Why Does My Shih Tzu Lick Me So Much? Do you have a Shih Tzu that can’t stop licking you? If so, you’re not alone! Many Shih Tzu owners find themselves constantly being licked by their dogs. While some people may find it cute, others may be wondering why their dog is licking them so much.
In this blog post, we will discuss 9 possible explanations for why your Shih Tzu is licking you all the time!
Overview of Shih Tzu Dog Breed
The Shih Tzu is a small breed of dog that originates from Tibet. They are known for their long hair and their big, round eyes.
Shih Tzus are also known for being very friendly and loving dogs. They are often referred to as “lap dogs” because they enjoy sitting on their owner’s laps and being petted.
Shih dog breeds are considered very friendly and loving, which may explain why they lick their owners so much. In most cases, Shih Tzu dogs are simply trying to show their affection and love for their owner.
However, there are other reasons your Shih Tzu may be licking you that you should be aware of. Read on!!
Why does my Shih Tzu lick so much – 9 Possible Explanations
So, Why Does My Shih Tzu Lick Me So Much? There are a number of possible explanations for why your Shih Tzu is licking you all the time. Let’s take a look at nine of the most common reasons below:
1. As a way of showing affection
This is probably the most common reason your Shih Tzu is licking you. Dogs often lick their owners to show their affection and love.
When your Shih Tzu licks you, they are trying to show you how much they care about you. If you find your dog’s licking to be annoying, simply give them a gentle pat on the head and say “no.”
Other ways of showing affection include nuzzling, pawing, or leaning against their owner.
2. They may be trying to groom you
Dogs often lick their owners as a way of grooming them. This is particularly common in breeds with long hair, like the Shih Tzu.
Grooming is an important part of a dog’s daily routine and keeps them clean and healthy.
When your Shih Tzu licks you, it may be trying to groom you as a way of keeping you clean and healthy.
3. They could be seeking attention
If your dog is constantly licking you, it may be because it looks for attention. Dogs often lick their owners when they want to be petted or played with.
Seeking attention is a common behavior in dogs and is usually nothing to worry about.
However, if your dog is licking you regularly, be sure to give them plenty of attention and playtime.
If your Shih Tzu is constantly licking you but doesn’t seem to want any other type of attention, there may be another reason for their behavior.
4. It could be a sign of anxiety or stress
If your Shih Tzu is licking you excessively, it could be a sign that it is feeling anxious or stressed. This is particularly common in dogs that have separation anxiety.
Stress or anxiety can be very dangerous for dogs and should be addressed as soon as possible. If you think your Shih Tzu may be stressed or anxious, talk to your veterinarian about ways to help it feel more comfortable and relaxed.
5. They like the salty taste on their owner’s skin
Dogs have a keen sense of taste, and they may enjoy the salty taste of their owner’s skin. The act of licking may also be soothing for them.
The taste of their owner’s skin may be particularly appealing to dogs who are stressed or anxious.
6. Licking can be a sign of submission or dominance
In some cases, licking may signify submission or even dominance. If you notice your Shih Tzu licking other members of the family more than they lick you, it’s possible that they see themselves as lower in the pack hierarchy.
This isn’t necessarily a bad thing – it just means that you might need to provide them with a little extra love and attention to help them feel secure.
7. They may have allergies that are causing them to lick
It’s also possible that your Shih Tzu is licking because they have allergies.
If you notice that they’re licking more during certain times of the year or after they’ve been exposed to certain environmental triggers (such as pollen or dust), it’s worth taking them to the vet to rule out allergies as a potential cause.
8. They may be hot and trying to cool off
It’s also possible that your Shih Tzu is licking you because they’re hot. Dogs pant to cool down, and excessive licking can be a sign that your pup is feeling overheated.
Make sure you keep them well-hydrated in warm weather and provide them with plenty of water and shady spots to rest in.
9. There could be another explanation altogether
There may be other reasons your Shih Tzu is licking you that we haven’t mentioned here. If your dog is constantly licking you and you’re not sure why it’s best to consult with a veterinarian or behaviourist for more help.
There are a few different reasons why your Shih Tzu might be licking you, and it’s important to figure out what’s causing the behavior so that you can address it.
In most cases, there are simple solutions that can help stop your Shih Tzu from licking you all the time.
Read Also:
What To Do & How to stop my Shih Tzu from licking me
Here are simple solutions that can help stop you from getting excessively licked by your Shih Tzu dog.
1. Understand why your Shih Tzu is licking you.
As we mentioned before, licking can signify submission or dominance. If your Shih Tzu is licking you excessively, take some time to observe their behavior and try to figure out why they might be doing it.
If you think that your Shih Tzu is licking you as a way of showing submission, there’s not necessarily anything wrong with that. In fact, it can be a sign of their affection for you.
However, if you’re not comfortable with your Shih Tzu licking you, there are a few things you can do to stop it.
Here are a few tips:
A. Provide them with plenty of love and attention
One of the best ways to stop your Shih Tzu from licking you is to provide them with plenty of love and attention. This will help them feel secure and loved, and it will reduce their need to lick you as a way of showing submission.
B. Train them not to lick
If you don’t want your Shih Tzu licking you at all, you can train them not to do it. One way to do this is by giving them a cue word or signal when you don’t want them to lick.
For example, you could say “no” or put your hand up in front of their face whenever they start licking. Be consistent with this behavior and praise them when they obey your cue.
C. Give them something else to lick
If your Shih Tzu is licking you because they enjoy the taste of your skin, you can give them something else to lick that’s just as tasty. This could be a chew toy, a Kong filled with peanut butter, or even a piece of fruit.
By following these tips, you can help your Shih Tzu stop licking you and learn to enjoy healthy levels of licking behavior.
Consult a professional dog trainer or behaviourist if you’re still having trouble with your Shih Tzu licking you. They can help you understand why your dog is licking and give you more specific tips on how to stop it.
2. Determine if the licking is harmful or just annoying
You need to determine if the licking is harmful or just annoying. If it’s causing any skin irritation, bleeding, or infection, you need to stop the behavior.
However, if it’s just making you uncomfortable, then you can try some methods to get them to stop.
Methods to Stop Your Dog from Licking:
- If your dog is licking excessively, you may need to take them to the vet for a check-up.
- Try training your dog with positive reinforcement.
- Give your dog something else to lick, like a chew toy.
- Make sure you are providing enough attention and exercise for your dog.
- Ignore the licking behavior.
- Talk to a professional trainer or behaviorist if the licking persists.
You can stop your Shih Tzu from licking you by following these steps. If the licking is harmful, take them to the vet. If it’s just annoying, try training with positive reinforcement or giving them something else to lick.
3. Monitor your Shih Tzu’s behavior and adjust your approach as needed
If the licking stops when you provide attention, then make sure to give them enough attention. If your dog stops when you ignore it, then continue ignoring it.
It may take some time and patience, but eventually, your Shih Tzu will stop licking you.
If all else fails, take your Shih Tzu to a professional trainer or behaviorist.
They will help you determine the root cause of the licking behavior and provide additional training methods. Remember, it’s important to be patient and consistent when trying to stop this behavior. With a little time and effort, you can stop your Shih Tzu from licking you.
Conclusion: Why does my Shih Tzu lick me so much
There are a number of possible explanations for why your Shih Tzu is licking you all the time. In most cases, it’s nothing to worry about and is simply a way for your dog to show their affection for you. However, if you’re concerned about your Shih Tzu’s licking behavior, be sure to consult with a veterinarian for more help.
Do you have a Shih Tzu that loves to lick you? What do you think is the reason behind it? Let us know in the comments below!
