Why Do Maltese Lick So Much? The Surprising Truth!

Maltese dogs are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities, but did you know that they also like to lick? Why do Maltese lick so much? Why are they the only breed of dog that does this? Why do Maltese lick their owners, other dogs, and even themselves? There are many reasons why a Maltese would want to lick something.

Why Maltese dogs lick so much is unknown, but there are some theories behind it. They may be doing this for various reasons, including show affection, boredom, anxiety, or an attempt to combat stress in their environment.

A dog may lick you as a way to show affection or love for its owner, family members, and friends. This is similar to how a person kisses another on the cheek or lips when they greet them in passing with a simple "hello." 

Another reason why Maltese dogs lick so much is that they are bored. When a dog becomes restless or anxious, this increases the amount of licking. 

Licking to combat stress can be one possible explanation for excessive licking Reasons Why Maltese lick everything. Some veterinarians suspect that licking is a way for dogs to comfort themselves when nervous or anxious.

Below are a few reasons why Maltese dogs tend to lick so much.

  • Pain/illness
  • Allergies
  • Gastrointestinal discomfort
  • Infection
  • Boredom
  • Anxiety & Stress
  • Show Affection
  • Social Bonding
  • Grooming
dog licking face

Why do dogs lick their paws?

Occasional paw licking is a normal part of grooming, but excessive licking may signify something is wrong. Dogs lick their paws for any number of reasons.

However, they will often begin excessively licking because the area becomes itchy and irritated due to injury, something stuck between the pads or some dermatological issue. Dermatitis, a skin condition, maybe the problem if your dog's paws and pads look normal.

Why Maltese lick Furniture?

In the case of boredom, your Maltese may not get enough physical or mental stimulation from regular walks and games. In this situation, he will try to stimulate himself by licking furniture out of frustration for lack of something better to do.

This is why it's important to walk your dog every day, provide him with many toys, and keep him mentally stimulated with training sessions. In the case of anxiety, your dog may be licking to try to soothe himself by creating a pleasurable sensation on his tongue. 

In this situation, you should identify what is making your Maltese anxious and remove it from his environment if possible. 

If your Maltese is licking because of separation anxiety, you can help him cope with this by using a crate or baby gates to limit his access when he's alone. 

You should also provide lots of chew toys that are appropriate for your dog's size and age to keep him busy while you're gone. If your Maltese is licking because of medical problems, you should speak to your veterinarian.

 If the problem persists even after the underlying cause is resolved, it may be time to see a veterinary behaviorist or certified dog trainer for help with this issue.

dog licking feet

Why do dogs lick things obsessively?

Obsessive licking is one of the most common Maltese behaviors. It could be simply a sign of affection or skin irritation. Constantly licking is common in breeds like Maltese, Labrador Retrievers, and Shih Tzus.

  • Show Affection (Social Bonding)
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Behavior (OCD)
  • Health-Related Illness
  • Allergies
  • Dry Skin
  • Likes the taste of owner's skin (salty)

How do I stop my dog from excessive licking?

Excessive licking can become a problem for you and your dog. Some of the ways to stop excessive licking include:

First, you must talk with your veterinarian about any medical reasons for this behavior. If your Maltese has an anxiety disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder, your vet may be able to give you a medication that can help. 

Second, you can ignore your puppy's licking behavior. The more you pay attention to this bad habit, the more it will persist. It would be best if you did not make eye contact with your dog or say anything while doing

Are dog licks kisses?

When you come home, your Maltese may greet you with a wagging tail and lick your hand or face to show affection. Have you ever wondered why they do this? Are dog licks kisses, or is there more to it than that?

The licking behavior is learned as a puppy when they are with their mother or other siblings. It is a form of social bonding, and it helps keep the group clean by licking each others fur, skin, and paws. 

Maltese are very affectionate toward humans, but there is a fine line between licking as an expression of love and anxiety due to separation anxiety.

why does my dog lick me at bedtime

Should I let my dog lick my face?

Maltese dogs are known for their energetic and lovable personalities, but should you allow them to lick your face?

Well, we know that this is a pervasive question with many different answers and opinions. Some owners allow their dogs to lick their faces, while others think it's unsanitary and unnecessary. 

Should you let your dog lick your face? It all depends on the owner! We believe one must make their own decision when deciding whether or not to allow their Maltese dogs to lick them. 

Your dog's saliva can carry bacteria and parasites that are harmful to dog owners. Salmonella, Leptospira, Campylobacter & Pasteurella are some of the bacterias dogs' saliva can carry. 

Parasites like Hookworm, Giardia & Ringworm can cause skin rash, diarrhea, or intestinal problems. It is best to keep your dog's vaccinations up to date. In General, you should be fine letting your puppy lick your face.

Summary: Why do Maltese Lick so Much?

There could be many reasons, such as wanting attention or trying to bond with their owner. But licking too much can become a problem. Why do Maltese lick so much? They may want your attention. Licking is a form of social bonding and to keeps the group clean by licking each other's fur and paws.

Watch out for excessive licking and talk with your vet because this could be an anxiety disorder. Should you let your dog lick your face? Well, we know that this is a general question with many different answers and opinions. 

Some dog owners allow their pets to lick their faces, while others believe it's unhygienic and unsuitable. It would be best if you discouraged your puppies from licking your furniture because of the chemicals used to clean them. 

My dog likes to lick us to show his love. Always consult with your local veterinarian if you feel your dog is overly licking.

(Last Updated On: September 6, 2021)

I'm a self-employed blogger, life-long pet parent, and lover of dogs and somehow manage to have time to pursue another of my passions - writing. I’m the primary contributor and editor of PUPPY FAQS. I love to write about nutrition, health, and care of puppies. In my spare time, I volunteer at my local dog shelter. If you have a question that needs answering, please leave a comment below, and I will do my best to explain it.

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