As a caregiver, you’ve probably observed this behavior and wondered about it. Well, don’t worry, this guide has all the answers you need.
Understanding Dog Behavior
First off, understand that dogs communicate and interact with the world differently than we do. While humans rely mostly on sight and speech, dogs use a range of senses, including taste and smell.
- Smell: Dogs’ noses are incredibly powerful. They can detect scents and pheromones that we can’t even comprehend.
- Taste: Dogs also use their mouths to explore their environment. This includes licking things (and other dogs!)
Dog to dog interaction often involves licking. It’s a social behavior, a way of bonding, communicating, and maintaining social order.
Reasons Behind Ear Licking
There are several reasons why a dog might lick another dog’s ears.
- Affection: Dogs often lick each other as a sign of affection, just like humans might hug or kiss.
- Health Check: Dogs lick each other’s ears to check for signs of illness or infection. This is a throwback to their wild ancestry, when dogs needed to keep their pack healthy to survive.
- Grooming: Dogs can’t use combs or brushes, so they use their tongues to groom each other. Ear licking is a part of this grooming ritual.
- Taste: Dogs may just like the taste of their friend’s ear wax!
| Reasons | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Affection | Sign of love and bonding |
| Health Check | Checking for illness or infection |
| Grooming | Keeping each other clean |
| Taste | Simply liking the taste of ear wax |
Health Concerns
While ear licking is generally harmless, constant, obsessive licking can be a sign that something isn’t right.
- Infections: If one dog is obsessively licking another’s ear, it could be because the ear is infected.
- Parasites: Another possibility is parasites. Dogs can sense these pests and may be trying to get rid of them.
- Anxiety: Sometimes, obsessive licking is a sign of anxiety or nervousness.
If you notice excessive ear licking, it’s a good idea to get your dog checked by a vet.
How To Stop Excessive Ear Licking
If the ear licking is becoming a problem, you can take steps to discourage it.
- Distraction: Distract the licker with toys or treats.
- Training: Teach your dog a “leave it” command. This can help with all kinds of unwanted behaviors, not just ear licking.
- Vet Visit: Consult with your vet if the behavior continues. They may be able to provide further advice or treatment options.
FAQ
Q: Why does my dog lick my other dog’s ears?
A: This can be a sign of affection, a health check, grooming, or they simply like the taste.
Q: Should I be worried if my dog is constantly licking another dog’s ears?
A: If the behavior is excessive, it’s worth checking in with your vet. It could be a sign of infection, parasites, or anxiety.
Q: How can I stop my dog from obsessively licking another dog’s ears?
A: Try distracting them with toys or treats, or train them to respond to a “leave it” command. If the behavior continues, consult with your vet.
