24
Aug
This behaviour has roots back when dogs lived in packs. Dogs have instincts that let them know when another dog is healthy or not and they may use licking the ears as a way to try to help with this.
Dogs frequently lick the faces of other canines that they perceive to be stronger than they are but also higher on the totem pole socially.
Why do dog lick each others ears. Dogs lick other dogs ears for reasons such as its a form of greeting liking earwax being submissive grooming showing affection or having a compulsive disorder. It could also be that theyre being anxious bonding with the others or the other dog has an ear infection. Remember one of the reasons dogs lick each others ears is because licking is soothing for them.
Sure they can lick their paw or legs to get the same soothing effect but theyve developed a habit of licking the ears of your other dog. When a dog develops a habit its hard to break it. In some cases a dog may lick the ear of another dog because they suspect there is some kind of infection present.
Dogs have instincts that let them know when another dog is healthy or not and they may use licking the ears as a way to try to help with this. Dogs can get several types of. Among the most common reasons behind dog licking the ears of one another is that they are simply grooming each other.
You will usually notice this when more than one dog lives together. They are just taking care of one another. 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. Dog lick ears because of instinct greeting other dogs grooming submission infection acceptance and love of ear wax. Deeper discussion below Watch the Video or Continue Reading.
During a pack gathering dogs would set up their presence among their buddies and let the others make out they were present by means of licking each others ears. Dogs still are hereditarily in any case pack animals and so will almost certainly keep on to. Dogs licking each others ears.
When 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. Many of them stem from some evolutionary behavior or communication mechanism.
Others are just unique to the family dog. You may have noticed your pet licking the ears of another dog cat or even human in the household. This borderline gross behavior is not uncommon among dogs but most pet owners have to wonder why their dog is licking ears.
If one dog is obsessively licking another dogs ear it can lead to ear infection over time. The constant licking keeps the ear canal moist which makes it an easy breeding ground for bacteria. Its important to keep an eye on your dogs ear if another dog is obsessively licking it.
One of the most common reasons that dogs lick each others ears is because they are grooming each other. This tends to happen quite a bit with dogs that live in the same space. It is basically them taking care of a pack member.
The mutual licking ensures that both dogs needs are taken care of. Attraction to the smell and taste of earwax is another reason your dog favors licking your ear versus other parts of your body such as your face hands or feet. Some dogs have a sophisticated palate and might like the slightly bitter or salty taste of earwax.
Face-licking dogs are sending a messageWhen a dog licks the face of another the behavior probably can be traced to the puppy stage. Ear-licking generally is benign and often a gesture of affection even if it seems a but unsavory for us. 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. While our ears arent particularly difficult of an area to reach your dog may lick your ears as a way to thank you for all the ear scritches you bestow upon them. Submission and Respect In wolves dogs and other canid species grooming can be a sign of submissive respect.
Why Its an Unhealthy Habit. Amy Pike DVM of Veterinary Behavior Consultations in St. Louis Mo both dogs could potentially be at risk.
If the dog being licked has an ear infection and is being treated with topical medication it could cause the dog doing the licking to get an upset stomach due to ingestion of the medication says Dr. Pike although she adds that. So why does my dog lick my ears.
To some this behaviour is hilarious while others find it a bit gross. Regardless of your opinion on it it is typical behaviour for dogs. But have you ever asked your why dogs do this.
A show of affection is the most likely reason why your dog will lick your or someone elses ears. This behaviour has roots back when dogs lived in packs. Dogs frequently lick the faces of other canines that they perceive to be stronger than they are but also higher on the totem pole socially.
By licking another dog your pooch may be saying Im not trying to compete with you. I just want there to be peace between us.