Dogs lick tears for a few reasons, including a desire to comfort and out of curiosity about the taste.
Reasons for Licking Tears
Here's a breakdown of why your dog might lick your tears:
- Comfort: When you're crying, your dog can sense your distress. Licking can be their way of trying to comfort you. It is a method of soothing, both for you and the dog, acting as a sign of empathy.
- Taste: Tears, like sweat, food residue, and skin oils, are tasty for dogs. They contain electrolytes and other compounds that dogs find interesting.
As stated in the reference, "it's at least partially meant to be soothing for both of you. Some of that licking is also tasting, as tears, sweat, food, oils and other things that accumulate on our skin during the course of the day can be very enticing to dogs."
Summary Table
| Reason | Description |
|---|---|
| Comfort | Licking can be a dog's attempt to soothe you when they sense you're upset. |
| Taste | Dogs are attracted to the salty taste of tears and the other compounds they contain. |
What To Consider
- Hygiene: While licking is often harmless, remember to maintain good hygiene.
- Excessive Licking: If your dog licks excessively, consult a vet, as this could be a sign of an underlying health or behavioral issue.
