Your dog likely licks your legs after you apply lotion due to its unusual smell and texture, a natural curiosity about the strange taste, or an instinct to "clean" you.
The Allure of Lotion for Your Canine Companion
Dogs perceive the world primarily through their senses of smell and touch, and lotion presents a unique sensory experience for them. It stands out from the natural scents and textures they are accustomed to.
A Sensory Experience
- Unusual Scent: Lotions often contain a variety of fragrances, from fruity and floral to musky and clean. These artificial scents are very different from the natural body odors of humans and animals, making them highly intriguing and unusual for a dog's sensitive nose. Their keen sense of smell draws them in to investigate.
- Novel Texture: The slick, creamy, or oily feel of lotion on your skin is a distinct texture. Dogs explore new objects and sensations with their mouths, so licking is a natural way for them to understand this new coating on your legs.
Why Your Dog Licks It Off
Beyond the initial attraction, there are a few primary reasons your dog might actively try to lick the lotion off your skin.
Taste Curiosity
Even if the lotion doesn't taste good, the mere strangeness of the taste can prompt continued licking. Dogs are often driven by curiosity, and they might be attempting to fully identify or understand what this new substance is by tasting it. The unusualness of the flavor is enough to hold their attention.
Instinctive "Cleaning" Behavior
Dogs frequently engage in licking as a form of grooming and social bonding. They lick themselves to clean their fur, and they often lick other dogs or their human companions as a sign of affection or to help "clean" them. Your dog might perceive the lotion as something foreign or out of place on your skin that needs to be removed, acting on an innate cleaning impulse.
Is It Harmful? Understanding the Risks
While a small amount of most common lotions might not be immediately dangerous, it's important to be aware of potential risks. Human lotions are not formulated for canine consumption.
Many lotions contain chemicals, artificial fragrances, preservatives (like parabens), and emollients that are not meant to be ingested. Ingesting larger quantities or lotions with specific ingredients can lead to adverse effects.
| Ingredient Type | Potential Concern (if ingested by dogs) |
|---|---|
| Zinc Oxide | Can cause gastrointestinal upset, and in larger amounts, red blood cell damage. |
| Salicylates | Aspirin-like compounds; can be toxic, causing gastrointestinal irritation or more severe issues. |
| Mineral Oil/Petroleum Jelly | Can cause diarrhea if ingested in large amounts. |
| Propylene Glycol | Found in some lotions; generally low toxicity but can cause mild upset. |
| Artificial Fragrances/Dyes | Can cause stomach upset or skin irritation; some chemicals are not digestible. |
What You Can Do
To minimize your dog's lotion licking and ensure their safety, consider these steps:
- Distract Them: Immediately after applying lotion, offer your dog a favorite toy, engage them in a game, or take them for a short walk until the lotion has fully absorbed into your skin.
- Cover Up: If possible, wear long pants or socks after applying lotion to your legs. This creates a physical barrier that prevents your dog from accessing the treated skin.
- Opt for Unscented Lotions: If your dog's attraction seems primarily scent-driven, choosing unscented or lightly scented lotions might make them less appealing.
- Keep Lotion Out of Reach: Always store all human health and beauty products in secure cabinets or drawers where your dog cannot access them.
- Consult Your Vet: If your dog ingests a significant amount of lotion or displays any signs of illness (vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, unusual behavior), contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately. Provide them with the lotion's ingredient list if possible.
