Reasons Why Dogs Lick Each Other’s Ears
Dogs have a rich history of communicating with each other through body language, vocalizations, and physical touch. Ear licking is one such behaviour that dogs use to express their emotions and establish relationships with each other.
One of the main reasons why dogs lick each other’s ears is to show affection. This act of licking is a way for dogs to bond and create a close relationship. It can also be used as a way to groom each other and help keep each other clean.
Another reason why dogs lick each other’s ears is to express dominance. In social hierarchies, dominant dogs will often lick the ears of submissive dogs as a way of asserting their position. This behaviour can also be seen in play, where dogs may lick each other’s ears as a way of indicating that the play is non-aggressive.
Saying Hello
As greetings go, ear-licking seems more hygienic and gentile than butt-sniffing. I suppose it’s a personal preference. Shy dogs lick the outside of the ear gradually, but confident pups may just go right into the ear canal to find out what’s there. Eventually, shy dogs may find their way into the interior ear as they feel more comfortable.
In lieu of hugs and handshakes, ear, eye and most parts of the body licking are common canine greetings.
Affection
In the world of dogs, licking an ear is a gesture of affection. That seems okay as long as the dog whose ear is being licked doesn’t mind the ear bath.
Delicious Earwax
Dogs seem to think that earwax is a delicacy. Their taste buds obviously delight in flavours that human taste buds don’t. Ears taste salty, and pups enjoy the savoury mixture of fur, dead cells, dust and cerumen–the natural wax produced by glands in the ear. Someone should bottle that stuff and make canine treats with it.
Dogs who produce the most ear wax include Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, Bulldogs and Basset Hounds. Those breeds must be especially popular in canine crowds.
A Submissive Act
A canine licking another canine’s ear is showing respect. Ear licking is a gentle way to be friendly and not threatening.
Grooming
Members of a pack often groom one another. In a multiple-dog household, ear licking is likely just one pup helping the other to clean the hard-to-reach places like the ears and back. It’s a bonding experience because they trust each other and allow closeness and intimacy.
Soothing
Some pooches spend a great deal of time licking their own paws because it’s soothing for them. Licking another dog’s ears or paws helps pups relax.
Alleviating Boredom
If you see an excessive amount of ear licking happening in your home, your dogs could be bored. Pet parents should always have toys around to stimulate their fur babies. See the How To Stop The Ear Licking section below for information about interactive toys.
Cleansing A Wound
It’s possible that if your pup doesn’t normally lick his sibling’s ear, he’s doing so because he’s tending to a cut. Take a look, or go to the vet if necessary, to rule out an injury. Studies show that dogs are able to detect bacteria before symptoms show.
Thwarted From Butt Sniffing
If one pooch tells the other that she may not sniff his butt, she will default to ear licking. Not everyone wants their butt sniffed, but dogs don’t seem to mind when a pooch they don’t know licks their ears.
Compulsive Disorder
We know our dogs can get fixated on habits like begging for food, wanting to go outside and then asking to come in, demanding to play fetch and other things. If your fur friend spends an inordinate amount of time licking ears, it could be a compulsive disorder.
If the incessant ear licking is due to a compulsive disorder or an exaggerated need to soothe, an essential oil product or a CBD oil may calm the compulsive licker. You can also ask your vet what she suggests.
Is Ear Licking Harmful?
Licking each other’s ears is a common behaviour among dogs and is generally not harmful. In fact, it can be a way for dogs to bond and show affection towards one another. However, in some cases, excessive ear licking can be an indication of an underlying issue, such as an ear infection, injury, or skin irritation.
If you notice that your dog is excessively licking another dog’s ears, it is always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any health problems. Additionally, it is important to ensure that both dogs are healthy and do not have any open wounds or infections, as this could be transmitted through licking.
How To Stop Ear Licking
Fortunately, redirecting your pooch with something else to lick, chew or play with is relatively easy. Interactive toys with food inside them are always fascinating and engaging for Fido.
Licking pads are made to distract and entertain canines. Spread some peanut butter into the ridges, and Rover will be busy for a while.
Dogs are very smart and need stimulation if they don’t have a job sniffing suitcases, detecting cancer, herding, providing therapy services, et cetera.
Conclusion
Ear licking is usually harmless and serves as a greeting, an expression of affection, a way to ingest delicious earwax, mutual grooming, a soothing activity, something to do when bored, cleaning a wound, as an alternative to butt sniffing, can be a submissive gesture or may be a compulsive disorder.
If one dog is relentlessly ear-licking and the other seems upset or is developing sores or infection, you can redirect the licker to play with an interactive toy or cover a lick mat with peanut butter which she will lick until every molecule is gone.
