If you’re a dog parent, you’ve likely witnessed the curious habit of dogs licking each other’s ears. It might seem odd or even a bit gross at first glance. But this behavior is quite common in the canine world. So, why do dogs lick each other’s ears?
The reasons behind this behavior are varied and rooted in canine instincts, communication, and even health considerations. Understanding these motivations can give you valuable insights into your furry friend’s social interactions and well-being. Let’s delve into the fascinating world of dog ear licking and explore the different reasons behind it.
Pack Mentality and Communication
Dogs, descended from pack animals, retain strong social instincts. Within a pack, communication is crucial, and licking serves as a vital form of canine dialogue. Consider your dog’s ancestry – their wild relatives used licking as a way to bond, show affection, and establish social hierarchies. Even domesticated dogs see their human families and other household pets as part of their “pack.”
Licking is a fundamental way for dogs to say, “I’m friendly,” or “I acknowledge you.” It’s deeply ingrained behavior that starts in puppyhood. Mother dogs lick their pups for grooming and to express maternal care. Puppies learn this behavior early on and continue it as a way to interact with other members of their social group.
In the context of ear licking, it’s often observed between dogs with established dominance dynamics. Typically, the submissive dog will lick the ears of the dominant dog. You can usually discern the roles by observing their body language. Submissive dogs might display lowered tails, a “submissive grin” (pulled-back lips), or even expose their belly as signs of deference when approaching a more dominant dog. Ear licking, in this case, becomes another signal of respect and acknowledgement of social order. Beyond submission, it’s also a way for dogs to express affection, respect, and even alleviate anxiety within their social group.
Grooming and Hygiene
Dogs are naturally inclined to groom themselves, but reaching their own ears can be a challenge. This is where a fellow canine companion comes in handy. Ear licking can be a form of mutual grooming. When dogs have a friendly relationship, grooming each other is a sign of comfort and bonding. Licking each other’s ears is simply one way they extend this grooming behavior.
While seemingly helpful, there’s a practical element to this grooming. Dogs’ ears can accumulate dirt, debris, and even earwax. Licking can help remove some of this buildup. In a way, it’s a canine version of helping a friend out with personal hygiene. While some licking might even help deter ear mites, excessive licking can become problematic, potentially leading to irritation and even ear infections.
The Allure of Earwax: A Salty Snack?
This might be the least appealing reason for us humans, but for dogs, it could be a factor. Earwax has a salty taste, and many dogs are drawn to salty flavors. So, sometimes, ear licking might simply be motivated by the desire for a salty snack!
While it’s a natural canine inclination, moderation is key. If one dog constantly licks another’s ears purely for the taste of earwax, it can become irritating to the “lick recipient.” Furthermore, excessive licking can disrupt the natural balance of the ear and potentially contribute to medical issues. If you notice your dog engaging in frequent ear licking of other dogs, it might be a good idea to redirect their attention with interactive toys or other engaging activities.
Detecting Ear Infections
Dogs possess an incredibly sensitive sense of smell, far surpassing our own. This keen sense can play a role in ear licking behavior. Sometimes, a dog might be licking another dog’s ears because they detect a subtle change in scent associated with an ear infection. They might even be able to sense an infection before it becomes overtly obvious to us.
If you observe your dog persistently licking another dog’s ears, it’s wise to inspect the ears for any signs of infection. Look for redness, unusual odors, or discharge. While it might sound unpleasant, dogs may be drawn to the smell or even the taste of discharge associated with an ear infection.
If you notice any signs of potential ear issues, a veterinary checkup is recommended. Early detection and treatment of ear infections are crucial to prevent complications like aural hematomas (swelling of the ear flap). Hematomas can occur when a dog shakes their head excessively due to ear irritation, and they are often more complex to treat than a simple ear infection.
Soothing and Compulsive Behavior
Just like humans, dogs can develop nervous habits or compulsive behaviors. Excessive licking, including ear licking, can sometimes be a sign of anxiety or stress in dogs. It can be a self-soothing mechanism.
If you suspect that excessive ear licking is rooted in anxiety, simply stopping the behavior isn’t enough. You need to address the underlying cause of the anxiety. Providing alternative outlets for their energy and attention is crucial. Interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and increased physical activity can help redirect their focus away from compulsive licking and provide mental stimulation.
An Alternative to Butt Sniffing?
In the world of canine greetings, butt sniffing is a well-known social ritual. However, not all dogs are receptive to this form of greeting. Ear licking can sometimes serve as an alternative way for dogs to greet each other and gather social information. If a dog isn’t comfortable with or allowed to sniff another dog’s rear, ear licking might become their preferred method of social interaction. From a human perspective, ear licking certainly seems like a more palatable greeting ritual than butt sniffing!
Is Ear Licking Safe? Potential Concerns
Whether ear licking is safe is a nuanced question. In moderation, and in the right context, it can be perfectly normal and even beneficial, especially when it’s part of mutual grooming. However, excessive ear licking can become problematic.
Too much licking can lead to irritation of the ear canal, potentially disrupting the natural balance and predisposing the dog to ear infections. Conversely, as mentioned earlier, excessive licking can also be a sign that the licking dog is sensing an existing ear infection in the other dog. Therefore, if you observe persistent ear licking, it’s important to consider both possibilities: irritation from over-licking and the potential presence of an underlying ear issue. In either case, monitoring and potentially consulting with a veterinarian are advisable.
Curbing Excessive Ear Licking: Practical Strategies
If you’ve determined that your dog’s ear licking behavior is becoming excessive or causing issues, there are several strategies you can employ to manage it.
1. Distraction Techniques
As previously mentioned, interactive toys can be incredibly effective in redirecting your dog’s attention away from ear licking. The key is to offer the distraction before the licking behavior starts, rather than as a reaction to it. This prevents inadvertently reinforcing the licking behavior.
Interactive toys are often more engaging than standard toys because they require problem-solving and often involve treats or rewards. This mental and physical engagement can effectively divert your dog’s focus and reduce the urge to lick.
2. Dog Training and Behavioral Modification
Dog training offers a multifaceted approach to managing excessive licking. Training not only provides mental stimulation and reduces boredom (a potential trigger for compulsive behaviors), but it also strengthens the bond between you and your dog. A well-trained dog is generally more well-behaved and less likely to develop unwanted habits.
Basic obedience commands and consistent positive reinforcement training can help your dog learn alternative behaviors and improve their overall self-control. While training isn’t a guaranteed solution for all behavioral issues, it’s a valuable tool in addressing and modifying unwanted behaviors like excessive ear licking.
3. Provide Acceptable Licking Outlets
If your dog seems to be licking for self-soothing purposes, consider offering them a more appropriate licking outlet. Lick mats, for example, are designed for this purpose. You can spread a small amount of dog-safe peanut butter or yogurt on the mat, providing a long-lasting and enjoyable licking activity.
Lick mats can be particularly helpful for managing anxiety or boredom-related licking. They provide a safe and contained way for your dog to engage in this behavior without causing irritation to other dogs’ ears.
Final Thoughts: Understanding Canine Communication
Dog ear licking is a complex behavior with multiple potential underlying reasons. Often, it’s a normal part of canine communication, grooming, and social interaction. However, excessive licking can indicate boredom, anxiety, or even the presence of a medical issue.
By observing your dog’s behavior in context, considering their body language, and being mindful of any potential underlying causes, you can better understand why they lick other dogs’ ears. If you have any concerns about the frequency or intensity of ear licking, or if you notice any signs of ear irritation or infection, consulting with your veterinarian is always the best course of action to ensure the health and well-being of all dogs involved.
