Why Dogs Lick Other Dogs’ Pee
Dogs have a very advanced olfactory system that allows them to smell better than humans. The organs in their nose allow them to smell pheromones given off by other animals. Dogs detect scent in complex layers and sometimes lick things to get a better sense of its smell.
Urine contains pheromones and a number of other chemicals that are unique to each individual dog. By smelling another dog’s urine, your dog gains clues about its sex, health, diet, and reproductive status. This is the reason why dogs engage in urine marking and also the reason why they are drawn to the pee of other dogs.
Your dog may lick urine as well as sniff it in an effort to take in all the smells from another dog. Some dogs roll in it or rub their faces on desirable scents, including other dogs’ pee.
Is Licking Dog Pee a Problem?
While you probably find it disgusting, there’s nothing wrong with your dog licking another dog’s pee. There’s nothing wrong with your dog. The behaviour is instinctive, normal, and generally harmless unless the urine your dog is licking comes from an animal with an infectious disease.
Bacterial infections like Leptospirosis are contagious to both humans and dogs. It is most commonly transmitted through urine. Dogs with Leptospirosis can spread the disease through their urine to wild animals or other dogs.
This illness causes flu-like symptoms but can lead to kidney or liver failure. While it is technically possible for your dog to contract Leptospirosis through another dog’s urine, it is more likely to be spread through contaminated drinking water. If you suspect your dog has been exposed or they are showing signs of illness, contact your veterinarian.
Contagious diseases like parvovirus and internal GI viruses are not passed through dog urine. Neither are intestinal parasites. However, your dog can contract these illnesses by licking the genital area of infected dogs, as these viruses and parasites are shed through the anus.
How To Stop Your Dog from Licking Other Dogs’ Pee
It’s possible that you want to stop your dog from licking other dogs’ pee. Although it’s normal canine behaviour, many owners are disgusted by it. There is also the concern of your dog contracting an infectious disease.
You can train your dog to stop licking other dogs’ pee. Commands like drop it or leave it, can distract your dog or interrupt his pee sniffing. Use positive reinforcement methods rather than punishment if your dog doesn’t obey. Redirecting to a game or toy is ideal. Then reward your dog for paying attention to you.
You are most likely to catch your dog licking pee on a walk or in a dog park. It’s important to catch your dog in the act of licking pee to stop the behaviour, so watch closely. If your dog is leashed, you can lead them away from peeing dogs. You can avoid the risk of contagious diseases by only letting your dog play with other healthy dogs.
Work on training in a controlled environment first, like your backyard, before graduating to supervised playdates. You may need to avoid public dog parks for a while if you wish to stop your dog from licking pee.
Why Does My Dog’s Mouth Shake After Licking Pee?
Dogs sometimes “chatter” after they have licked something. This is an impulsive reaction and nothing to be concerned about. A dog’s sense of taste and smell are intrinsically linked. This sometimes leads to chattering teeth after sensing a strong odour.
Is It Normal for Dogs to Lick Other Dogs Privates?
Yes, this is not only normal but healthy social behaviour for dogs. Sniffing another dog’s butt is your dog’s way of politely greeting another dog. They gain the scent of the other dog and allow the other dog to sniff them. It’s how they get to know one another, and it occurs in dogs of both sexes, whether they are sterilized or not.
Final Thoughts
If your dog is licking other dogs’ pee, this is normal behaviour. Your dog is operating on instinct and licking pee in order to gain information about other animals. You can use positive reinforcement training to stop this behaviour.
