so far received almost 30,000 views and more than 1,130 likes on the platform at the time of publishing.
One user, Rebecca, commented: “Can’t sorry, the sensation and noise make my skin crawl. I know it’s important tho so let my dog go to town on herself.”
Teresa posted: “What about the rolling on your face in the morning wanting some lovin.” And Renee’ added: “My beagle is always licking me and I’d never stop him.”
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to [email protected] with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.