You've Been Wrong About Why Dogs Lick You This Whole Time

It's not always love, and the truth is surprisingly layered.

Your dog's licks aren't purely kisses, they're a mix of affection, information, and habit.

Puppies lick to greet and calm their mothers, and grown dogs carry that comforting behaviour into adulthood.

Licking also lets your dog taste salt on your skin and gather scent clues about where you've been.

So a slobbery hello is part love letter, part investigation, and completely, wonderfully dog.