What does licking mean in dog language?

[jennifer660]

Dogs use licking as a form of communication, but what does it actually mean in dog language? Why do dogs lick people, objects, or themselves? Does licking signify affection, submission, or something else? Additionally, how can providing a dog licking toy help satisfy this natural behavior?

[khu]

狗用舔作为一种交流方式，但这在狗的语言中到底意味着什么？为什么狗会舔人、物体或自己？舔是表示喜爱、服从还是其他什么意思？此外，提供狗舔玩具如何帮助满足这种自然行为？
狗狗为何会去舔，我也不太清楚，不过我帮你问了一下GPT:
Licking is a multifaceted behavior in dogs, used to communicate and fulfill various needs. Here's a breakdown of what licking can mean in different contexts:舔是狗的多方面行为，用于交流和满足各种需求。以下是舔在不同情况下的含义的详细说明：

1. Licking People1.舔人
Affection and Bonding: One of the primary reasons dogs lick people is to show affection. It's similar to how they would lick other dogs or their mother as puppies. When a dog licks you, it's often a sign of affection and an attempt to strengthen the bond with you.感情和联系：狗舔人的主要原因之一是表达感情。这类似于它们小时候舔其他狗或它们的母亲的方式。当狗舔你时，这通常是一种感情的表现，并试图加强与你的联系。
Attention-Seeking: Dogs may lick to get your attention. Whether they want to play, be petted, or just be noticed, licking can be a way to get a response.寻求注意：狗可能会通过舔来引起你的注意。无论它们是想玩耍、被爱抚还是只是被注意到，舔都是获得回应的一种方式。
Grooming Behavior: Licking is also a way dogs groom themselves and others. By licking you, they may be "grooming" you as part of their pack behavior.梳理行为：舔也是狗梳理自己和他人的一种方式。通过舔你，它们可能会“梳理”你，这是它们群体行为的一部分。
Taste or Smell: Dogs have an acute sense of smell and taste. If your skin tastes salty or there's a scent they find interesting, they might lick as a way to explore.味觉或嗅觉：狗有敏锐的嗅觉和味觉。如果你的皮肤尝起来是咸的，或者有一种它们感兴趣的气味，它们可能会通过舔来探索。
2. Licking Objects2.舔物体
Exploration: Dogs use licking as a way to explore their environment. Objects may carry interesting smells or tastes, and licking helps them investigate further.探索：狗用舔来探索环境。物体可能带有有趣的气味或味道，舔可以帮助它们进一步调查。
Anxiety or Boredom: Sometimes dogs will compulsively lick objects when they feel anxious, stressed, or bored. It becomes a soothing, repetitive behavior that provides comfort.焦虑或无聊：有时，当狗感到焦虑、压力或无聊时，它们会强迫性地舔物体。它变成一种舒缓的、重复的行为，提供舒适感。
Hunger or Thirst: If a dog licks certain surfaces (like floors or furniture), it might indicate hunger or thirst, as they might be trying to find food crumbs or water droplets.饥饿或口渴：如果狗舔某些表面（例如地板或家具），则可能表明饥饿或口渴，因为它们可能试图寻找食物碎屑或水滴。
3. Licking Themselves3.舔自己
Grooming and Cleaning: Dogs naturally groom themselves by licking to clean their fur or skin. This is especially common after eating or when they've been outdoors.梳理和清洁：狗自然地通过舔来清洁皮毛或皮肤来梳理自己。这种情况在进食后或外出时尤其常见。
Soothing and Healing: Dogs lick their wounds because their saliva contains enzymes that can help clean the area and promote healing. However, excessive licking of an area might indicate discomfort, pain, or an injury.舒缓和愈合：狗会舔伤口，因为它们的唾液中含有酶，可以帮助清洁该区域并促进愈合。然而，过度舔某个区域可能表示不适、疼痛或受伤。
Allergies or Irritation: If a dog is frequently licking a specific part of their body, it might indicate an allergic reaction or irritation, such as itchy skin or an insect bite.过敏或刺激：如果狗经常舔身体的特定部位，则可能表明过敏反应或刺激，例如皮肤发痒或昆虫叮咬。

[khu]

4. Significance of Licking in Dog Communication4.舔在狗交流中的意义
Submission and Respect: Licking can also be a sign of submission. Dogs may lick the faces or mouths of other dogs or people they perceive as higher-ranking in their "pack" as a way of showing respect and deference.
服从和尊重：舔也可以是服从的标志。狗可能会舔其他狗或它们认为在“群体”中排名较高的人的脸或嘴，以表示尊重和顺从。
Stress or Anxiety: Sometimes, licking can be a self-soothing behavior in response to anxiety or stress. A dog might lick excessively to calm themselves in situations that make them feel nervous or uncomfortable.
压力或焦虑：有时，舔可能是一种应对焦虑或压力的自我安抚行为。在让狗感到紧张或不舒服的情况下，狗可能会过度舔舐来让自己平静下来。
5. Providing a Licking Toy5.提供舔玩具
Licking toys (like puzzle feeders or treat-dispensing toys) can be a great way to satisfy a dog's natural licking instinct. Here’s how they help:舔玩具（如拼图喂食器或零食玩具）是满足狗自然舔本能的好方法。他们的帮助方式如下：

Stress Relief: These toys provide an outlet for dogs to release stress and anxiety in a productive and calming way.
缓解压力：这些玩具为狗提供了一个有效和平静的方式释放压力和焦虑的出口。
Mental Stimulation: Licking toys that dispense food or treats challenge the dog’s mind, keeping them engaged and entertained.
精神刺激：舔分配食物或零食的玩具挑战狗的思维，让它们保持专注和娱乐。
Promoting Calm Behavior: Since licking can have a soothing effect on dogs, providing a licking toy can help calm them down, especially in stressful environments.
促进平静行为：由于舔可以对狗产生舒缓作用，因此提供舔玩具可以帮助它们平静下来，尤其是在有压力的环境中。
Redirecting Excessive Licking: If your dog is licking excessively due to boredom or anxiety, providing a toy can help redirect that energy toward something positive.
重新引导过度舔舐：如果您的狗由于无聊或焦虑而过度舔舐，提供玩具可以帮助将这种能量重新引导到积极的事物上。
In summary, licking is a natural behavior that can signify affection, exploration, submission, and even anxiety. Providing toys that allow for licking helps satisfy this instinct, promoting mental engagement and reducing stress in dogs.
总而言之，舔是一种自然行为，可以表示喜爱、探索、服从，甚至焦虑。提供允许舔的玩具有助于满足狗的这种本能，促进精神投入并减轻狗的压力。