My nephew and his love for dogs

[Zoodos]

Hello all, I just wanted to share this lovely story and get your views on it. My nephew is 8 years old and has severe down syndrome and developmental delay. Anyway he loves dogs, and especially when dogs lick his face he just lights up and it really relaxes him. He loves when they lick his eyes forhead and lips. I've got a lot of criticism because I just used to let my labbie do it as I figure as long as he is having fun and not hurting anyone there's no problem. He used to sit with Cleo for hours and let her lick him.

I'm just interested, what would you do? Would any of your labbies be the same way? Looking forward to hearing your thoughts

[EGrant23]

My 8 month old lab loves licking faces! Children ask to pet him all the time and I just warn them and let them know they should expect a face full of kisses! I love it!

[Abulafia]

I wouldn't let my Lab lick any child's face unless she and I knew the child (and parents) well. That having been said, she loves to kiss faces, so if she knows the child (my son, for instance) well, and we know the child would react appropriately (calmly, not get freaked out in a way that could excite Hoku to something that might feel like a nip), I'll allow it.

Hoku has never nipped anyone since young puppyhood (as in, the teething period). But I'd be careful. Recently she was licking a little boy's hand, and the boy yelled "She BIT me!" Clearly she had not. And the father was right there, sighed, and said "NO. She did not bite you; she's licking you." But you want to be careful about both the dog and the child and any parental reaction.

In your case, it seems totally safe, as long as you trust your dog.

[Labradorks]

How does the child's parents feel about it? As long as they are comfortable, the dog and the kid are happy, then why not?

If this is a regular occurrence, I suppose you might want to think twice before feeding raw food and be a bit more vigilant about what your dog puts in his mouth (poop, for example). Assuming you trust your dog completely, these are the only real risks I can think of.

If others are around and don't like it (and you care) perhaps teach the dog a leave it command as well.

[Meeps83]

I think there's something about a dog (any dog) and elderly or people with special needs. My uncle has downs and every dog my parents or I have had absolutely loves him.

As as for the face licking, as long as his parents are ok with it and he is as well I don't see a problem with it. Hours on end is excessive...I might worry about rashes or dryness from the long wet exposure.

[arentspowell]

I do see some potential concerns. While my dogs do lick my face occasionally, they also lick their butts, each other's butts, and they eat deer poop outside. I would be mindful of what your dog sticks in its mouth and brush his teeth frequently.

Another concern, is that licking can become a compulsive behavior in dogs. The face, especially on a child, has delicate skin. If the dog gets fixated on a certain spot he can cause painful contact dermatitis on the kid's face. I would make sure to teach a "that's enough" command and not allow the dog to get carried away even if the kid likes it and wants it.

Also, the dog's saliva is what carriers dander allergens. I'm not allergic to my own dogs because I am exposed to them on a daily basis but I am allergic to dogs that I don't know. It doesn't happen with every dog I meet but I have gotten itchy swollen spots on my skin where I have been licked by a strange dog. Allergies can come and go at any time so if just be mindful of this.

[Snowshoe]

Who gave you criticism? Was it for licking your nephews face?

As others say, I do not allow licking of strangers, and Oban isn't a licker anyway. ONe little swipe as a kiss is ok but a full on face wash is disgusting and can be obsessive behaviour in a dog. Apart from over use and the possibility of spreading disease I think it sounds wonderful the little boy enjoys and responds to your dog. My little nephew is adept at avoiding the tongue swipe and we find that cute as well.

[POPTOP]

Archie is one who cannot hold his licker. He loves to lick me and if my face is in range, oh well. What I did do was teach him to lick me on the chin instead of a face wash. By tilting my head back just a little, my chin is presented to him and he is very happy with that. At first he was such a pest with wanting to lick my face but now, by presenting my chin, he will do two or three licks and back off, very happy and satisfied and stops on his own. This may be a way to keep you nephew from being licked in the mouth.

[Piper'sMom]

I'm gonna go in a completely different direction with this and say I think probably the sensation against his skin is what he loves the most and for a child dealing with what he is dealing with, I say go for it. His got an uphill battle on a daily basis and if this gives him joy I'd take it. Watch for rashes and all that of course but as long as there are no negative repurcussions (SP) let him be happy.

[CraftHer]

I think dog kisses are therapeutic. Mocha is a kisser and we have to tell him when is enough. We also warn strangers, if you get your face close to his, he will kiss you.