{"id":9714,"date":"2023-09-29T21:58:31","date_gmt":"2023-09-29T21:58:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/notabully.org\/?p=9714"},"modified":"2024-01-08T17:15:29","modified_gmt":"2024-01-08T17:15:29","slug":"why-does-my-dog-lick-my-belly-button","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/notabully.org\/why-does-my-dog-lick-my-belly-button\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Does My Dog Lick My Belly Button? (Trainer Explains)"},"content":{"rendered":"

There is no doubt that dogs are amazing companions. Incredibly, there are hundreds of different breeds and personalities and you can find the perfect dog for almost every kind of lifestyle. What do all these dogs have in common though?\u00a0<\/span>Dogs tend to be weird<\/span><\/a>!<\/span><\/p>\n

Dogs can be weird in different ways, but most dogs seem to enjoy licking weird things. Some of those weird behaviors might be licking smelly things, or licking their owner. Or licking smelly things and then licking their owner. However, do you ever feel like your dog fixates on licking one certain spot on you, like your belly button?<\/span><\/p>\n

So why does your dog lick your belly button?<\/span><\/p>\n

Dogs probably lick belly buttons because they smell and taste good because of dirt and sweat, or body products you use. Licking your belly button is often a sign of grooming, affection, or stress. Sometimes licking your belly button could be a sign that something is off about your health.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Your belly button might be one of the more uncomfortable places for your dog to lick. So let’s take a look at why your dog is obsessed with trying to lick your belly button and what you can do to try to change that behavior. We will discuss why you might not want your dog to lick your belly button.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why Does My Dog Lick My Belly Button?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Some\u00a0<\/span>breeds of dogs are huge lickers<\/span><\/a>\u00a0by nature. Which can be endearing, until they start to lick your belly button!<\/span><\/p>\n

Licking allows dogs to explore their environment through taste and smell, however, it is also a\u00a0<\/span>social behavior<\/span><\/a>. What starts as a way for their mother to groom and keep her young puppies clean quickly becomes an innate habit for dogs to express love, and affection, and a way to bond.<\/span><\/p>\n

Because licking is such a bonding experience, it is no wonder\u00a0<\/span>your dog licks you more than anyone else<\/span><\/a>. However, what attracts them to focus on your belly button? It might not only be affection, but smell, taste, and maybe even hormones!<\/span><\/p>\n

Reason 1. Your Belly Button Smells and Tastes Good<\/span><\/h3>\n

I strive to be a clean, well-groomed person. But sometimes I have just gone for a run, been camping in the woods, or have had a lazy day. On those days, my body order might be a little more rank than normal. Certain body parts, like my belly button, will be smellier than the rest of my body. And my dogs can smell that and might want to taste it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Even the cleanest person might forget about their belly button. Because of its crevices, it easily collects dirt and sweat, the\u00a0<\/span>belly button<\/span><\/a>\u00a0has been found to host 67 different kinds of bacteria. If not cleaned properly regularly, the belly button has the potential to smell bad or in extreme cases develop yeast infections.<\/span><\/p>\n

It is no secret that dogs like to get into some\u00a0<\/span>pretty gross things<\/span><\/a>, so it is not too surprising that your dog likes to lick your belly button, especially after a stinky day. If you have not had a chance to take your shower and clean off, they are attracted to the smell of it and like the taste.<\/span><\/p>\n

Alternatively, if your dog likes to lick your belly button\u00a0<\/span>after the shower<\/span><\/a>, they might enjoy tasting and smelling the\u00a0<\/span>lotion<\/span><\/a>\u00a0or soap you use.<\/span><\/p>\n

Reason 2. Your Dog Is Being Affectionate<\/span><\/h3>\n

While it might seem gross that your dog licks your belly button for affection, there is a good reason for it. Your belly button probably has a strong scent that reminds them of you. Licking is an affectionate behavior for dogs and they associate the smell of your belly button with you, therefore licking your navel is just a sign that they love you.<\/span><\/p>\n

It is sweet when<\/span>\u00a0your dog licks when you cuddle<\/span><\/a>, but might not be so endearing when they lick your belly button. Even though it is still out of affection, some dogs might be attracted to licking your belly button because of the strong smell. Soap, lotion, or sweat can deter a dog’s snout from a normal face lick to a belly button lick.<\/span><\/p>\n

Reason 3. Your Dog Is Grooming You<\/span><\/h3>\n

As we already stated, dogs learn to lick from their mother. Mother dogs start to groom their puppies as soon as they are born to start to clean off the afterbirth and to keep them clean as they learn to control their bodies.<\/span><\/p>\n

A good mama dog will be diligent about keeping her puppies clean and healthy, like the dog in the video below.<\/span><\/p>\n