Skip to Content

Why Does a Dog Licks Another Dog’s Ear? [6 Valid Reasons]

Why Does a Dog Licks Another Dog’s Ear? [6 Valid Reasons]

Wondering, Why do dogs lick other dogs’ ears? Why Do Dogs Lick Each Other’s Ears? If your canine has been licking your other canine’s ears, you might be thinking about why and what you could do about it. This article will display to you some of the viable reasons and what you can do about them.

So, why do dogs lick other dogs’ ears? One of the most potential reasons why your canine licks your different canine’s ears is that your pooch is grooming the other canine. Other than this your canine may have an obsessive disorder, or it absolutely likes the taste.

There are certainly a number of viable reasons why your canine has been doing it and it is probably because of a mixture of reasons. However, there are various factors you may take into account when identifying the primary purpose and there are various things you may do about them.

6 reasons why dogs lick other dogs’ ears?

1) Canines like that taste

Many canines like the flavor of ear wax and other things that make their way right into a canine’s ear cback passage. Even better if there is a moderate infection, specifically yeast infection because this could simplest double the grossness and 4x the appeal.

But what’s so attractive about ear wax and pungent smells?

First, there is the component of salt and most physical secretions are at least a bit salty. Salt is a massive deal and not only can canines taste salt but much like most residing creatures they also crave it.

Many studies have discovered that even bugs crave salt and it’s one of the most precious assets that an animal ought to find in the wild.

However, ear wax is not all about salt, and in step with a few particularly curious journalists, human ear wax tastes pretty sour.

While sour isn’t something that we would usually be interested in, its newness appears to be attractive for canines and it’s probably the mixture of natural tastes combined with dust and particles that creates the perfect ear cback passage treat.

As if all that was not gross enough, evidently canines are particularly interested in infected ears which could truly have a distinctive flavor, odor, or even texture.

Dogs with floppy ears are specifically liable to ear infections that may cause the release of pus. Yeast infections are also common in dog ears and might cause a few very unusual smells and plenty of parents suggest that they odor like Fritos.

2) Its a Formal Greeting behavior

In the dog world, it can be an extraordinary manner to lick ears as a sign of greeting.

Traditional behavior principles about canines advised that dominance was a crucial part of their regular life. This concept determined its way into conducting training too however has been debunked.

Ear licking while meeting a new canine could fall into the conventional category of submissive conduct. However, it might be better defined as appea$ement behavior or conduct that alerts friendliness and admiration to different canines.

Appea$ement behavior consists of things like avoiding eye contact, licking different canines’ eyes, lifting paws, displaying submissive smiles, and licking ears together with many different behaviors.

3) Part of the grooming process

Even though canines do not have the recognition for grooming that our kittens have, they nevertheless want to lick themselves to live clean. Cats have additionally mastered the sleek use of their paw to groom the whole body while canines just haven’t.

In that approach, they may use a bit of help in terms of cleaning their ears and a few canines are more than satisfied to help.

Of course, they will be more interested in the flavor of a few ear wax rather than a few forms of dog altruism. However, the end result is the same.

It’s additionally possible that the canine that’s getting its ears licked might be satisfied with the attention. Just as canines love a few human assistance with all of the hard-to-reach spots, many canines will enjoy the sensation of getting their ears licked.

Despite the opportunity of proper intentions, ear licking is much more likely to bring about infections rather than cleaner ears.

Bacteria and yeast develop in environments with a little moisture and the regular licking from some other canine can add the wanted moisture to grow an infection.

4) Out of curiosity or boredom

Boredom can lead to a few natural curiosity. Hence your pooch can start to lick a canine friend’s ear.

If there is any form of infection present, it will make the ear even more exciting and novel. I know it sounds gross but it is true.

However, when you consider the world through your canine’s eyes it does not appear so crazy. 

Your canine’s nose is so effective that it is going to be tough for them to simply forget about an unexpected change in odor that includes an infection or maybe extra moisture blending with ear wax.

Your fido will smell any change in your other dog companion’s ears and the natural next step is to lick.

5) Building bonds and companionship

Mum dogs lick their puppies as soon as they are born. This continues till the adolescent stage.

Additionally, dogs will lick their mother’s mouth if they want to request food. It’s a bit gross but it is natural in canines.

But the takeaway right here is that licking is one of the earliest positive experiences a canine could have and for maximum canines, it will likely be a signal of familiarity and closeness.

Of course, there is nothing unique about the ear with regards to bonding but a few fidos might also additionally decide to both construct the bond and experience the flavor and odor of the ear cback passage at the same time.

Licking that is associated with bonding will not simply be confined to the ears and consist of different parts of their dog partner as well.

6) Obsessive or compulsive licking

In rare cases, licking ears is a part of obsessive or compulsive licking behavior. Usually, canines lick themselves or other things but some dogs lick other dogs’ ears too.

It can be the new favorite location of your pooch because it contains ear wax that is appealing to dogs.

Canines that are continuously licking show other signs of obsessive habits like licking other things, circling around different objects, etc.

However, this condition is very rare. Still, if you feel your canine is facing this issue, it is better to consult a vet as soon as possible.

Should you get worried about your dog licking other dogs’ ears?

A bit of ear licking is absolutely normal dog behavior. A bit of extra ear licking is likewise normal for canines that stay along.

Also, mutual grooming is a common signal of companionship among the animal companion.

But there’s a factor while ear licking crosses a line and turns into too much.

When canines appear enthusiastic about licking ears then it will become a problem. Not only could it be a signal of a larger problem but if left unchecked the monstrous ear from licking could cause an ear infection. 

Ear licking makes the infections worse, but it additionally makes a canine ingest an extended list of various bacterias.

How To Stop Ear Licking Behavior? 3 Ways

1) Rule out the medical concerns

It’s a common exercise to search for any medical issues earlier than trying to address a behavior problem. 

After all, if canines are suffering from a clinical circumstance then no quantity of behavior training will assist and it’s no different here. Look for an ear infection or any other change to the ear of the canine.

You’ll additionally need to rule out compulsive or obsessive problems in the canine that is doing the licking. Your vet can assist with both.

2) Redirect this behavior

Once clinical worries are ruled out, you will need to offer your canine something else to do besides licking ears.

This is known as redirecting the conduct. It is like saying to your canine “You cannot do that, but you could do this.” Whatever you offer as an opportunity has to be comparable.

Ear licking may also be a signal of boredom and even a brand new toy can relieve it. You’ll additionally need to make certain your canine is getting the ideal quantity of workout and interactive play.

3) Teach the “No” or “Leave it” command

In many cases, simply trying to redirect the conduct could be sufficient to forestall the licking.

But to similarly implement the conduct you can educate your canine on the “Leave It” or “No” command. This will allow them to recognize that canine ears are off-limits.

This command is likewise extraordinarily beneficial in daily life. So it is really well worth coaching your doggy even if your pooch is not doing it.

Final words

In conclusion, I would say that one canine licks another ear as a sign of hello.

Mainly if the 2 canines were not together for some hours and the primary thing in the morning when they’re getting their first pets of the day.

There is no tunneling for wax even though we did have a canine that might lick everyone’s ear. The 2nd most common purpose is that the angry canine is getting an ear infection.

It constantly draws other pets, and they’ll try and lick it, so as to make the circumstance worse. 

I hope you liked the article. Stay connected for more such interesting pieces of writing. Thank you.

Frequently asked question