To meet other canine companions, licking their ears is similar to sniffing their butts. If you own a dog, you’ve probably witnessed the butt-sniffing activity. However, some dogs won’t permit this, therefore ear licking is a substitute for the rear end. It just seems like it would be better for the sniffer too!
Why do canines paw at one another’s ears?
Our canine friends are renowned for displaying a variety of adorable, funny, and occasionally even odd habits. Many of them are the result of some form of communication or evolutionary activity. Some are merely exclusive to the household dog.
It’s possible that you caught your pet licking the ears of a different dog, cat, or even a family member. Dogs frequently engage in this borderline disgusting practice, but most pet owners are baffled as to why their dog is licking their ears. This age-old query has two potential solutions.
Ear Licking is a Complex Canine Behavior
Due to their nature as pack animals, dogs communicate in most of their daily activities. The constantly shifting social structure in a pack necessitates that dogs have effective communication skills.
Mutual grooming between two dogs who are close buddies or family members occurs frequently. Dogs are unable to properly groom their own ears, which can become rather dirty. When a dog licks the ears of another dog, a cat, or even you, he or she is communicating two things:
- I feel at ease around you and welcome you into my pack.
- I adore and respect you.
As a display of respect and adoration, the more subservient of the two dogs will frequently be the one doing the licking. The next time your dog gives you a tongue lashing, just know that he just loves you!
Your Dog is Licking Ears Because Dogs Can Be Gross
However, ear licking occasionally refers to another innate dog behavior: occasionally being a little repulsive. Some dogs grow to like the taste of ear wax. When your feline friend’s ear canal is clogged with wax, who needs a peanut butter-filled Kong?
Since ear wax has a slight saltiness, it can be a tasty treat for dogs with refined palates. When an infection is present, the discharge in an ear changes in scent (and likely flavor), which attracts other canines. If a pet suddenly becomes interested in another pet’s ears, there may be an issue with the ear canal.
Dogs use their lips to explore the world, and licking their ears is one method. You do need to use caution, though, if the behavior is excessive. It is best to discourage frequent licking because excessive ear moisture might occasionally lead to an ear infection.
If your pet starts licking his ears excessively, try to divert him with interactive toys and other forms of attention. Every now and then, a pet will exhibit behaviors that are nearly compulsive and call for medical attention.
Please let us know if your dog is excessively licking the ears of other animals. If necessary, we are pleased to examine both the lick-er and the lick-ee for indications of an ear issue.
|2019-01-14T06:29:31+00:00Billings Animal Family
Ask a Vet: Why is My Dog Licking Ears? published May 1st, 2015|Training & Behavior|Comments Off on
What causes dogs to lick one another’s ears?
In the canine community, licking the ears of another dog is a common greeting. Ear licking amongst dogs has its roots in the days before humans started domesticating dogs when dogs were pack animals. Dogs would establish their presence and let the others know they were there during a pack reunion by licking each other’s ears. Imagine it as a primitive and old high five. It was an integral component of pack life. Dogs will probably continue to lick their ears indefinitely because they are still pack creatures, at least genetically.
Dog’s ears are, for them, in an inaccessible area, to put it more technically. There is simply no way for them to reach them, and occasionally they are still unable to make contact, unless they start scratching at an ear with a back leg. The only opportunity a dog has to freshen itself in that area is to lick the ears of another dog. Dogs lick one other’s ears as a grooming gesture, which is somewhat akin to how monkeys undertake a communal and reciprocal picking through of their fur to remove dirt and parasites. Wouldn’t you assist your friend in the same manner?
The fragrance of dog ear wax is particularly distinctive. Can you really claim not to have noticed? True, we don’t wander around smelling dog ears. Your pet does it and enjoys it thanks to his excellent nose sensory sense. He is in part defined by it. He will first sniff, then lick. Dogs like distinct flavors than what humans might typically find to be enticing. They enjoy things that smell terrible. Indeed, the more foul the better. Have you ever noticed how your dog would look for anything that humans would find abhorrent and then eat it, regardless of how decomposed it is?
Why does my dog chew the ears of my other dog?
It’s an Expression of Love Dogs use body language to communicate with one another because they are sociable creatures. Chewing is one example of body language. In rare instances, a dog may chew its ear as a display of affection or as an encouragement to play with another dog.
What causes dogs to join their ears?
Seeing how happy your dog is when you arrive home from work or any other location is one of the most beautiful sights in the world. They frequently wag their tails while bending their bodies into a U-shape and folding their ears back. Other dogs would rush to you, hold their ears back, and lick your face.
Returning its ears is frequently a kind greeting from your dog. They’re attempting to approach you while without appearing menacing. With a smiling smile and relaxed body language, it is a welcoming display. They attempt to make you feel at ease around them because they find it to be so.
Why does my dog lick the private parts of my other dog?
Dogs have a straightforward thinking and always communicate through touch and other natural senses like smell. It is actually very common and healthy for dogs to lick one other’s private regions as a way of politely getting to know one another through grooming and fragrance. They act in this way whether or not they have been sterilized.
When dogs first interact, they will sniff and lick one other’s “private parts” on occasion. It’s actually a positive sign that they are getting along because this is how they learn to know one another.
Dogs are naturally curious animals who not only sniff and smell things, but also taste and paw at them. By sniffing and licking the genitalia of other canines, dogs can learn a lot about one another. They are intrigued about how different dogs taste from their own.
Through this kind of research, they can learn information about another dog’s age, gender, general health, readiness for sexual activity, place in the pack, and recent travels (what have they been ingesting).
Although sampling is typical, most adult dogs will only put up with this degree of inquiry for a few period of time. Younger canines often linger longer than older dogs, but usually the older dog will stop them after a short while, teaching the younger dog that there is a limit to such behavior.
There is nothing fundamentally wrong with the activity, but you could wish to interrupt it after approximately 10-15 seconds for the purpose of decorum and to prevent the dogs from performing such a thorough examination on another. ring the dogs “bring them to you and occupy them with games or toys. or firmly say “enough” to stop the activity “no order. If you do this repeatedly, they will begin to understand that the conduct is only acceptable for a short period of time, not for several minutes.
Why does my dog lick the face and ears of my other dog?
When we cuddle up next to them after a hard day, most of us try not to think about this, but when left alone, the majority of dogs will happily eat, lick, or chew just about everything they can find. Licking food objects or floors that may have food spilled on them is understandable, but certain behaviours are more difficult to comprehend.
Dogs may lick the ears of other dogs to greet them and signal their friendliness. They might also do it to groom and bond with each other or just because they like the taste of earwax. Some dogs could lick their ears more frequently when they’re bored.
The short answer is yes, but let’s delve a bit deeper into this peculiar canine behavior to get the whole explanation for why dogs lick canine ears.
Should I allow my dog to kiss the ears of my other dog?
Your amiable dog can enjoy the other dog and wish to demonstrate it by giving them a good brushing. They groom themselves by licking themselves, but they can’t get to their own ears, so other dogs assist them out.
When two dogs live in the same household and get along well, they get very at ease grooming one another. One technique to do that is to lick each other’s ears. Additionally, it can prevent ear mites, although excessive licking might irritate the ear and possibly result in an ear infection.
Why do dogs lick you on the head?
Having a dog allows people to express and receive affection. Dogs are affectionate animals by nature. Every dog is unique, and their need for affection will vary according on their socialization, breed, background, and other factors. However, a healthy dog that has been properly domesticated will frequently desire attention. They might only want you to give them a pet by laying their head on you. It’s not just a typical behavior for dogs; it’s also a wonderful way to show our pups how much we care.
Do dogs ever cry?
Huge, melancholy puppy eyes staring at them are cherished by dog lovers. Those tender gaze melt people’s hearts. But may the dog genuinely be in sorrow based on those somber eyes?
Do dogs have emotions?
Since our canine friends cannot express their emotions to us, it is challenging to interpret what those somber eyes are trying to tell us. Even though dogs cannot verbally express their happiness or sadness, savvy pet owners can infer these emotions from their animals’ behavior. Given these readings, it is generally accepted that dogs experience joy, sorrow, possessiveness, and fear. They also experience anxiety and anger. And they do, in fact, lament.
What are the signs of mourning?
A dog grieves and responds to the changes in his life when he loses a companion, whether they are two- or four-legged. When dogs grieve, they behave differently, much like when people do:
- They could start to feel down and listless.
- They might be less hungry and unwilling to play.
- They might move more slowly and sleep more than normal while moping around.
Owners of pets understand that these alterations in routine behavior are equivalent to the human expressions of grief. The loss of a central individual (canine or human) and the link that was formed with them is the common factor in both human and canine mourning.
Dogs, according to skeptics, don’t actually experience grief, and their modifications in behavior are due to their daily routines changing as a result of losing a significant person in their lives. In other words, because his schedule is irregular, the dog becomes angry. Perhaps the surviving dog lacks canine companionship and playtime due to the loss of a companion dog. Perhaps feeding and walking schedules are altered when the new caretaker assumes control following the loss of a human companion. A dog might wait patiently in the hope that the deceased caretaker will return since they may not grasp that death is a permanent state. Others, on the other hand, think that the dog might simply be responding to the humans in the house who are grieving the loss of a family member.
Has there been any research on the subject?
According to a recent study, common indications of sorrow include:
- After losing a canine friend, 36% of canines reported having less of an appetite.
- 11% of people refused to eat anything at all.
- Some dogs experienced sleeplessness, but many dogs slept more than usual.
- Some dogs shifted where they slept in the house.
- Approximately 63% of dogs showed vocal pattern alterations, some vocalizing more and others being quieter than they did before they lost a human friend.
- Dogs that made it typically become attached and more affectionate with their owners.
According to the study, 66% of dogs underwent four or more behavioral changes after the death of a household pet, which showed sadness. The study evaluated a wide range of behavior patterns.
How can I help my dog cope with grief?
Following the death of an animal or human family member, caring owners can assist their dogs in coping with bereavement by:
- Take more time to play with your dog. Engage in your dog’s favorite activities to try and divert her attention. Take a walk. Play fetch with the dog. drive around in the automobile.
- Be more empathetic. Make it a point to pet your dog more frequently. Make eye contact with him and speak to him, telling him things like, “OK, Scout, let’s load the dishwasher.
- Invite friends over who will play with your dog if it appreciates company. Your dog may become more interested in some human varieties.
- While you’re away, provide some amusement. To keep your dog entertained while you are away, hide goodies in places around the house that are familiar to him so he may discover them during the day. You can also stuff a foraging toy with food.
- Encourage appropriate conduct while ignoring inappropriate conduct. Some sad canines vocalize or wail on their own volition. Try to disregard this conduct, even when it’s challenging to do so. Avoid rewarding your dog to calm him because doing so will just promote the undesirable behavior. Tell him to be quiet firmly and give him something if he does. A hug will do as a reward if food is not desired. Distracting your dog may help break the cycle of howling. Try calling him to you instead of approaching him, which could be viewed as encouraging the bad conduct. If he follows your instructions, thank him and start a game or walk to divert his attention.
- Think of medical treatment. Ask your veterinarian about the use of a behavior modification medicine if your dog experiences ongoing trouble after a loss. There are a number of drugs that can act as an adjuvant to treatment and may support your attempts to address grieving-related behavioral problems. Prior to giving medicine, your pet’s veterinarian may want to perform blood and urine tests to rule out any underlying conditions that could affect behavior, such as thyroid issues, diabetes, or electrolyte imbalances, to name a few.
- When choosing a new pet, take your time. Don’t rush to get a new dog if your dog is grieving the loss of a canine friend. Give your dog some time to process the loss and adjust. The addition of a new puppy could make an already tense situation worse.
The entire family, but especially the dogs, needs to create a new, cozy social structure in the house after losing a human or canine family member. People lead lives outside of their immediate family to help them cope with grief or put the loss in a larger context. They interact with individuals at the gym, at work, and via electronic means with faraway friends and family members.
“The dog may require support in coping with bereavement when a member of that family unit passes away because there is such a hole in his existence.
Dogs have far more limited social structures with defined borders that only go as far as the interior of the home, the yard’s boundary, or the neighborhood walking trail. Their attention is concentrated on a much limited social sphere, which may only be made up of family members and other pets. The loss of a member of that family leaves a tremendous hole in the dog’s life, and they may require support to cope.
The mending process for both pet and pet owner will be aided by time. The pain of loss will fade, and happy memories will take its place. And as loving, grateful glances are exchanged between the two, their relationship—canine and human—may develop into something even more lovely.
