DEAR JOAN: Why does my dog lick me? He doesn’t do it all the time, but sometimes when we’re sitting together on the couch at night, he’ll start licking my hand and sometimes my leg.
He doesn’t do this to my wife or kids. I tell my wife it’s because he loves me the most. She says it’s because I’m sweatier than anyone else in the house, which is true, but I’m going with the love.
My dog is a mixed breed, medium size. We’re not really sure what all he is, but he’s a real sweetheart.
— Al G., San Jose
DEAR AL: Dogs lick all sorts of things for a few reasons but there’s one constant — they only lick people or objects that they trust, or feel confident about. They wouldn’t be likely to lick a rattlesnake that’s coiled to strike, but they’re fine licking a garden rock.
There is something about your wife’s observation that rings true. Dogs appreciate things that taste good or have an intriguing aroma. Sweat is salty, and while dogs don’t really crave salt, they do have a need for sodium, which they usually get from meat. If that’s somehow lacking in their diet, they may seek out other sources. Your salty skin could smell like meat, which is not a comforting thought, but your dog is probably going to only lick, not bite, you.
Your dog might simply love you. I won’t say he loves you best because I don’t want to get into the middle of a family feud, but you might have a special bond with him and he wants to show his affection toward you.
He likely feels the same or similar toward your wife and children, but they might have resisted his licks while you allowed him to do it.
Your wife and kids might also not taste as good as you do. Dogs can have an aversion to some tastes and smells, such as hand lotions, perfumes, and shampoos.
Raptor Fest
The Peninsula Open Space Trust and Santa Clara County Parks are teaming up to present Raptor Fest, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Nov. 15, at Rancho San Vicente, Calero County Park, South San Jose.
Tickets are free but the number is limited. Make reservations now at openspacetrust.org/events.
Master Falconer Kenny Elvin, of Full Circle Falconry, will make two presentations, sharing the history of falconry, raptor biology and behavior. Weather permitting, there will be a falcon flight demonstration.
San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory, Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA and Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance will also be there to share more about local wildlife conservation efforts. Rancho San Vicente has become a premier viewing location for raptors along the Pacific Flyway.
Belated thanks
We just wrapped up National Veterinarian Technician Week, but honestly, these folks need a whole year of appreciation. In their assistance roles, they help out the vets, but do so much more, always showing care and affection for your pets. So the next time you’re at the vet’s office, be sure and thank them.
The Animal Life column runs on Mondays. Contact Joan Morris at [email protected].