Desert Double Doodles

It could mean:

“I love you.”
“You’re my safe place.”
“That lotion smells like a snack.”
“I’m a little anxious.”

From the time they’re newborns, puppies use licking to bond with their mama and littermates. It releases calming hormones — oxytocin, the same bonding hormone that flows between mothers and babies.

Science backs this up: interaction with dogs has been shown to increase oxytocin in both humans and dogs. That little tongue? It’s not random. It’s relational.

However, excessive licking is often a nervous system clue. Overstimulation, stress, allergies, or even gut imbalance can show up as constant licking.

Share in the comments, are you yay or nay on doggy kisses?