27
Jan
Back when dogs lived in packs in the wild they would lick the ears of their packmates to show that they accepted the other as a part of their pack. Why dogs lick humans can have to do with their natural tendencies as hunters which go back to their pre-domestication days.
The second reason is that theyre grooming you.
Why do dogs lick ears of humans. There are two primary reasons your dog licks your ears. The first and most common reason is that they like the taste. Sounds gross but some dogs love the taste of earwax.
The second reason is that theyre grooming you. One final reason your dog may suddenly become obsessed with ears is an underlying medical issue. This is more likely to be the case if you see your dog has started licking the ears of other animals in your home rather than licking your human ears but its still something to be aware of.
Dogs are constant beacons of communication both to humans and to other dogs. Unlike humans they dont have vocal cords to be able to speak and get their message across so they do so by using other means of communication like barking body language and yes ear licking. Perhaps you have noticed two dogs seemingly relaxed licking each others ears.
However in some instances one dog may develop an ear infection due to continual moisture in the ear. Amy Pike DVM of Veterinary Behavior Consultants in. Why do dogs lick your ears.
As we mentioned dog ear licking is done in most cases to show you that they care. Think of it as part of their love language. In more detail however your dog may be licking your ears for these reasons.
They love you and missed you. They are acknowledging that you are in charge. They want to help you stay clean.
The most common reason a dog may lick their humans ears is as a sign of affection. Back when dogs lived in packs in the wild they would lick the ears of their packmates to show that they accepted the other as a part of their pack. Why Do Dogs Lick People.
Yeast infectionswhich are primarily caused by an allergytend to begin either in a dogs ears or in their paws. If you notice this type of licking in addition to other symptoms like sores redness or a slimy often smelly discharge have your dog checked out by the vet right away. Theres a pretty good chance that your dog is licking you because it loves you.
Its why many people call them kisses Dogs show affection by licking people and sometimes even other dogs. Licking is a natural action for dogs. Affection A show of affection is the most likely reason why your dog will lick your or someone elses ears.
This behaviour has roots back when dogs lived in packs. Licking another dogs ears showed that the recipient dog had been accepted into the pack. Humans and dogs alike can get ear infections.
And if your dog is constantly licking your ears as well as the ears of other animals in the family these types of infections can be passed around. Additionally if one of your dogs is more inclined to lick the ears of another animal this can. Why dogs lick humans can have to do with their natural tendencies as hunters which go back to their pre-domestication days.
Theres nothing to be alarmed though. When surviving in the wild they used the superior sense of smell and taste to explore places identify people discover or know different objects whether animate or inanimate. Many dog owners view dogs licking as a sign of affection similar to kissing.
Obsessive licking may be a sign of underlying issues including anxiety boredom or fear. A dog licking the ear of another dog is a thing dogs do. It means a lot to them.
Its their way of integrating into the pack or of passing on a social favor in the form of a bit of friendly grooming. But just keep in mind although ear licking is instinctual it can evolve into something more and so you need to be keeping an eye on it. Your Dog is Licking Ears Because Dogs Can Be Gross Sometimes however ear licking goes back to another innate dog behavior.
Being a little bit disgusting sometimes. Some dogs develop a penchant for the taste of ear wax. Who needs a peanut butter filled Kong when your kitty friend has an ear canal full of wax.
Licking another dogs face or a humans face is a normal social behavior. Licking can be an appeasement gesture that signals a dogs social deference. It can also be a signal to solicit food more social information a sign of affection or to solicit attention.
A dog licking faces or other body parts can also occur as part of grooming. Exploration dogs use their sense of taste and smell to explore the world and everything it offers. Affection licking the ears can be a sign of love and devotion because the dog is nuzzling and snuggling and in the process licking the ears to show it is comfortable with the baby.
Bitches lick their pups to communicate affection and to provide necessary care. Licking can also be used to express a wider range of emotions in dogs.