Why does my dog only lick my feet after I shower?

Post-shower, your skin releases new scents and may have lotion residue that dogs find interesting. Your natural oils and any product scents are intriguing to their powerful sense of smell. They're gathering information about what you've used and where you've been.

Why Does My Dog Lick My Feet? 8 Reasons Explained

Q: Is it bad to let my dog lick my feet?

Generally, it's not harmful unless you have open wounds (risk of infection) or your dog has dental disease. Dog saliva contains bacteria, but healthy skin is usually a good barrier. If you're uncomfortable or have health concerns, it's fine to redirect the behavior.

Q: How do I stop my dog from licking my feet?

Redirect with a toy or treat when licking starts. Stand up and walk away (remove the reward of attention). Keep feet covered with socks or shoes. Provide alternative activities and attention. Don't punish - just calmly redirect. If it's anxiety-based, address the underlying cause.

8 Reasons Dogs Lick Feet

1. They Like the Salty Taste

Human feet sweat, and that sweat contains salt, which dogs find tasty. Your feet have over 250,000 sweat glands, making them one of the sweatiest parts of your body. To your dog, it's like a salt lick!

2. Showing Affection

Licking is a natural way dogs show love. Mother dogs lick their puppies, and dogs in packs groom each other. When your dog licks your feet, they may be expressing affection and reinforcing your bond.

3. Seeking Attention

If you react to foot licking (laughing, pulling away, talking to them), your dog learns that licking gets your attention. Even negative attention is still attention, which can reinforce the behavior.

4. Gathering Information

Dogs have an incredible sense of smell - 10,000 to 100,000 times more sensitive than humans. Your feet carry scent information about where you've been, who you've met, and even your emotional state. Licking helps them "read" this information.

5. Grooming Behavior

Dogs naturally groom themselves and pack members. By licking your feet, your dog may be including you in their grooming routine - a sign they consider you part of their family.

6. Self-Soothing (Anxiety)

Licking releases endorphins that can calm anxious dogs. If your dog obsessively licks your feet or other objects, it may be a coping mechanism for stress or anxiety.

7. Boredom

Dogs without enough mental stimulation may develop licking habits to occupy themselves. If your dog seems to lick more when understimulated, they may need more exercise or enrichment.

8. Learned Habit

Sometimes it just becomes a habit. If the behavior was reinforced early on (even unintentionally), it can become your dog's go-to way of interacting with you.

Is It Bad to Let Your Dog Lick Your Feet?

Generally Safe When:

* You have no open wounds
* Your dog is healthy
* Licking is occasional
* You're comfortable with it

Avoid When:

* You have cuts or wounds
* Your dog has dental disease
* You're immunocompromised
* You just applied lotion/medication

Dog saliva does contain bacteria, including some that can cause infections in humans (especially in wounds). However, healthy skin is an effective barrier. The bigger concern is usually if the behavior becomes excessive or indicates underlying anxiety.

How to Stop Your Dog From Licking Your Feet

Redirect: When licking starts, offer a toy or treat instead
Remove attention: Calmly stand up and walk away without speaking
Cover your feet: Wear socks or shoes when the behavior is likely
Provide alternatives: Lick mats, puzzle toys, or chews
Increase exercise: A tired dog is less likely to engage in obsessive behaviors
Be consistent: Everyone in the household should respond the same way

Don't Punish

Yelling or pushing your dog away can increase anxiety and make the problem worse. Calmly redirecting is more effective than punishment.

When to Be Concerned

Contact your vet if:

Licking is obsessive or compulsive
The behavior suddenly increased
Your dog also licks themselves raw
Signs of anxiety (pacing, panting, hiding)
Recent changes in environment or routine

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my dog lick my feet?▼

Dogs lick feet for several reasons: they like the salty taste of sweat, they're showing affection, seeking attention, gathering information through scent, self-soothing anxiety, grooming behavior, or it's become a habit.

Is it bad to let my dog lick my feet?▼

Generally, it's not harmful unless you have open wounds or your dog has dental disease. If you're uncomfortable, it's fine to redirect the behavior.

How do I stop my dog from licking my feet?▼

Redirect with a toy or treat. Stand up and walk away to remove attention. Keep feet covered. Provide alternative activities. Don't punish - just calmly redirect.

Is excessive foot licking a sign of anxiety?▼

Yes, repetitive or compulsive licking can be a self-soothing behavior for anxious dogs. If the behavior is obsessive or suddenly increased, anxiety may be the cause.