Understanding Your Dogs’ Behavior
You might have noticed your dogs licking each other frequently and wondered why they do it. The answer lies in the complex world of canine behavior. Dogs, like humans, use a variety of ways to communicate with each other and licking is one of them.
- Affection: Dogs often lick each other to show affection, just as humans might hug or kiss.
- Social Structure: Licking can also indicate social order. A dog licking another’s face often indicates that it accepts the other’s dominance.
- Grooming: Dogs lick each other for grooming purposes as well. They clean each other’s coats, reach spots that are hard to get to and help remove parasites.
Health Concerns related to Dogs Licking Each Other
While licking is a normal behavior, excessive licking can sometimes indicate health problems. If you notice your dogs licking each other excessively, it might be time to take a closer look.
- Skin Problems: Dogs may lick each other’s skin to soothe irritation or to clean a wound.
- Dental Issues: If a dog is licking another’s mouth excessively, it could be a sign of dental issues like tooth decay or gum disease.
- Stress and Anxiety: Excessive licking can also indicate stress or anxiety.
If you suspect any of these issues, it’s best to consult with a veterinarian.
Training Your Dogs to Stop Excessive Licking
Excessive licking not only can indicate health concerns, but it can also lead to issues like skin infections. Here are some steps you can take to curb this behavior:
- Provide Distractions: Engage your dogs in activities that keep them occupied.
- Use Commands: Train your dogs to respond to commands like “Stop” or “No lick”.
- Consult a Professional: If the problem persists, consider seeking help from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist.
How to React When Your Dogs Lick Each Other
It’s important to understand that while you might find your dogs’ licking behavior strange or even gross, it’s a normal part of their social interaction. However, you should monitor it to ensure it doesn’t become excessive or a sign of health issues.
| Do’s | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Observe the behavior | Don’t punish the dogs |
| Consult with a vet if necessary | Don’t ignore excessive licking |
| Encourage healthy behavior | Don’t encourage obsessive behavior |
Addressing Common Misconceptions
Many people believe that dogs only lick each other to establish dominance or submission. While it’s true in some instances, it’s also a sign of affection, grooming, and can also be a learned behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my dogs lick each other’s ears?
Dogs lick each other’s ears as a form of grooming or to show affection. However, excessive licking could indicate an ear infection.
Should I stop my dogs from licking each other?
Generally, it’s a normal behavior. But if it becomes excessive, it could lead to health problems, and it’s best to consult with a vet.
Why does my dog lick my other dog’s mouth?
This behavior can be a sign of submission or respect, or it could indicate dental issues in the other dog.
Is licking a sign of dominance in dogs?
Not always. While it can signify dominance in some cases, it’s more often a sign of affection, grooming, or submission.
