Wait… Why Is My Dog Licking Another Dog’s Ear?

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You look over on the canine park and, yep, your pup is tongue-deep in one other canine’s ear. Gross? Candy? Just a little of each.

However right here’s the factor: this bizarre little behavior truly means greater than you assume. Some causes are cute, others are downright regarding — and figuring out the distinction issues.

So why do canine lick one another’s ears? Let’s discover out.

Why Do Canine Lick Every Different’s Ears? 7 Widespread Causes

Canine hardly ever do one thing with no cause. Ear-licking is definitely a multi-purpose habits that may reveal so much about their emotional state, social bonds, and even their well being. Under, we’ll discover the commonest explanations — some cute, some a bit of gross, and some you’ll need to watch carefully.

1. Pet Love In Motion: Displaying Affection

Consider ear-licking as your canine’s manner of writing a love notice — solely messier. Canine use licking to bond with their people, their puppies, and one another. It’s a tactile manner of claiming: “You’re a part of my pack.”

Puppies usually lick their moms and littermates as a consolation sign. That intuition doesn’t absolutely disappear after they develop up.

Grownup canine might carry the habits into friendships with their housemates or playgroup buddies. A fast lick on the ear can reinforce belief and closeness.

You would possibly even discover your canine alternates between grooming you (face licks) and their canine pal (ear licks). Of their world, it’s all a part of displaying love.

2. Secret Canine Code: Social Communication

Canine don’t depend on phrases — they depend on physique language, scent, and contact. Ear licking could be a delicate manner of sending social alerts, whether or not that’s “I respect you,” “Let’s be pals,” and even “Don’t chew me, I are available peace.”

In pack dynamics, subordinate canine might lick extra dominant ones to indicate submission. The ear is a “secure zone” in comparison with licking the muzzle, which might be seen as extra confrontational.

Amongst equals, ear licking can sign play readiness or reinforce their friendship bond.

Evolutionary context: Wolves and wild canids lick packmates to cut back stress and strengthen unity — home canine inherited this trait.

So while you catch your canine mid-ear-lick, they may be holding a full-on dialog with out making a sound. Learn our information on how canine talk with one another to be taught extra.

3. Canine Spa Day: Grooming & Hygiene

Typically, ear licking is simply your canine taking part in esthetician. Canine are naturally inclined to groom each other (and also you), and ears are a kind of tough spots a pup can’t simply attain themselves.

A delicate lick may help take away grime, earwax, or particles — virtually like brushing a pal’s hair.

Grooming isn’t nearly cleanliness; it’s additionally about reinforcing social bonds. Research on social grooming in animals present it lowers stress and cements friendships.

You would possibly discover one canine in a multi-pet family takes on the “cleaner” function, repeatedly tending to their buddy’s ears.

4. Bowing Down: Respect & Submission

Not each ear lick is affectionate — typically, it’s political. Within the canine world, hierarchy issues, and licking could be a manner of acknowledging rank.

Submissive canine might lick a dominant canine’s ears to indicate deference, very similar to decreasing their physique or tucking their tail.

This habits is deeply rooted in canine ancestry. Wolf pups, for example, lick adults’ faces and ears to sign starvation or respect.

A timid canine can also lick ears as a peace providing, primarily saying: “I’m no menace — please don’t tough me up.”

It would look foolish to us, however to canine, ear licking is a part of the social contract. Understanding it could actually assist you to learn dynamics in multi-dog households or on the park.

5. The Gross Fact: Earwax Smells & Tastes Attention-grabbing

That is the half most canine mother and father grimace at: canine might lick ears just because earwax tastes and smells… fascinating.

Earwax incorporates fatty acids, ldl cholesterol, and salt — all issues canine’ style buds and scent receptors discover stimulating.

A canine’s sense of scent is as much as 100,000 occasions stronger than ours, so what’s “barely noticeable” to you is a five-course meal of their world.

For some pups, the enchantment turns into a unusual behavior. They aren’t being “gross” — they’re simply following their senses.

After all, letting your canine snack on earwax isn’t precisely excellent for hygiene or well being. However the occasional lick? Completely regular.

Quick Reality: Canine have about 1,700 style buds in comparison with people’ 9,000, however their sense of scent is as much as 100,000 occasions stronger. So your canine smells far more “happening” in an ear than you ever may.

6. Stress Aid For The Licker

Not each ear-licking episode is concerning the canine being licked — typically it’s concerning the canine doing the licking.

Repetitive licking can act like a consolation blanket, serving to canine address stress or boredom.

For anxious canine, ear licking could also be a displacement habits — as an alternative of pacing or chewing furnishings, they channel that power into grooming a buddy.

You would possibly see this extra throughout demanding occasions like thunderstorms, fireworks, or when routines change.

The catch: when licking shifts from occasional to obsessive, it’s time to intervene. Compulsive licking isn’t wholesome for both canine and will sign underlying nervousness points.

7. Canine Physician Mode: Detecting Sickness Or An infection

Right here’s the place ear-licking will get actually fascinating: typically, your canine is taking part in beginner veterinarian. Canine’ noses can detect delicate modifications in scent attributable to yeast, micro organism, or irritation. Which means they may zero in on one other pup’s ear if one thing’s off.

So in case your pup immediately fixates on licking one other canine’s ears (or their very own), take it critically. It may be affection — nevertheless it may be their manner of claiming, “One thing’s not proper in right here.”

Do you know? Canine have been skilled to detect sicknesses like most cancers, diabetes, and even COVID-19. Research present they’ll scent tiny chemical modifications within the physique that people would by no means discover.

A Vet’s Private Expertise

Canine have a eager sense of scent and should decide up on issues like infections earlier than we discover them. I’ve actually seen a few instances in observe, the place one pet has taken extra curiosity than ordinary in one other pet’s ears.

Examination of the ear canal with an otoscope revealed an ear an infection, which we have been then capable of deal with. One German Shepherd I noticed in observe was immediately being licked excessively by the opposite household canine, however had proven no indicators of head shaking or scratching but.

He didn’t appear to thoughts being licked, nevertheless it was uncommon behaviour between the 2 of them. On examination, we discovered an ear an infection brewing in his proper ear canal, which we have been capable of deal with efficiently, so it’s all the time price getting your pet checked over if there are any modifications of their behaviour.  

– Dr. Rebecca MacMillan, BVetMed BSAVA PGCertSAM MRCVS

Breed Tendencies: Who’s The Greatest Licker?

Some canine are merely extra more likely to get their slobber on.

Retrievers & Spaniels: Social and affectionate, these canine are prime contenders for “family ear cleaners.”

Herding Breeds: Border Collies and Aussies might lick as a part of their “caretaker” instincts.

Toy Breeds: Chihuahuas and Yorkies usually latch onto one buddy and present devotion with licks.

Impartial Breeds: Chow Chows, Shibas, and Basenjis? They’d slightly maintain their dignity intact.

In case you’ve received a “licky breed,” don’t be shocked if ear licking is simply a part of the bundle.

What About When Your Canine Licks Your Ears?

In case your pup skips their doggy pals and goes straight in your ears, you’re not alone. Many canine fortunately prolong their ear-licking behavior to their favourite people. Why?

Affection: Similar to with different canine, it’s usually their manner of claiming, “You’re a part of my pack.”

Style & Scent: Earwax has salty compounds canine discover interesting — sure, gross to us, gourmand to them.

Consideration-In search of: Some pups rapidly be taught that ear-licking will get an enormous (and humorous) response from their people, in order that they repeat it.

Consolation: The act of licking is soothing, whether or not aimed toward one other canine or your unsuspecting earlobe.

Must you permit it? An occasional lick received’t damage you, however ears are delicate and may harbor micro organism. If it’s fixed, redirect with a toy or cuddle session as an alternative.

Is It Protected When Canine Lick Every Different’s Ears?

The brief reply: typically sure, typically no. Occasional ear licks are often innocent — consider it as canine small speak. But when it turns into fixed, or if one canine clearly dislikes it, that’s when it’s best to step in.

Regular: A couple of licks throughout play or cuddle time.

Regarding: Persistent licking that leaves ears moist, irritated, or smelly.

Pink flag: One canine yelps, pulls away, or develops redness/discharge within the ear.

“Until the licking habits is extreme, it’s unlikely to trigger an actual downside,” shares Dr. MacMillan. “A canine’s tongue can’t attain far sufficient down the slim opening of the ear canal. Nonetheless, repetitive licking might moisten and irritate the doorway to the ear canal and exterior pores and skin, plus it may actually annoy the canine being licked.”

Backside line? In case your canine licks their buddy’s ears each every now and then, it’s no massive deal. If it turns right into a full-time job, you’ve received an issue brewing.

Potential Dangers Of Canine Licking Every Different’s Ears

Although it seems innocent (and even candy), an excessive amount of ear-licking could cause hassle. Right here’s what to be careful for:

Ear Infections: Moisture left behind creates the proper setting for yeast and micro organism. Floppy-eared breeds are particularly weak.

Unfold of Parasites: Ear mites, although extra widespread in cats, can unfold between canine via shut contact.

Pores and skin Irritation or Harm: Fixed licking could cause uncooked spots, sores, and even hematomas if the opposite canine scratches excessively.

Bolstered Behavior: The extra canine lick, the extra they could need to lick — turning a once-cute quirk right into a compulsive habits.

Veterinarian Recommendation

In case your canine have by no means licked one another’s ears earlier than, otherwise you discover a sudden marked improve in habits, this might be a clue that there’s an underlying subject that will want investigation.

If the canine being licked has a rise in earwax, reddening of the pores and skin across the entrance to the ear canal, or a rise in odor from that ear, it may point out an an infection. An infection could cause different household pets to pay extra consideration than regular to their ears.

Canine with ear infections can also scratch at their ears, dangle their heads on one facet, or shake their heads excessively. These are all indicators that it’s best to take your canine in for a check-up.

– Dr. Rebecca MacMillan

Human Reactions: Ought to You Step In Or Let It Occur?

Let’s be trustworthy: watching your canine go to city on one other pup’s ear can spark two reactions — aww, that’s candy, or eww, please cease. Each are legitimate.

When it’s okay to let it slide: A fast lick right here and there, particularly if each canine appear snug. It’s no totally different than canine sniffing one another as a part of social bonding.

When to step in: If it will get obsessive, leaves ears moist, or the opposite canine is clearly aggravated. Ear infections aren’t any joke, and never each pup appreciates getting used as a canine Q-tip.

Discovering steadiness: You don’t must hover over your canine 24/7, nevertheless it’s sensible to oversee and gently redirect when issues get a bit of too enthusiastic.

Consider it this manner: an occasional ear lick is like your pal stealing one French fry. Wonderful. But when they end half the basket, you’re going to say one thing.

Canine Park Drama: When Ear Licking Will get Awkward

Ear-licking isn’t simply an at-home quirk — it could actually trigger some severe side-eye on the canine park.

Different canine might not adore it. What your pup sees as affection, one other canine might even see as annoying or intrusive.

House owners get embarrassed. Not everybody desires their pooch used as a strolling ear-cleaner (particularly if their canine has an ear an infection brewing).

Potential for battle. Persistent licking can escalate into growls or snaps if boundaries aren’t revered.

Canine park etiquette tip: In case your pup is an enthusiastic ear-licker, supervise carefully. Redirect with a toy or recall command earlier than issues get awkward. It’s higher to chortle it off than break up a spat.

How To Cease Canine From Licking Every Different’s Ears

In case your canine’s occasional ear-licking has became a full-blown spa obsession, it’s time to step in. The aim isn’t to disgrace your pup — it’s to redirect the behavior earlier than it results in infections or compulsive habits. Right here’s a vet-approved recreation plan:

1. Interrupt & Redirect

Don’t simply yell “cease!” — give your canine one thing higher to do.

The aim is to interchange the licking with a extra rewarding exercise.

Use a peaceful “depart it” or “uh-uh” command while you catch them mid-lick.

Instantly provide a chew toy, puzzle, or a fast play session.

2. Strengthen Coaching Cues

Constant instructions can stop ear-licking from even beginning.

Reinforce fundamental instructions like “depart it” and “come” with treats and reward.

Quick, frequent coaching classes assist canine perceive what habits you need.

In case you dwell with a number of canine, observe cues in group settings in order that they translate to actual life.

3. Scale back Stress & Boredom

Many canine lick out of tension or sheer boredom. Repair the basis trigger and also you’ll see much less slobber.

4. Maintain Ears Clear & Wholesome

The much less “fascinating” the ears scent, the much less tempting they’re to lick.

Clear your canine’s ears frequently with a vet-recommended resolution.

Floppy-eared breeds might have extra frequent cleanings.

Skip cotton swabs — they push particles deeper and threat harm.

5. Name In Reinforcements When Wanted

Typically, licking isn’t only a behavior — it’s a symptom.

If licking is obsessive or paired with indicators of an infection, it’s time for a vet test.

In uncommon instances, a veterinary behaviorist could also be wanted for compulsive licking problems.

Don’t wait till ears are crimson and smelly — prevention saves each cash and your canine’s consolation.

Ceaselessly Requested Questions

Pup homeowners have a whole lot of questions on canine ear licking. In case you don’t see yours right here, ask us in our feedback and we’ll do our greatest to reply you.

Why Does My Canine Solely Lick One Particular Canine’s Ears?

Canine usually decide a “favourite.” It might be an indication of a stronger bond with that canine, or they could be detecting a delicate ear an infection or odor solely they’ll scent. If the licking is obsessive, have each canine checked by your vet.

Is Ear Licking Extra Widespread In Puppies Or Grownup Canine?

Puppies lick extra general — it’s how they discover and talk. As canine mature, some develop out of the habits, whereas others maintain it as a unusual grownup behavior. Ear licking in adults is extra about bonding or social signaling.

Can Ear Licking Unfold Ear Mites?

Sure. Whereas ear mites are extra widespread in cats, they’ll unfold between canine via shut contact. In case your canine is licking and scratching excessively, otherwise you see darkish discharge within the ear, schedule a vet test.

Ought to I Clear My Canine’s Ears Extra Typically To Forestall Licking?

Common cleanings assist, however don’t overdo it. An excessive amount of cleansing can irritate the ear canal. Goal for as soon as a month, or extra usually in case your vet recommends it — particularly for floppy-eared breeds.

Why Do Some Canine Hate Being Licked?

Similar to folks, some canine merely don’t get pleasure from close-contact grooming. A canine that growls, stiffens, or pulls away when one other canine licks their ears is saying “again off.” Respect their boundaries to keep away from fights.

Can Ear Licking Be A Signal Of Love, Like Kissing?

In lots of instances, sure. Ear licking is commonly affectionate — canine don’t assume it’s gross the way in which people do. However bear in mind, love and well being checks usually overlap within the canine world. If it will get extreme, love can rapidly flip into ear infections.

Different Bizarre (However Regular) Canine Licking Quirks

Ear licking isn’t the one slobbery quirk our pups have. Interested by what all that licking actually means? Try these guides subsequent:

Your canine’s licking habits may be grosser than you’d like — however they virtually all the time have a narrative behind them.

Does your canine have a unusual ear-licking ritual — or are they the one who places up with it? Share your story within the feedback beneath. We love listening to your pup’s weirdest habits.