Understanding why do dogs slow lick when you pet them: Is it affection or something else entirely?

Alright, let's talk about this slow lick thing dogs do when you pet them. I've definitely seen it. My dog, Rusty – he's gone now, bless his heart – he used to do that sometimes.

I remember I'd be sitting on the old couch, maybe after a long day dealing with nonsense at my old job. You know the kind, where everyone's running around like headless chickens but nothing actually gets done? Yeah, one of those days. So, I'd finally get home, kick off my boots, and just slump onto the couch. Rusty would usually hop up next to me.

I'd start petting him, usually scratching behind his ears or along his back. Just absent-minded petting, trying to unwind. And sometimes, he'd just turn his head slowly and give my hand this long, slow lick. Not like the excited, slobbery kisses, but real gentle like.

My Take on It

Honestly? Back then, I didn't think too hard about the why. It just felt... nice. Comforting, you know? Like he was saying "Yeah, I get it. Rough day." It was just a quiet moment between us.

I tried looking it up once, ages ago. Found all sorts of stuff:

• Some say it's affection, like grooming their pack leader (that's supposed to be me, I guess).
• Others reckon it's a sign of submission or appeasement.
• Could even be they just like the salty taste of your skin, who knows.

But for me, with Rusty, it always felt like a connection thing. Like he was relaxed, felt safe, and was just returning the gentle vibe I was giving him with the petting. It wasn't frantic, wasn't needy. Just... calm.

I remember this one particular evening, I'd had a real stinker of a day. Some project went sideways, boss was breathing down my neck. Came home feeling lower than a snake's belly. Sat down, Rusty came over, I started petting him, and he did that slow lick. Just once. Honestly, it kinda snapped me out of my funk for a second. Felt like this little creature understood more than most people.

So yeah, maybe it's instinct, maybe it's learned, maybe they just like salt. But my gut feeling, just from watching my own dog? It's them being content and showing it in their own quiet way when they feel safe and connected during petting. That's my two cents on it, anyway, based on what I saw.