Theyd also do this when theyre scared. This means they can smellhear the insects and lick the ears to clean them.
Sometimes it can also be because theyre stressed.
Is it okay for dogs to lick each others ears. When dogs lick other dogs ears it doesnt always mean that theyre grooming them. Sometimes it can also be because theyre stressed. Theyd also do this when theyre scared.
By licking other dogs ears theyd appear less threatening. You see licking releases the endorphin hormones. And this feel-good hormone gives them a sense of calmness when they get anxious.
A dog licking another dogs ears is basically the only chance theyve got of having a freshen up in that area. In some ways similar to when monkeys perform a communal and reciprocal picking through of their fur to remove dirt and parasites dogs lick each others ears as a grooming favor. Youd help your friend out in the same way wouldnt you.
And when a dog licks another dogs ears it creates moisture within it. This moisture creates the perfect environment for bacteria and yeast to flourish and could set the victim dog up for infection. On the opposite end of the spectrum obsessive licking could also be a sign of infection.
In most cases dogs licking each others ears is a healthy and natural behavior that should not ring any alarms. Sometimes however licking can indicate an underlying medical issue be it with the dog being licked or the one doing the licking. Bacterial or fungal infections like a yeast infection can cause a dog to scratch at her own ears.
It is common for humans to have nervous tics and the same is the case with dogs. To soothe themselves one of the most common things that dogs do is to lick. They may lick their paws and even the ears of their pooch friends.
Licking is very soothing for them. If your pooch is stressed or anxious they may start licking the ear of another dog. To fix this issue you simply need to redirect.
It is perfectly normal for a dog to lick another ones ears. There are at least several reasons for this behavior most of which are no reason to be concerned. Just make sure that you are aware that your dog could have an ear infection if it is getting its ears licked.
Dogs licking each others earsWhen cohabitating in packswhether in the wild or at home with additional petsdogs will in most cases lick each other as an act of affection. Sometimes dogs will lick one another as a way to say hello or even as an act of submission toward a more dominant canine. Additionally dogs sometimes lick becauseand this is not the most adorable answerears taste good.
AdvertisementWhen to be concernedIn most cases dogs licking each others ears. Why does my dog lick other dogs ears. Apart from face and eye-licking a pet owner might see a dog licking another dogs ears.
This could be either the top of the ears or inside the years. Ear-licking is one of the most prominent ways dogs can show affection to other dogs. Ear-licking means that a dog really cares about another dog.
Usually its seen in dogs that have grown up together or dogs who have become pair-bonded. Its a little like a dog. Dogs are pack animals and like most pack animals grooming is a way they bond with each other.
In the wild dogs ears attract various insects because of the dark warm and moist environment. Dogs also have a powerful sense of smell and hearing much stronger than that of humans. This means they can smellhear the insects and lick the ears to clean them.
Its like a you scratch my back I scratch your. When a dog licks another dogs ears it may be simply an act of grooming. Two dogs who live side by side and consider each other part of one pack will feel comfortable grooming each other.
Since a dog cannot lick his own ears to clean them another in his pack will do so. While ear-licking might stave off ear mites getting licked too much by an over enthusiastic grooming partner might cause irritation. Theyll lickpractically anything including the ear cavities of other pups.
Why Its an Unhealthy Habit According to Dr. Amy Pike DVM of Veterinary Behavior Consultations in St. Louis Mo both dogs could potentially be at risk.
Other dogs are attracted to the change in smell and probably taste of the discharge in an ear when there is an infection present. A sudden interest in another pets ears may indicate there is a problem in the ear canal. Dogs depend on their mouths to experience the world and ear licking is one way of exploring.
If the behavior is excessive though you do need to be careful. I can tell you that almost every time when I have seen a two dog household where one dog wants to lick the other dogs ears obsessively it is because there is some type of medical issue with the other dogs ears. Usually the problem is some type of infection as opposed to ear mites.
As a rule pugs get along very well with other dogs. When dogs feel comfortable in a group they try to make the other dogs feel just as relaxed by engaging in a grooming session. Since dogs cant lick their own ears theyll lick the ears of their companions instead.
Theres another simpler reason for excessive ear-licking. Your pug simply likes the taste of whatever hes finding in the. It can also stimulate them to lick the ears of the other animal in the same way that your dog will want to lick their own wounds.
For something thats oftentimes relegated to a simple behavioral quirk there are countless reasons you dog may want to lick your ears. Usually though ear licking is simply that. Ear licking is a common behavior in dogs.
According to James Glover DVM there is nothing detrimental about this behavior unless it is a question of sanitation. During introductions some dogs take the initiative to lick the other dogs eyes ears and face as a sign of respect and deference. Dogs can sense the aura of other dogs and can easily assess whether their new friend is a leader or not.