Understanding Why My Male Dog Licks My Female Dog's Ear

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Posted Oct 18, 2024

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Tabby Cat Licking Face
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It's not uncommon for dogs to lick each other's faces and ears, but why does your male dog specifically lick your female dog's ear? One reason is that dogs often lick each other's ears as a way of greeting or showing affection.

Dogs have scent glands in their tongues, and by licking their pack members' ears, they deposit their scent and create a sense of familiarity and comfort. This behavior is often seen in multi-dog households where dogs are used to being in close proximity to each other.

Male dogs, in particular, may be more inclined to lick their female pack members' ears due to their instinctual desire to care for and protect them. This behavior is rooted in their natural pack dynamics and social hierarchy.

Dog Comfort Licking

Dog comfort licking is a natural behavior that can be seen between littermates or between mother dogs and their puppies. It's a way mothers let their puppies know they're safe and secure.

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Puppies need assurance and approval from their mom, their pack leader. They show submission and respect to their mothers by licking them back in the mouth area.

If your dog is constantly jumping on you and attempting to aggressively lick your face, it could be because they want your acceptance and approval.

Petting under the chin and on the lips can help to raise the dog's head and build its confidence.

Canine Behavior and Grooming

Licking is a natural behavior for dogs, and it's not uncommon for them to lick each other's ears as a form of attention or affection. Some dogs just like to lick other dogs as a way to show love and connection.

Dogs have a strong sense of smell, and their excellent olfactory skills can be put to good use for sniffing out all sorts of things, including infection. If your dog suddenly becomes keen to lick your other dog's ear, it could mean that pup is suffering from an ear infection.

Excessive licking can trigger potential health complications, including infections. The dampness from a dog's tongue can foster a moist habitat in the ear, which can act as a fertile ground for bacteria and yeast.

Self-Soothing in Dogs

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Self-soothing in dogs is a common behavior that can manifest in various ways. Some dogs find licking to be a calming activity, which can lead to obsessive behavior.

Licking can be targeted towards a dog's own body, often resulting in raw and sore areas, especially on top of the paws. This can require a cone to prevent further irritation.

Some dogs take licking to the next level by obsessively licking another dog's face, which is not fair to the other dog and can damage their relationship. Intervening swiftly and resolutely is necessary in such cases.

Earwax is another common target for compulsive licking, with its briny flavor holding a certain allure for canines. This can trigger mutual ear grooming, which can become a routine behavior.

Grooming each other's ears serves a purpose beyond tidiness for canines, driven by their sensory curiosity and the irresistible charm of earwax.

Expand your knowledge: Dog Licking

Encouraging the Behavior

Some dogs lick other dogs as a form of attention or affection, a behavior they learned from their mother as puppies.

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Their instinct to lick is so strong that it can be addictive, similar to a human's relationship with chocolate. The more they smell it, the more they want it.

Dogs have an acute sense of smell, which they use to sniff out all sorts of things, from drugs to people buried in rubble.

If your dog is suddenly obsessed with licking another dog's ear, it could be a sign of an ear infection, so it's essential to get them checked out by a veterinary professional.

Here's an interesting read: Dog Smell

Canine Grooming Behaviors

Dogs lick each other's ears as a form of attention or affection, a natural behavior inherited from their puppy days when they were constantly being bathed and groomed by their mother.

Their excellent olfactory skills make earwax irresistible to them, and it's even proven to be addictive, drawing them in more than any treat you try to tempt them with.

Dogs have a nose for infection, so if one suddenly becomes keen to lick another's ear, it could mean that pup is suffering from an ear infection.

Credit: youtube.com, 10 Odd Dog Behaviors and What They Actually Mean

Ear licking is a communal grooming method and an expression of fondness among dogs, fortifying social connections and setting the pecking order within their group.

The dog performing the grooming could be demonstrating dominance or merely expressing care towards a lower-ranking or peer member of the group.

Excessive licking can trigger potential health complications, as the dampness from a dog's tongue can foster a moist habitat in the ear, which can act as a fertile ground for bacteria and yeast, possibly culminating in infections.

Dogs are drawn to the briny flavor of earwax, which triggers them to partake in mutual ear grooming, often due to the irresistible charm of the taste.

The unusual medley of earwax, grime, and detritus within the ear passage heightens a dog's desire to groom another dog's ears, making it a natural behavior propelled by their sensory curiosity and the irresistible charm of earwax.

Grooming each other's ears serves a purpose beyond tidiness for canines, so it's essential to be vigilant and watch for signs of underlying health concerns.

Expand your knowledge: Licking Furniture

Key Takeaways

Credit: youtube.com, Why Does My Dog Lick My Other Dog's Ears (Answered)

So, you're wondering why your male dog keeps licking your female dog's ear? Here are the key takeaways:

Male dogs often lick their companions as a way to show affection and build social bonds.

Licking can also be a sign of dominance, but this is more common in multi-dog households.

Grooming is a common reason for ear licking, as it helps to clean and maintain the ear's natural moisture balance.

This behavior is also seen in mother dogs, who lick their puppies to keep them clean and calm.

Some male dogs may lick their companions' ears due to anxiety or stress, often triggered by separation or changes in their environment.

This can be a sign of a deeper issue that needs to be addressed.

In some cases, ear licking can be a sign of a medical issue, such as allergies or ear infections, which can cause discomfort and irritation.

Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify any underlying health problems.

Consider reading: Clean Dogs Ears

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean when another dog licks another dog's ear?

When one dog licks another dog's ear, it's a sign of affection, trust, and friendship, indicating a strong social bond between them. This common canine behavior reinforces their companionship and strengthens their relationship.

Erma Pacocha

Lead Writer

Erma Pacocha is a dedicated and passionate writer with a knack for crafting engaging content on a wide range of topics. Her expertise lies in the realm of animal care and welfare, where she has honed her skills in researching and writing about various breeds and their unique characteristics. With a focus on mixed-breed dogs, Erma has written extensively on the Pitbull Lab Mix, exploring its temperament, health, and training needs.