Why Does My Dog Lick Me When I Cry

Dogs are known to be man’s best friend. They are loyal, affectionate, and can sense our emotions. If you are a dog owner, you may have noticed that your furry friend comes to you when you cry and licks your face. But why do dogs do this? Is it just a coincidence or is there something more to it?

Firstly, it is important to understand that licking is a natural behavior for dogs. They use their tongue as a tool for various reasons such as grooming themselves, cleaning their wounds, and even communicating with other dogs. When dogs lick each other’s faces, it is a sign of affection and submission.

So, when your dog licks you when you cry, it could be because they are trying to comfort you. Dogs can sense our emotions through our body language and smell. When we are sad or upset, our body releases different hormones that emit a specific scent. Dogs have an excellent sense of smell, and they can pick up on these scents.

In addition to the scent, dogs also observe our body language and facial expressions. When we cry, our face becomes wet with tears and our body language changes. We may slouch or hunch over in sadness. Dogs recognize these signs of distress and want to help us feel better.

Moreover, licking releases endorphins in dogs’ brains which gives them pleasure and makes them feel happy. So, by licking us, they not only comfort us but also soothe themselves.

But why specifically does your dog lick your face when you cry? Well, the answer lies in the fact that dogs see us as part of their pack. In the wild, wolves would lick the faces of their pack members to show affection and care. Similarly, domesticated dogs view their owners as part of their pack and try to comfort them in similar ways.

When your dog licks your face when you cry, they are essentially saying “I am here for you, and I care about you.” It is their way of showing love and support. Dogs are highly intuitive creatures, and they know when we need them the most.

In conclusion, dogs lick us when we cry because they want to comfort us and show affection. They can sense our emotions and want to help us feel better. So, the next time your dog comes to you when you are upset, let them lick your face and know that they are there for you. After all, who needs a therapist when you have a furry friend by your side?