Have you ever noticed your dogs licking each other’s ears and wondered what they are doing? Dogs are social creatures and are known to engage in a variety of behaviors to communicate with each other. One such behavior is ear licking. It’s a common sight among dogs and can even seem like a sign of affection between them. But why do dogs lick each other’s ears, and is it a behavior that should be encouraged or discouraged? In this blog post, we’ll dive into the science behind ear licking in dogs and explore the reasons why your dog may be licking your other dog’s ear.
The Basics of Canine Communication
Before we delve into ear licking, it’s important to understand the basics of canine communication. Dogs use a variety of signals and behaviors to convey their emotions and intentions to other dogs. For example, they use body language, vocalizations, and scent marking to communicate with each other. By understanding these basic communication methods, we can begin to understand why dogs lick each other’s ears.
The Anatomy of a Dog’s Ear
To understand why dogs lick each other’s ears, it’s important to understand the anatomy of a dog’s ear. A dog’s ear is composed of three parts: the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear. The outer ear is the part that we can see and is made up of the pinna (earflap) and the ear canal. The middle ear contains the eardrum and three tiny bones that transmit sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear. The inner ear contains the cochlea, which is responsible for hearing, and the vestibular system, which is responsible for balance.
Dogs have a much stronger sense of hearing than humans, and their ears are designed to help them locate the source of a sound. They can move their ears independently of each other, and their ear shape and size can also affect their hearing. Dogs with floppy ears, such as Cocker Spaniels or Basset Hounds, may have a harder time hearing high-pitched sounds than dogs with upright ears, such as German Shepherds or Siberian Huskies.
Why Do Dogs Lick Each Other’s Ears?
There are several reasons why dogs lick each other’s ears. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common explanations:
- Grooming: Dogs are social animals, and grooming is an essential part of their social behavior. When dogs lick each other’s ears, it can be a way of grooming or cleaning each other. This behavior is particularly common among puppies, who rely on their mothers to keep them clean and healthy.
- Affection: Dogs also use licking as a way of showing affection to each other. Licking the ears of another dog can be a sign of affection and can help to strengthen the bond between them.
- Communication: As we mentioned earlier, dogs use a variety of signals and behaviors to communicate with each other. Licking can be a way of conveying a message, such as a request to play or an invitation to join in a social activity.
- Tasting: Dogs have a highly developed sense of smell and taste. Licking the ears of another dog can be a way of sampling their scent and taste, which can provide valuable information about the other dog.
Should You Be Concerned About Ear Licking?
While ear licking is a natural behavior among dogs, there are some situations where it may be cause for concern. For example, excessive ear licking can be a sign of an underlying health issue, such as an ear infection. If you notice your dog licking another dog’s ears excessively or aggressively, it’s a good idea to have them checked out by a veterinarian. Additionally, if you have concerns about the hygiene of the other dog or their ears, you may want to discourage the behavior.
Ear Licking and Health Issues
As mentioned earlier, excessive ear licking can be a sign of an underlying health issue. Dogs are prone to ear infections, which can cause discomfort and irritation in the ear canal. Symptoms of an ear infection may include shaking of the head, scratching at the ears, redness or swelling of the ear canal, and a foul odor coming from the ear. If you notice your dog licking another dog’s ears excessively or aggressively, it’s important to have them checked out by a veterinarian.
In addition to ear infections, there are other health issues that can affect a dog’s ears. For example, allergies can cause inflammation and itching in the ears, which may lead to excessive licking. Ear mites are another common issue that can cause irritation and discomfort in the ear canal. If you suspect that your dog has an ear infection or other health issue, it’s important to seek veterinary care.
Training Your Dog to Stop Licking
If you have concerns about your dog licking another dog’s ears, there are several steps you can take to discourage the behavior. One approach is to redirect your dog’s attention to a more appropriate behavior, such as playing with a toy or going for a walk. You can also train your dog to respond to a verbal command, such as “leave it” or “no lick.”
Positive reinforcement techniques can be used to encourage your dog to stop licking. For example, you can reward your dog with a treat or praise when they respond to your verbal command. Consistency is key when it comes to training your dog, and it’s important to be patient and persistent.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ear licking is a natural behavior among dogs that serves a variety of purposes. By understanding the science behind ear licking, as well as the anatomy of a dog’s ear and the potential health issues that can arise, you can better understand your dog’s behavior and ensure that they are healthy and happy. If you have concerns about your dog licking another dog’s ears excessively or aggressively, it’s important to seek veterinary care. Once you have consulting your vet, you can then take steps to discourage the behavior. With patience and persistence, you can train your dog to respond to verbal commands and redirect their attention to more appropriate behaviors.