Show affection
One of the most common reasons why dogs lick is to show affection. Dogs lick their owners, other dogs, and even themselves as a way of showing love and care.
Dogs also lick themselves to groom themselves. They lick their fur to remove dirt, debris, and parasites. They also lick their paws to clean them.
Dogs use their tongues to explore their surroundings. They lick new people, objects, and places to learn more about them.
Dogs sometimes lick themselves or their owners to soothe themselves. This is often done when they are feeling stressed or anxious.
Dogs may lick other dogs as a way of showing submission. This is especially common when one dog is much larger or stronger than the other
In some cases, dogs may lick other dogs as a way of asserting dominance. This is more common in male dogs.