Dogs may lick a baby's face for a variety of reasons. It may be trying to play with the baby, or, it could be trying to assert its dominance over the child. Either way, this behavior should not be allowed for health and safety reasons. A dog's mouth carries a lot of germs, which can easily be passed to people.
Woods advises that you train the family pet to be submissive to children. "Because both dogs and children are unpredictable in their behaviors, it is not a good idea to establish a relationship with the family dog licking the child's face," he says. Dr.
Licking to show affection, empathy, or submission:it has been said that dogs lick babies to show affection, but in most cases it's probably an instinctive thing, possibly even a way of leaving scent down or the opposite to be submissive.
Dogs lick because they are nervous, to show dominance, or just because something, or someone, tastes good. None of these are reasons to encourage or condone your dog licking your baby. In addition, there are health hazards associated with your dog's baby-licking behavior.
They're showing affection
Licking plays 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.
It may be in an attempt to appease the stranger so that the stranger does do anything harmful or threatening to the dog. When dogs lick the face of children, it can be a sign of affection, appeasement or simply the act of cleaning food residue off their face.
They Play Together. Over time, and as your pet realizes the baby isn't going anywhere, you might notice them sharing toys or playing together. If that isn't love, I don't know what is.
It's usually because there is something going on around them that they perceive as a threat. Dogs who are licking their lips are usually sending the message that they are worried. Dogs lick their lips to appease and soothe a person or animal they see as a threat in order to ward off aggression.
Some parents worry that dogs will pass germs to their babies when they lick or slobber on them. It's true that dogs' mouths can harbor bacteria, especially if they've been chewing on unsanitary things. However, germs tend to be species-specific, meaning dog germs are unlikely to make your child sick.
However, it generally is not fatal or debilitating for the child, even if you do catch the dog licking the baby. You can get various parasitic infections or infestations, but transfer is rare. Just as a rule though, don't leave the baby where the dog can lick them.
Oftentimes, dogs lick babies, especially mobile babies, because they are asking for space or to be left alone. That type of licking has nothing to do with affection, these are not doggie kisses. How can you tell the difference? That means your dog is asking for space.
Canines are smitten with babies and can form strong connections because of the amount of time spent together. Both a baby and a dog, especially a young pup, have a common desire for a playmate and someone who will give them attention.
There's an urge to hold your baby close after it's born as part of the transition from it being inside your body to outside of it, Alouche explained. And sniffing our babies helps us recognize them, she added. Licking, then, could come from the innate need to know your baby. "It's normal.
Just like an older sibling might experience jealousy with the arrival of a new baby in the house - dogs can experience that same emotion of envy as well, especially if they feel like they have to compete for your attention.
It is commonplace for close family members of a pack to groom one another. With places like the ears being particularly difficult to groom, another member of the pack would step in and lick the ears clean. Some domesticated dogs still feel this need to assist other family members with their grooming.
Most dogs are very gentle and good with children—even babies.
1) Never, ever put an infant or toddler on the floor with a dog. 2) Be sure that dogs cannot access children, especially infants, while they are sleeping. 3) Even if you do not own a dog, teach children age-appropriate interactions with dogs.
Infants and young children are more likely to get a serious illness from germs that animals can carry because their immune systems are still developing.
Pet allergies happen when your child's immune system reacts to an animal's dander (tiny skin flakes that are like dandruff), saliva, pee, or poop and goes into overdrive.
The three most common reasons for a dog yawning are regulation of stress levels, out of trust or mimicking our behavior, or tiredness and boredom—just like us pet parents. To figure out the exact reason, you'll need to decipher their behavior and look at context clues.
“In general, if a dog licks you, they are showing affection. However, if the dog licks someone who is agitated or excited this could be a symptom of stress. By licking that person, they are trying to relieve their stress because they know this is a welcome gesture.
Dogs Are Reading Us
They sense our moods, follow our pointing gestures, and read us for information about what's going to happen next. That means they stare at us a lot to gain knowledge about their environment. Essentially, they are waiting for us to do something that will impact them.
Dr. Barrack points out that changes at home will always have an effect on a dog. “Your dog is smart enough to pick up on these changes during pregnancy, both in a physical way — which is how your body will be changing, your stomach, your smell — and in an emotional way, such as your feelings and your mood,” she says.
They instinctively want to protect the youngest family member. For years, dogs have been pack animals, which is one of their wired responses to hierarchy. A dog releases dopamine in the presence of a child, so you know that even their biology makes it enjoyable to play with babies.