As a caregiver, you may have noticed peculiar behavior in your dogs. One such behavior might be your dog licking the eyes of your other dog. This can be due to several reasons, which we’ll explore in this article.
Understanding Your Dogs’ Behavior
Dogs express their emotions and intentions through physical actions. Eye licking could be a sign of affection, submission, or an attempt to clean the other dog’s eyes.
- Affection: Dogs often lick each other as a sign of affection, similar to how humans show affection by hugging or kissing.
- Submission: A dog licking another dog’s eyes could also be a sign of submission. The dog is showing that it recognizes the other dog as superior or dominant.
- Cleaning: Dogs often groom each other to help keep each other clean. The dog could be trying to remove dirt or other irritants from the other dog’s eyes.
Health Implications of Eye Licking
While eye licking may seem harmless, it could lead to health issues. If the licked dog has an eye infection or conjunctivitis, the licking dog could contract the infection. Also, excessive licking could cause irritation or injury to the eyes.
Steps To Discourage Eye Licking
If you notice your dog excessively licking the other dog’s eyes, you may want to discourage this behavior. Here are a few steps to consider:
- Monitor their interaction closely.
- Distract the licking dog whenever it attempts to lick the other dog’s eyes.
- Reward the licking dog for stopping the behavior.
- Consult with a professional dog trainer or a vet if the behavior persists.
The Need To Consult Your Veterinarian
While occasional eye licking may not be a cause for concern, frequent or obsessive licking could indicate an underlying health issue. It’s crucial to consult your veterinarian if you notice any changes in your dog’s behavior or health.
| Signs that warrant a vet visit |
|---|
| Frequent eye licking |
| Redness or swelling in the eyes |
| Excessive tear production |
| Change in behavior |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can eye licking lead to infections?
A: Yes, if the licked dog has an infection, the licking dog could contract it.
Q: Is it normal for dogs to lick each other’s eyes?
A: Occasional eye licking can be a normal part of dogs’ social behavior, but frequent or obsessive licking isn’t.
Q: Should I stop my dog from licking the other dog’s eyes?
A: If the behavior is frequent or causing irritation to the other dog’s eyes, then you should discourage it.
Understanding your dogs and their behaviors can help you provide the best care for them. It’s always important to monitor any changes in their behavior and consult with a veterinarian if you have any concerns.
