If you’ve ever wondered why dogs lick other dogs' ears, then this article is for you! Dogs lick each other's ears for all sorts of reasons, from demonstrating affection to asking their furry friend to play. However, excessive ear licking can be a sign of an underlying health condition. Read on to learn more…
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Why do dogs lick each other's ears? Common reasons
Besides looking adorable, a dog licking another dog's ears can be a sign of many different things. Here are the most common reasons why dog owners might see this behavior:
Grooming hard-to-reach spots
A dog licking another dog's ear or face might be helping them to reach the spots they can’t quite clean themselves. This is often seen in well-bonded dogs – especially those that live together.
They’re hungry
Still wondering “Why does my dog lick my other dog's ears?”? One stomach-churning but simple answer is that your pup might be ready for their next meal! Earwax can taste salty to your pup, so licking behavior could be a sign they’re hungry.
They like the taste
Yep, some dogs lick each other’s ears because they actually like the taste of earwax. While us humans (thankfully) haven’t followed suit, furry friends can be drawn to the strong scent and oily texture of earwax.
Soothing each other
Sometimes, anxious dogs lick other dog's ears to soothe themselves. Equally, they may be trying to comfort a stressed-out furry friend.
A form of greeting
Social structure is just as important for dogs as it is for us, and ear licking can be a way of saying hello to their furry friends! In the past, their ancestors would split up while hunting, and licking each other’s ears would be a way of celebrating the pack reunion upon return.
Exploration
Dogs have an excellent sense of smell and rely on this to learn more about the world around them. So if your dog licks other dog's ears, it might just be their way of satisfying their curiosity!
Bonding and affection
As pack animals, dogs rely on forming and maintaining close bonds with other members of the group. Ear licking is one of the ways a dog can show affection for another dog, and it’s a good sign they get along well.
Communication
Licking another dog might be your pup's way of ‘talking’ to them. It can be used to communicate emotions and intentions, from love and affection to submission to a more dominant dog.
They want to play
Dogs may lick or chew on another dog's ears to entice them to play – like a sort of ‘warm up’ before the real game begins!
An underlying problem
Why do dogs clean each other's ears? While not usually a cause for concern, ear licking can be a sign of an ear infection. Dogs can detect the presence of bacteria or yeast before we can, so if your pup’s ears suddenly become a source of interest among their furry friends, check them for redness, swelling, or discharge.
Should you stop a dog from licking another dog?
Though usually harmless, if your dog keeps licking other dogs’ ears to the point where the ears are wet or the other dog is uncomfortable, it’s time to step in and seek help.
When to see a professional
“Help, my dog won’t stop licking my other dog's ear!” If your dog’s ear licking is becoming excessive, it could be due to anxiety or boredom. Equally, if the recipient of their ‘affections’ is becoming visibly agitated, it’s a sign the licking behavior is becoming unhealthy. In this case, you should seek veterinary advice.
How can I stop excessive licking behavior?
If your dog is constantly licking another dog’s ears, they may be trying to soothe their underlying anxiety. The key to finding a long-term solution is addressing the root cause of this with the help of your veterinarian. In the meantime, here are some ways to manage the behavior at home:
Distract them
If you see your dog is about to start licking, redirect their focus with a game, a toy, or a walk. The more engaging alternatives they have, the less likely they’ll be to resort to licking.
Give your dog something better to lick
Try giving your dog a lick mat if they seem anxious. When paired with foods like plain peanut butter, lick mats can be an excellent mental challenge and distraction. They’re also great for pups that are easily bored or need to release excess energy.
Try dog training
Use commands like ‘leave it’ when your dog starts licking and reward them with treats or praise when they stop. Over time, they’ll begin to associate not licking with a positive experience, and they’ll feel less motivated to do it in the first place. If the habit is deeply rooted in anxiety or has been going on for a while, professional training may also help.
The question of why dogs lick other dogs’ ears is more common than you’d think, and the good news is, our trusted house sitters know their stuff! Want to connect with one of our verified, in-home dog sitters? Click the link below to find out how it works.
Meet our veterinary expert, Liam
This article has been written by veterinarian Dr Liam Bullock BVSc (Hons) MRCVS.
As a small animal vet, Liam has spent time working in both first-opinion and referral-level practices. After gaining a strong affinity for educating owners about their pets, Liam decided to dedicate some of his non-clinical time to tutoring students, who were preparing for exams or struggling at school. By combining a passion for teaching others, and a keen interest in raising awareness about animal health issues, Liam decided to begin writing veterinary content. This now also allows him to raise awareness of important animal health issues outside of the consultation room.
Why dogs lick other dogs’ ears – FAQs
Your dog could be attracted to the smell of their ear, possibly due to a build-up of wax or yeast. Check if your furry friend’s ear is red or swollen, as these are signs of infection.
Obsessive licking can be a coping mechanism for anxiety. If you notice any other changes in their behavior or they're showing additional signs of anxiety, contact your vet for advice.
Yes, dogs have an incredible sense of smell and may be able to detect signs of an ear infection in their furry friends. If your pooch’s ears seem to become a source of interest to other dogs, be sure to check them for signs of infection.
Common symptoms include frequent head shaking, excessive ear scratching, and an unpleasant odor. If the skin beneath the ear flap appears red or swollen, or the ear canal is discharging a white-yellow liquid, it’s quite likely your dog has an ear infection and should see a vet for treatment.
Licking is a natural way to show respect and build friendships. If your pup is showing other positive social behaviors around your new dog, like tail wagging or initiating play, their licking is most likely a sign of affection!
