Ever been greeted by a wagging tail and an enthusiastic, wet slurp across your cheek? If you’re a dog owner, you know the drill. But have you ever stopped mid-slobber to wonder why dogs lick you in the first place? Let’s dig into the fascinating mix of love, instinct, and maybe just a little bit of salt. A Dog’s Language of Love One of the most heartwarming reasons dogs lick is simply to show affection. In the canine world, licking is a sign of trust and bonding. Puppies lick their mothers and littermates, and that behavior carries into adulthood. Dogs may also lick to strengthen their connection with you. Think of it as their way of saying: “You’re my family.” “I trust you.” “You make me happy.” It’s not so different from a hug or a handshake in human culture—just a bit more drooly. A Throwback to Puppyhood Dogs are natural mimics of the pack behaviors they were born into. As pups, they lick their mother’s face to ask for food or attention. Even as adults, lickin...