You probably have noticed that your dog has been licking the ears of other dogs. Why do dogs lick other dogs’ ears? There is not just one explanation here. Most of the things dogs do are done for several reasons. Below we are going to explain all the main reasons for this behavior and all possibilities you need to know. It should be an impressive journey where you will finally get the needed answers.
5 Reasons Why Do Dogs Lick Other Dogs Ears
1. Your Dog Is Submissive
If you have a dog who is submissive he will probably lick ears of other dogs on a regular basis. This is an action that literally tells the other dog ‘’I am submissive’’. You can keep track of when this happens. In most cases, you will see that the submissive dog will do it when the second dog is aggressive. Why do dogs lick other dogs’ ears? This is one of the most common reasons and you now know about it.
2. Obsessive Behavior
Yes, dogs can end up and show obsessive behavior. In the simplest form, this is when a dog has been doing something and he can’t stop. He may scratch the floor or lick ears of other dogs. One way or another, he is obsessive about it and he cannot stop. You will need to take your pet to a vet and try to determine the cause and resolve the issue. This is not extremely severe behavior but not one that some dogs like.
3. Due To Grooming
Here we have one fascinating reason and one that will impress you as well. A dog will lick ear of another dog to help him groom. A dog cannot lick his own year so he needs help. But, he will also request another dog to lick his own ear. Basically, your pet will give favor and ask for a favor at the same time. You can see that dogs do this all the time and it works well. Now you know how smart dogs are and that they do a lot of things in order to get something they want.
4. It Is Tasty
It probably sounds strange and weird but dogs will lick the ears of other dogs because of the taste. They simply like the taste and they will lick the ears of other pets on a daily basis. This is why he has been doing it if he doesn’t show submission or if your pet doesn’t have the obsessive disorder. Try to make sure and understand him better before you try to determine why he is doing this.
5. The Two Dogs Are Bonding
One of the common reasons and explanations why dogs lick the ears of other dogs is bonding. The two are trying to bond and licking ears is the best way to do it. You will see that they will lick other body parts and the rear of course. You don’t have to worry about it and it is perfectly normal. Keep in mind that this will happen between dogs who are not familiar with each other or who meet for the first time. It is a common thing and you can even see a dog who will try to lick your ear, due to the same reason.
Determining Why Your Dog Licks Ears of Other Dogs
You will have to know why your dog does this. Above we have presented you the most common reasons but each dog is different and he will do this because of one reason. First of all, look when your dog starts doing this. If he started recently, consider what has changed for him. Maybe he learned that he is submissive and he wants to show that or he simply likes the taste. If your pet licks the ear of another dog when the latter is aggressive it means that your pet is submissive.
If your pet does this only with dogs he sees for the first time or met recently the reason is simple. He is bonding with them. In this case scenario, we wouldn’t recommend you to try and end this behavior. It is useful and effective hence it is something your dog does need. Always remember that if this is the case your pet will lick other parts of a dog. Yes, he will lick him in the rear. It is another thing dogs use as a form of communication.
If you want him to stop doing this you will have to do certain things.
You will have to stop encouraging the behavior and you will try to change it. You can also give your pet something else to lick. A bone would be the best example and something most people had a lot of success with.
Don’t forget that if your pet knows that licking the ears of other dogs will give him a reward he will do it more often. Try to prevent this and do not give him a treat when he licks the ears of other pets.
The behavior we have here is usually harmless and you don’t have to worry about anything. But, if your pet has been licking the ears of other dogs who have ear infections there is a risk. Your pet can end up with the same problem and it will require medical treatment. This is the time when you should take him to a vet and find the solution. If you notice that he already has an ear infection, you will have to start the treatment as soon as possible.
The Final Word
Why do dogs lick other dogs’ ears? They have been doing this due to many reasons for a long period of time. It is one of those behavioral traits that you will want to end but it is not mandatory. It is used as a form of communication and it does work well among dogs. Still, some dog owners don’t like it so they would want to change it. This is possible and proper training can be more than just effective.
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