Why Do Dogs Lick Diabetics? Understanding the Behavior
Dogs have long been known for their extraordinary sense of smell and intuitive connection with humans. One intriguing behavior some dog owners, especially those with diabetes, may notice is that their pets tend to lick them more frequently than others. This behavior raises the question: why do dogs lick diabetics?
The Power of a Dog’s Nose
It is well-established that dogs possess an exceptional olfactory system, with up to 300 million smell receptors in their noses compared to about 5 million in humans. This powerful sense allows dogs to detect subtle changes in human scent, which can be linked to emotional states, health conditions, or metabolic changes – such as those seen in diabetes.
Reasons Dogs May Lick Diabetics
The behavior of licking in dogs is not random. It's a form of communication and response to environmental cues. Below are multiple reasons why dogs may be inclined to lick diabetics in particular:
- Detection of Blood Sugar Changes: Dogs can be trained (or even naturally inclined) to detect fluctuations in blood sugar through scent. When the blood glucose level of a diabetic person becomes too high or too low, dogs may notice a change in body odor or sweat composition and respond with licking.
- Sensing Pheromones and Body Chemistry: Dogs are able to detect hormones and bodily chemicals that change when a person's blood sugar fluctuates. The scent cues may prompt licking behavior as a form of alerting or comfort.
- Salty Taste of Sweat: Diabetics, especially during episodes of hypoglycemia, may sweat more intensively. This sweat has a salty taste appealing to dogs, which may motivate licking behavior focused on hands, feet, or face.
- Affection and Bonding Behavior: Licking is often a sign of affection and can serve to bond dogs with their humans. A diabetic person experiencing distress or illness may unknowingly reinforce this behavior when their dog licks them during such times.
- Response to Routine or Reinforcement: Dogs may learn that licking elicits a certain response, such as attention or reassurance. If this behavior occurs regularly when their human feels unwell, it may become reinforced.
Medical Alert Dogs and Diabetes
In some cases, dogs are professionally trained as Diabetic Alert Dogs (DADs) to detect hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. These dogs are taught to alert their owners by licking, pawing, or nudging when their blood sugar levels move out of range. While not all dogs have this training, many exhibit spontaneous responses due to their heightened sensory ability.
When Is Licking a Concern?
While occasional licking is natural, excessive or compulsive licking may indicate:
- Anxiety or Stress: Dogs self-soothe through licking and may develop this behavior in response to household stress or owner illness.
- Attention-Seeking: Dogs quickly learn behaviors that result in interaction, whether positive or negative. Licking may be their way of maintaining connection with their owner.
- Medical Issues: Persistent or obsessive licking in dogs could also signal an underlying condition such as an allergy, irritation, or emotional disorder.
How to Respond
If a diabetic notices that their dog is licking them more frequently, it is worthwhile to monitor whether this behavior coincides with changes in blood sugar levels. Steps to take include:
- Track Blood Glucose: Keep a log of licking events and compare it to blood glucose readings.
- Speak with a Veterinarian: If the licking increases or appears obsessive, consult a vet to rule out medical or behavioral concerns.
- Seek Dog Training: Consider training your dog as a diabetic alert dog if the behavior is consistent and accurate.
- Distract and Redirect: If the behavior becomes disruptive, offer distraction toys, chews, or reinforce alternative behaviors with praise or treats.
Conclusion
Dogs may lick diabetics as a response to their strong sense of smell and ability to perceive changes in body chemistry. While it may be an instinctive act of concern or affection, it can also be a beneficial alerting behavior in some circumstances. Diabetic individuals who notice this pattern may gain valuable health insights from their dog's nose and behavior. However, attention should be paid if licking becomes excessive or appears indicative of a health issue in the dog itself.
