Why Do Dogs Lick Each Others Ears​?

Have you ever seen two dogs sitting together, and one starts licking the other’s ears? It might look funny or even a little strange. But did you know there’s a secret reason behind this behavior? Dogs don’t just lick each other’s ears for no reason. There’s a whole story behind it! Let’s dive into the mystery of why do dogs lick each others ears and uncover the secrets of this fascinating behavior.

What’s Going On? The Ear Licking Mystery

Imagine you’re watching two dogs. One dog leans over and starts licking the other dog’s ear. You might wonder, “Why are they doing that?” Is it a game? Is it a sign of love? Or is there something more going on? The truth is, dogs lick each other’s ears for many reasons. Some reasons are sweet, some are surprising, and some might even shock you!

Reason 1: Dogs Show Love and Friendship

Dogs are very social animals. They love being around other dogs and people. When dogs lick each other’s ears, it’s often a way of saying, “I like you!” or “You’re my friend!” Just like how humans hug or shake hands, dogs use licking to show affection. It’s their way of bonding and building trust.

Think about it: when a dog licks your face, it’s because they love you. The same goes for dogs licking each other’s ears. It’s a sweet way of saying, “You’re part of my pack.”

Reason 2: Cleaning Each Other – A Dog’s Job

Did you know dogs are natural cleaners? In the wild, dogs and their ancestors, wolves, live in packs. They help each other stay clean by grooming. Grooming means cleaning each other’s fur, ears, and even paws. When one dog licks another dog’s ears, they’re helping to keep their friend clean.

Ears can get dirty because they’re hard to reach. So, when a dog licks another dog’s ears, they’re being a good friend by helping out. It’s like when your mom or dad helps you tie your shoes or brush your hair. Dogs do the same for each other!

Reason 3: Tasting Something Yummy

Here’s a surprising reason: dogs might lick each other’s ears because they taste good! Dogs have a strong sense of smell and taste. Sometimes, ear wax or dirt in a dog’s ear can have a salty or interesting taste. Dogs are curious creatures, and they might lick ears just to see what they taste like.

It might sound gross to us, but to dogs, it’s like a little snack! This is especially true if the dog being licked has an ear infection or buildup of wax. The other dog might notice the smell or taste and start licking.

Reason 4: It’s a Calming Behavior

Dogs can get stressed or anxious, just like people. When they feel this way, they look for ways to calm down. Licking is one of those ways. It’s a soothing behavior that helps dogs relax. When one dog licks another dog’s ears, it can help both dogs feel calm and safe.

Think of it like a hug or holding hands when you’re feeling scared. Dogs use licking to comfort each other and make themselves feel better.

Reason 5: Showing Respect to the Leader

In a dog pack, there’s usually a leader, or “alpha.” The other dogs in the pack show respect to the leader by grooming them. Licking the leader’s ears is a way of saying, “You’re in charge, and I respect you.” It’s a sign of submission, which means the dog is showing they’re not a threat.

Even in your home, if you have more than one dog, you might notice one dog licking the other’s ears more often. This could be a way of showing who’s the boss in the house.

Reason 6: It’s a Puppy Thing

When puppies are born, their moms lick them to clean them and help them feel safe. This licking behavior stays with dogs as they grow up. Even adult dogs might lick each other’s ears as a way of remembering their puppy days. It’s a comforting behavior that reminds them of their mom’s care.

Reason 7: Checking for Health Problems

Dogs are very smart. They can sense when something is wrong with another dog. If one dog has an ear infection or a health issue, the other dog might notice the smell or see redness and start licking. This is their way of checking on their friend and trying to help.

If you notice one dog licking another dog’s ears a lot, it might be a good idea to check the ears for any problems. Sometimes, dogs know something is wrong before we do!

Reason 8: It’s Just Fun!

Sometimes, dogs lick each other’s ears just because it’s fun! Dogs love to play and explore the world around them. Licking ears can be a game or a way to get attention. If one dog starts licking, the other might join in, and soon they’re both having a great time.

What If My Dogs Lick Each Other’s Ears Too Much?

While ear licking is usually harmless, too much licking can sometimes cause problems. If one dog licks another dog’s ears too much, it can make the ears sore or even lead to an infection. If you notice your dogs licking each other’s ears a lot, it’s a good idea to check their ears and make sure everything is okay.

You can also distract them with a toy or treat if the licking gets too much. Remember, it’s all about balance!

The Secret History of Ear Licking:

Did you know that ear licking isn’t just a modern dog thing? This behavior goes way back to when dogs were wolves. Wolves live in packs and rely on each other for survival. Grooming, including ear licking, was a way to keep the pack healthy and strong. It’s a tradition that has been passed down for thousands of years!

Fun Facts About Dogs and Ear Licking:

• Dogs have over 1,700 taste buds, which is why they’re so curious about tastes and smells.
• A dog’s ears are very sensitive, so licking can feel good to them.
• Some dogs are more likely to lick ears than others. It depends on their personality and breed.

What Can We Learn From Dogs?

Dogs teach us a lot about love, friendship, and taking care of each other. When they lick each other’s ears, they’re showing us how to be kind and helpful. Next time you see dogs licking each other’s ears, remember all the reasons behind it. It’s not just a funny behavior – it’s a way of communicating and caring.

Final Thoughts: The Ear-Licking Mystery Solved!

So, why do dogs lick each others ears? It’s a mix of love, friendship, cleaning, and even a little curiosity. Dogs are amazing creatures with their own ways of showing affection and taking care of each other. The next time you see your dogs licking each other’s ears, you’ll know the secret behind it!

Dogs are full of surprises, and their ear-licking habit is just one of the many things that make them so special. Whether they’re showing love, cleaning, or just having fun, dogs remind us of the importance of caring for each other. So, give your dog a hug and maybe even a little ear scratch – they deserve it!