Is ear licking between dogs normal?
Yes, in most cases. Dogs that live together or know each other well often groom one another, and ears are a popular spot. This often develops as housemates settle in; see how to introduce a puppy to your dog at home. Mild, occasional ear licking between friendly dogs is usually a social behavior. It becomes worth a closer look when it is constant, when one dog seems bothered, or when the ears themselves look or smell unusual.
Common reasons dogs lick each other’s ears
- Social grooming and bonding. Licking is a way for dogs to show closeness and keep relationships comfortable. Puppies are groomed by their mothers and often carry the habit into adulthood.
- Affection and comfort. Many dogs seem to find mutual licking soothing, similar to how they feel when relaxing together.
- Taste and smell. Ears collect wax, skin oils and scent. The taste of a housemate’s ears may simply be interesting.
- Greeting and information gathering. Dogs learn about each other through smell and taste, and the ears and face are close to scent glands and breath.
- Stress relief or appeasement. Some dogs lick when they are uneasy, either to calm themselves or to signal that they mean no harm (see ways to calm a dog).
- Habit or boredom. When dogs do not have enough activity, they may fixate on a companion.
Similar licking directed at people has overlapping causes, which we describe in why your dog licks you excessively.
Is it submission?
You may read that dogs lick to show submission. Licking can be part of an appeasing or friendly signal, particularly from a younger or less confident dog toward another, but it does not always indicate rank. The rest of the dog’s body language helps: a loose, wiggly body suggests friendly interaction, while a low, tense or tucked posture suggests nervousness. Dogs who are comfortable together often swap roles.
When ear licking points to an ear problem
Sometimes a dog is drawn to a housemate’s ears because something is wrong. Warning signs in the dog receiving the licking include:
- Frequent head shaking or scratching at the ears
- Redness, swelling or heat in the ear
- Unusual odor
- Brown, black, yellow or waxy discharge
- Tilting the head, sensitivity to touch, or yelping when the ear is touched
- Hair loss or sores around the ear
Yeast infections, bacterial infections, mites and allergies can all cause ear problems, and they can look alike at home. A veterinarian can examine the ear canal, and sometimes test a sample under a microscope, to find out the cause and recommend treatment. Do not put drops or home remedies in the ear without veterinary advice. Some ear parasites can spread between pets, so the other animals in your home may need to be checked as well.
Dogs with floppy ears, such as Basset Hounds, Cocker Spaniels and many retrievers, can be more prone to trapped moisture and ear trouble, because airflow into the canal is reduced. That does not mean every dog of those breeds will have problems.
When one dog overdoes it
Too much licking can irritate the skin and the ear. It may also be a sign of compulsive behavior or stress in the licker. Be concerned if:
- The licked dog’s ear becomes red, wet, sore or hairless
- The receiving dog tries to move away, growls or snaps
- The licker is hard to interrupt and seems fixated
- It happens mostly when the dogs are anxious or left alone
What to do
- Watch both dogs. Is the receiving dog relaxed and encouraging it, or trying to leave?
- Check the ears. Look and smell gently. If you see signs of infection, see your vet.
- Interrupt calmly. Call the licker away and redirect it to a chew, toy or training game. Reward calm behavior.
- Add enrichment. More exercise, sniff walks and mental games can reduce fixation. See how to bond with your dog for ideas that also include time one-on-one with each dog.
- Ask a professional if needed. If licking is intense or one dog is distressed, a veterinarian or qualified behavior professional can help.
Common questions
Why do dogs sniff your ears? Dogs are scent-driven and the head and ears carry interesting smells. Sniffing is usually curiosity or greeting, though a dog that is persistently fixated on your ear may be noticing something such as a change in your scent. If it bothers you, redirect politely.
How do I tell if my dog has ear mites or yeast? You cannot reliably tell at home. Both can cause itching, odor and discharge, and they need different treatments, so have a vet look at the ears.
What dog breed has the floppiest ears? Breeds like Basset Hounds, Bloodhounds and English Cocker Spaniels are well known for long, drooping ears.