Dogs are attracted to lotion primarily because of its unusual smell and texture, and sometimes the taste!
Here's a breakdown of why your furry friend might be interested in your lotion:
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Unusual Smell: Lotion fragrances, especially those that are sweet or fruity, can be intriguing to dogs. Their sense of smell is far superior to ours, so even faint scents are easily detectable and can pique their interest.
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Interesting Texture: The smooth, creamy texture of lotion can be appealing to a dog's tongue and paws. They might be drawn to licking or pawing at your skin after you've applied lotion simply because of the sensation.
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Strange Taste: Some dogs might lick lotion because they find the taste odd or interesting. They may be trying to "clean" you or simply exploring the new flavor.
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Attention Seeking: Applying lotion often involves physical contact with your dog. Sometimes, the licking is just an attempt to get your attention.
Important Note:
While a small amount of licking might not be harmful, it's important to prevent your dog from ingesting large quantities of lotion or sunscreen. Some lotions contain ingredients that can be toxic to dogs. If you are concerned about your dog ingesting lotion, contact your veterinarian.