If you’re a pet parent, you’ve probably noticed your pooch engaging in behaviors that are, well, less than refined by human standards. One such behavior is the act of male dogs licking each others’ privates. While it might make us cringe, it’s essential to understand that dogs operate by a different set of rules and instincts. This behavior, odd as it may seem, is part and parcel of their canine world. Let’s dive deeper into this intriguing topic.
- Understanding Canine Behavior
- Reasons Why Male Dogs Lick Each Other’s Privates
- Health Implications
- When Should You Be Concerned?
- How to Discourage This Behavior
- Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding Canine Behavior
Dogs, in general, use their mouths and tongues as a means of exploring their world. Licking is an integral part of their interaction, communication, and social bonding. From a human standpoint, these actions may seem strange or even inappropriate, but to a dog, it’s part of their instinctual behavior.
Reasons Why Male Dogs Lick Each Other’s Privates
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Social Bonding: Dogs have a different sense of personal space and social norms than humans do. In the wild, dogs lick each other as a way of bonding and reinforcing social structures.
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Health Check: Dogs have an incredible sense of smell. This ability allows them to detect changes in their pack-mates’ health. By licking the genitals of another dog, they can tell if their buddy has a urinary tract infection, for instance.
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Dominance: Dogs are pack animals, and they establish hierarchy within their pack. Licking can be a sign of submission. A dog may lick another dog’s genitals to show that they recognize the other as dominant.
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Curiosity: Dogs are curious creatures. They might just be investigating, especially if it’s a new or unfamiliar dog.
This link provides further insight into why dogs lick each other.
Health Implications
While licking is a typical dog behavior, it’s important to monitor this activity as it can lead to health issues. Regular licking can cause skin irritation and infections. Moreover, if the licked dog has a disease or infection, it can spread to the licker.
When Should You Be Concerned?
Most of the time, this behavior is harmless. However, if it becomes excessive, it could indicate a problem. If the licked dog seems distressed, or the licking dog is overly persistent, it might be a good idea to consult a vet or a professional dog behaviorist.
How to Discourage This Behavior
If you’re uncomfortable with your dog’s licking behavior, there are ways to discourage it:
- Distraction: When you see your dog engaging in this behavior, distract them with a toy or a treat.
- Training: Teach your dog the ‘leave it’ command. This can be a useful tool to redirect their attention.
- Consult a Professional: If the behavior is persistent, consider consulting a professional dog trainer or a behaviorist.
This link might be useful in teaching your dog the ‘leave it’ command.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it normal for dogs to lick each other’s privates?
Yes, it is a common behavior among dogs. However, excessive licking can indicate a problem.
2. Can this behavior lead to health problems?
Yes, excessive licking can cause skin irritation and infections. It can also lead to the spread of infectious diseases.
3. How can I discourage my dog from this behavior?
You can use distraction, training, or professional help to discourage this behavior.
In closing, it’s essential to remember that dogs are not humans. They have their own set of social norms and behaviors. As pet parents, it’s our job to understand and respect these. For further reading on dog behaviors, you might find these articles from OneTopDog helpful:
