If you buy via hyperlinks on our website, we might earn a fee. Right here’s the way it works.
You look over on the canine park and, yep, your pup is tongue-deep in one other canine’s ear. Gross? Candy? A little bit of each.
However right here’s the factor: this bizarre little behavior truly means greater than you suppose. Some causes are lovely, others are downright regarding — and understanding the distinction issues.
So why do canine lick one another’s ears? Let’s discover out.
Why Do Canines Lick Every Different’s Ears? 7 Widespread Causes
Canines hardly ever do one thing with out a purpose. Ear-licking is definitely a multi-purpose conduct that may reveal lots about their emotional state, social bonds, and even their well being. Beneath, we’ll discover the commonest explanations — some lovely, some just a little gross, and some you’ll wish to watch carefully.
1. Pet Love In Motion: Displaying Affection
Consider ear-licking as your canine’s manner of writing a love observe — solely messier. Canines use licking to bond with their people, their puppies, and one another. It’s a tactile manner of claiming: “You’re a part of my pack.”
- Puppies typically lick their moms and littermates as a consolation sign. That intuition doesn’t absolutely disappear once they develop up.
- Grownup canine might carry the conduct into friendships with their housemates or playgroup buddies. A fast lick on the ear can reinforce belief and closeness.
- You would possibly even discover your canine alternates between grooming you (face licks) and their canine buddy (ear licks). Of their world, it’s all a part of displaying love.
2. Secret Canine Code: Social Communication
Canines don’t depend on phrases — they depend on physique language, scent, and contact. Ear licking is usually a refined manner of sending social indicators, whether or not that’s “I respect you,” “Let’s be associates,” and even “Don’t chew me, I are available in peace.”
- In pack dynamics, subordinate canine might lick extra dominant ones to present submission. The ear is a “protected zone” in comparison with licking the muzzle, which could be seen as extra confrontational.
- Amongst equals, ear licking can sign play readiness or reinforce their friendship bond.
- Evolutionary context: Wolves and wild canids lick packmates to cut back stress and strengthen unity — home canine inherited this trait.
So whenever you catch your canine mid-ear-lick, they could be holding a full-on dialog with out making a sound. Learn our information on how canine talk with one another to be taught extra.
3. Canine Spa Day: Grooming & Hygiene
Typically, ear licking is simply your canine enjoying esthetician. Canines are naturally inclined to groom each other (and also you), and ears are a kind of tough spots a pup can’t simply attain themselves.
- A mild lick can assist take away filth, earwax, or particles — nearly like brushing a buddy’s hair.
- Grooming isn’t nearly cleanliness; it’s additionally about reinforcing social bonds. Research on social grooming in animals present it lowers stress and cements friendships.
- You would possibly discover one canine in a multi-pet family takes on the “cleaner” position, repeatedly tending to their buddy’s ears.
4. Bowing Down: Respect & Submission
Not each ear lick is affectionate — generally, it’s political. Within the canine world, hierarchy issues, and licking is usually a manner of acknowledging rank.
- Submissive canine might lick a dominant canine’s ears to point out deference, very like decreasing their physique or tucking their tail.
- This conduct is deeply rooted in canine ancestry. Wolf pups, as an example, lick adults’ faces and ears to sign starvation or respect.
- A timid canine may lick ears as a peace providing, basically saying: “I’m no risk — please don’t tough me up.”
It would look foolish to us, however to canine, ear licking is a part of the social contract. Understanding it will possibly make it easier to learn dynamics in multi-dog households or on the park.
5. The Gross Fact: Earwax Smells & Tastes Attention-grabbing
That is the half most canine mother and father grimace at: canine might lick ears just because earwax tastes and smells… fascinating.
- Earwax accommodates fatty acids, ldl cholesterol, and salt — all issues canine’ style buds and scent receptors discover stimulating.
- A canine’s sense of scent is as much as 100,000 instances stronger than ours, so what’s “barely noticeable” to you is a five-course meal of their world.
- For some pups, the attraction turns into a unusual behavior. They aren’t being “gross” — they’re simply following their senses.
After all, letting your canine snack on earwax isn’t precisely ultimate for hygiene or well being. However the occasional lick? Completely regular.
Quick Truth: Canines have about 1,700 style buds in comparison with people’ 9,000, however their sense of scent is as much as 100,000 instances stronger. So your canine smells far more “occurring” in an ear than you ever may.
6. Stress Reduction For The Licker
Not each ear-licking episode is in regards to the canine being licked — generally it’s in regards to the canine doing the licking.
- Repetitive licking can act like a consolation blanket, serving to canine address stress or boredom.
- For anxious canine, ear licking could also be a displacement conduct — as a substitute of pacing or chewing furnishings, they channel that power into grooming a buddy.
- You would possibly see this extra throughout worrying occasions like thunderstorms, fireworks, or when routines change.
The catch: when licking shifts from occasional to obsessive, it’s time to intervene. Compulsive licking isn’t wholesome for both canine and will sign underlying nervousness points.
7. Canine Physician Mode: Detecting Sickness Or An infection
Right here’s the place ear-licking will get actually attention-grabbing: generally, your canine is enjoying newbie veterinarian. Canines’ noses can detect refined modifications in scent brought on by yeast, micro organism, or irritation. Meaning they could zero in on one other pup’s ear if one thing’s off.
So in case your pup instantly fixates on licking one other canine’s ears (or their very own), take it critically. It could be affection — but it surely may be their manner of claiming, “One thing’s not proper in right here.”
Do you know? Canines have been skilled to detect sicknesses like most cancers, diabetes, and even COVID-19. Research present they’ll scent tiny chemical modifications within the physique that people would by no means discover.
A Vet’s Private Expertise
Canines have a eager sense of scent and should decide up on issues like infections earlier than we discover them. I’ve definitely seen a few instances in observe, the place one pet has taken extra curiosity than common in one other pet’s ears.
Examination of the ear canal with an otoscope revealed an ear an infection, which we have been then capable of deal with. One German Shepherd I noticed in observe was instantly being licked excessively by the opposite household canine, however had proven no indicators of head shaking or scratching but.
He didn’t appear to thoughts being licked, but it surely was uncommon behaviour between the 2 of them. On examination, we discovered an ear an infection brewing in his proper ear canal, which we have been capable of deal with efficiently, so it’s all the time price getting your pet checked over if there are any modifications of their behaviour.
– Dr. Rebecca MacMillan, BVetMed BSAVA PGCertSAM MRCVS
Breed Tendencies: Who’s The Greatest Licker?
Some canine are merely extra prone to get their slobber on.
- Retrievers & Spaniels: Social and affectionate, these canine are prime contenders for “family ear cleaners.”
- Herding Breeds: Border Collies and Aussies might lick as a part of their “caretaker” instincts.
- Toy Breeds: Chihuahuas and Yorkies typically latch onto one buddy and present devotion with licks.
- Unbiased Breeds: Chow Chows, Shibas, and Basenjis? They’d somewhat preserve their dignity intact.
In case you’ve bought a “licky breed,” don’t be stunned if ear licking is simply a part of the package deal.
What About When Your Canine Licks Your Ears?
In case your pup skips their doggy associates and goes straight to your ears, you’re not alone. Many canine fortunately lengthen their ear-licking behavior to their favourite people. Why?
- Affection: Similar to with different canine, it’s typically their manner of claiming, “You’re a part of my pack.”
- Style & Scent: Earwax has salty compounds canine discover interesting — sure, gross to us, gourmand to them.
- Consideration-Looking for: Some pups rapidly be taught that ear-licking will get a giant (and humorous) response from their people, in order that they repeat it.
- Consolation: The act of licking is soothing, whether or not aimed toward one other canine or your unsuspecting earlobe.
Do you have to permit it? An occasional lick gained’t harm you, however ears are delicate and may harbor micro organism. If it’s fixed, redirect with a toy or cuddle session as a substitute.
Is It Secure When Canines Lick Every Different’s Ears?
The brief reply: generally sure, generally no. Occasional ear licks are normally innocent — consider it as canine small speak. But when it turns into fixed, or if one canine clearly dislikes it, that’s when you must step in.
- Regular: A number of licks throughout play or cuddle time.
- Regarding: Persistent licking that leaves ears moist, irritated, or smelly.
- Purple flag: One canine yelps, pulls away, or develops redness/discharge within the ear.
“Except the licking conduct is extreme, it’s unlikely to trigger an actual drawback,” shares Dr. MacMillan. “A canine’s tongue can’t attain far sufficient down the slim opening of the ear canal. Nevertheless, repetitive licking might moisten and irritate the doorway to the ear canal and exterior pores and skin, plus it may actually annoy the canine being licked.”
Backside line? In case your canine licks their buddy’s ears each occasionally, it’s no large deal. If it turns right into a full-time job, you’ve bought an issue brewing.
Potential Dangers Of Canines Licking Every Different’s Ears
Despite the fact that it appears to be like innocent (and even candy), an excessive amount of ear-licking may cause hassle. Right here’s what to be careful for:
- Ear Infections: Moisture left behind creates the right surroundings for yeast and micro organism. Floppy-eared breeds are particularly weak.
- Unfold of Parasites: Ear mites, although extra widespread in cats, can unfold between canine via shut contact.
- Pores and skin Irritation or Damage: Fixed licking may cause uncooked spots, sores, and even hematomas if the opposite canine scratches excessively.
- Strengthened Behavior: The extra canine lick, the extra they could need to lick — turning a once-cute quirk right into a compulsive conduct.
Veterinarian Recommendation
In case your canine have by no means licked one another’s ears earlier than, otherwise you discover a sudden marked improve in conduct, this may very well be a clue that there’s an underlying subject which will want investigation.
If the canine being licked has an improve in earwax, reddening of the pores and skin across the entrance to the ear canal, or a rise in odor from that ear, it may point out an an infection. An infection may cause different household pets to pay extra consideration than regular to their ears.
Canines with ear infections may scratch at their ears, grasp their heads on one aspect, or shake their heads excessively. These are all indicators that you must take your canine in for a check-up.
– Dr. Rebecca MacMillan
Human Reactions: Ought to You Step In Or Let It Occur?
Let’s be trustworthy: watching your canine go to city on one other pup’s ear can spark two reactions — aww, that’s candy, or eww, please cease. Each are legitimate.
- When it’s okay to let it slide: A fast lick right here and there, particularly if each canine appear comfy. It’s no totally different than canine sniffing one another as a part of social bonding.
- When to step in: If it will get obsessive, leaves ears moist, or the opposite canine is clearly aggravated. Ear infections aren’t any joke, and never each pup appreciates getting used as a canine Q-tip.
- Discovering stability: You don’t need to hover over your canine 24/7, but it surely’s sensible to oversee and gently redirect when issues get just a little too enthusiastic.
Consider it this manner: an occasional ear lick is like your buddy stealing one French fry. Superb. But when they end half the basket, you’re going to say one thing.
Canine Park Drama: When Ear Licking Will get Awkward
Ear-licking isn’t simply an at-home quirk — it will possibly trigger some critical side-eye on the canine park.
- Different canine might not adore it. What your pup sees as affection, one other canine might even see as annoying or intrusive.
- House owners get embarrassed. Not everybody desires their pooch used as a strolling ear-cleaner (particularly if their canine has an ear an infection brewing).
- Potential for battle. Persistent licking can escalate into growls or snaps if boundaries aren’t revered.
Canine park etiquette tip: In case your pup is an enthusiastic ear-licker, supervise carefully. Redirect with a toy or recall command earlier than issues get awkward. It’s higher to chortle it off than break up a spat.
How To Cease Canines From Licking Every Different’s Ears
In case your canine’s occasional ear-licking has was a full-blown spa obsession, it’s time to step in. The aim isn’t to disgrace your pup — it’s to redirect the behavior earlier than it results in infections or compulsive conduct. Right here’s a vet-approved sport plan:
1. Interrupt & Redirect
Don’t simply yell “cease!” — give your canine one thing higher to do.
- The aim is to interchange the licking with a extra rewarding exercise.
- Use a peaceful “depart it” or “uh-uh” command whenever you catch them mid-lick.
- Instantly supply a chew toy, puzzle, or a fast play session.
2. Strengthen Coaching Cues
Constant instructions can stop ear-licking from even beginning.
- Reinforce fundamental instructions like “depart it” and “come” with treats and reward.
- Quick, frequent coaching periods assist canine perceive what conduct you need.
- In case you dwell with a number of canine, observe cues in group settings in order that they translate to actual life.
3. Scale back Stress & Boredom
Many canine lick out of hysteria or sheer boredom. Repair the basis trigger and also you’ll see much less slobber.
4. Preserve Ears Clear & Wholesome
The much less “attention-grabbing” the ears scent, the much less tempting they’re to lick.
- Clear your canine’s ears recurrently with a vet-recommended resolution.
- Floppy-eared breeds might have extra frequent cleanings.
- Skip cotton swabs — they push particles deeper and danger harm.
5. Name In Reinforcements When Wanted
Typically, licking isn’t only a behavior — it’s a symptom.
- If licking is obsessive or paired with indicators of an infection, it’s time for a vet test.
- In uncommon instances, a veterinary behaviorist could also be wanted for compulsive licking problems.
- Don’t wait till ears are purple and smelly — prevention saves each cash and your canine’s consolation.
Ceaselessly Requested Questions
Pup house owners have plenty of questions on canine ear licking. In case you don’t see yours right here, ask us in our feedback and we’ll do our greatest to reply you.
Why Does My Canine Solely Lick One Particular Canine’s Ears?
Canines typically decide a “favourite.” It may very well be an indication of a stronger bond with that canine, or they could be detecting a refined ear an infection or odor solely they’ll scent. If the licking is obsessive, have each canine checked by your vet.
Is Ear Licking Extra Widespread In Puppies Or Grownup Canines?
Puppies lick extra total — it’s how they discover and talk. As canine mature, some develop out of the conduct, whereas others preserve it as a unusual grownup behavior. Ear licking in adults is extra about bonding or social signaling.
Can Ear Licking Unfold Ear Mites?
Sure. Whereas ear mites are extra widespread in cats, they’ll unfold between canine via shut contact. In case your canine is licking and scratching excessively, otherwise you see darkish discharge within the ear, schedule a vet test.
Ought to I Clear My Canine’s Ears Extra Typically To Stop Licking?
Common cleanings assist, however don’t overdo it. An excessive amount of cleansing can irritate the ear canal. Purpose for as soon as a month, or extra typically in case your vet recommends it — particularly for floppy-eared breeds.
Why Do Some Canines Hate Being Licked?
Similar to folks, some canine merely don’t take pleasure in close-contact grooming. A canine that growls, stiffens, or pulls away when one other canine licks their ears is saying “again off.” Respect their boundaries to keep away from fights.
Can Ear Licking Be A Signal Of Love, Like Kissing?
In lots of instances, sure. Ear licking is commonly affectionate — canine don’t suppose it’s gross the way in which people do. However keep in mind, love and well being checks typically overlap within the canine world. If it will get extreme, love can rapidly flip into ear infections.
Different Bizarre (However Regular) Canine Licking Quirks
Ear licking isn’t the one slobbery quirk our pups have. Interested in what all that licking actually means? Take a look at these guides subsequent:
Your canine’s licking habits could be grosser than you’d like — however they nearly all the time have a narrative behind them.
Does your canine have a unusual ear-licking ritual — or are they the one who places up with it? Share your story within the feedback under. We love listening to your pup’s weirdest habits.