28
May
Another reason why dogs would lick other dogs ears is that they like the taste of earwax. The second reason is that theyre grooming you.
It is but obvious that when you notice them doing something weird like licking another dogs ears this might be unsettling to you.
Why dogs like licking ears. Another reason why dogs would lick other dogs ears is that they like the taste of earwax. So dont stress too much when your poochs an ear-licker. Chances are theyre just beingdogs.
And dogs like weird and smelly stuff. Unless theyre doing it excessively Ill talk about this later on. There are two primary reasons your dog licks your ears.
The first and most common reason is that they like the taste. Sounds gross but some dogs love the taste of earwax. The second reason is that theyre grooming you.
Perhaps you have noticed two dogs seemingly relaxed licking each others ears. However in some instances one dog may develop an ear infection due to continual moisture in the ear. Amy Pike DVM of Veterinary Behavior Consultants in.
Humans and dogs alike can get ear infections. And if your dog is constantly licking your ears as well as the ears of other animals in the family these types of infections can be passed around. Additionally if one of your dogs is more inclined to lick the ears of another animal.
A dog licking the ear of another dog is a thing dogs do. It means a lot to them. Its their way of integrating into the pack or of passing on a social favor in the form of a bit of friendly grooming.
But just keep in mind although ear licking is instinctual it can evolve into something more and so you need to be keeping an eye on it. 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. Your Dog is Licking Ears Because Dogs Can Be Gross Sometimes however ear licking goes back to another innate dog behavior. Being a little bit disgusting sometimes.
Some dogs develop a penchant for the taste of ear wax. Who needs a peanut butter filled Kong when your kitty friend has an ear canal full of wax. It is but obvious that when you notice them doing something weird like licking another dogs ears this might be unsettling to you.
But this need not necessarily be a cause to worry. And now that you are aware of the various reasons why dogs lick ears you easily will be able to identify if it is normal or if a visit to a vet is required. Affection The most common reason a dog may lick their humans ears is as a sign of affection.
Back when dogs lived in packs in the wild they would lick the ears of their packmates to show that they accepted the other as a part of their pack. Ear Licking May Be A Sign Of Submissive Respect Some dogs may lick their pet parents ears because theyre being submissive. As mentioned earlier dogs might see their parents as the leader of their pack.
In order to properly communicate their respect a dog will lick ears or elsewhere. Dogs lick themselves in order to groom their hair but they cant reach places like their eyes ears and face. For this reason dogs lick each others faces to help each other.
The licking behavior is more likely if the other dog also licks your dogs eyes and your dog. Yeast infections which are primarily caused by an allergytend to begin either in a dogs ears or in their paws. If you notice this type of licking in addition to other symptoms like sores redness or a slimy often smelly discharge have your dog checked out by the vet right away.
Licking another dogs face or a humans face is a normal social behavior. Licking can be an appeasement gesture that signals a dogs social deference. It can also be a signal to solicit food more social information a sign of affection or to solicit attention.
A dog licking faces or other body parts can also occur as part of grooming.