Doggy Kisses: Why Do Dogs Lick Ears?
Understanding your furry friend’s quirky, affectionate gesture
Vet-reviewed by Dr. Pippa Elliott, BVMS MRCVS ·
Wondering why do dogs lick your ears? This behavior, while perhaps surprising or amusing, leaves many people scratching their heads.
A lot of licking behavior might even extend to your face. But that prompts the question: Why do dogs lick ears and faces so enthusiastically?
To understand this, it’s time to see the world through a dog’s eyes, interpreting their nonverbal cues and appreciating their distinct methods of expressing affection or curiosity.
Understanding Dog Behavior
Let’s start with the basics of dog behavior. Dogs communicate primarily through body language, and licking is a significant part of that language. They learn this behavior as puppies, with their mother licking them for grooming and comfort.
This licking behavior then evolves as dogs grow older. It can be a way of showing submission to more dominant dogs or a method of exploring their environment, as a dog’s sense of taste is closely linked to its sense of smell. It’s also a common way for dogs to express affection.
Just as humans might hug or kiss, dogs use licks to show their love.
Why Do Dogs Lick Ears?
According to James Glover, DVM, this behavior isn’t harmful in most cases, unless hygiene becomes a concern.
There could be multiple reasons that lead to this peculiar fondness of dogs for ear licking. Take a look at a few of them:
- could be seeking your attention while simultaneously showing affection toward you.
- Grooming Ritual: Dogs often indulge in mutual ear licking. This can be a part of their grooming habits. However, there’s a cautionary note attached to this (which we’ll discuss later).
- A Smell: Despite how clean you think your ears might be, they carry several unique smells that appeal to dogs, according to Sally Groth, a dog training consultant. This could be a possible reason behind the ear licking.
- A Love for the Taste of Earwax: As unpleasant as it might sound, dogs might find the taste of human earwax appealing, making them more likely to lick ears.
- Boredom: Dogs may choose to lick ears as a simple pastime to occupy themselves.
- Submission: This behavior could also be a dog’s way of showing submission to their human companions.
Understanding these factors can help you better comprehend why dogs lick ears and, specifically, why your dog might be so keen on this behavior.
Other Factors That Can Influence Ear-Licking Behavior
Beyond the main reasons, additional factors might influence your dog’s fondness for ear-licking behavior:
- Breed Characteristics: Certain dog breeds are more prone to licking behavior due to their inherent characteristics or temperaments. For example, retrievers and spaniels are known for their licking tendencies, as they have been bred over generations for their soft mouth behavior, often used for retrieving game without damaging it.
- Age and Health: Puppies might lick more than adult dogs as they’re learning about their world. A dog’s health condition could play a role in their licking behavior. If your dog is licking ears excessively, it could indicate health issues like anxiety, dental disease, or even gastrointestinal problems.
- Owner’s Response: How you react to your dog’s ear licking can significantly influence this behavior. If you give them attention, pet them, or laugh when they lick your ears, they might take it as a positive reinforcement, thus encouraging them to repeat this action.
- Environment and Habits: Changes in your dog’s environment or daily routine can also impact their ear-licking habit. Stressful changes, such as moving to a new home, can lead to increased licking as a way to seek comfort.
Health Implications of Dogs Licking Ears
While most of the time ear licking is relatively harmless, there are some potential health implications to be aware of:
- Sanitation Concerns: Dogs explore the world with their mouths and are likely to pick up various bacteria and germs in the process, which could be transferred to you when they lick your ears. Conversely, dogs’ ears are sensitive, and bacteria from a human’s mouth can upset their ear’s natural balance, leading to infections.
- Spread of Disease: Although rare, dogs can transmit zoonotic diseases (diseases that can jump from animals to humans) through licking. These could include conditions like ringworm or certain types of bacterial infections.
- Skin Irritation: Constant licking can cause irritation or even minor injuries to the sensitive skin in and around the ears.
- Increased Risk of Ear Infections for Dogs: As mentioned earlier, dogs often engage in mutual ear licking. While this may seem like a sweet bonding behavior, it can lead to an increased risk of ear infections.
Even though the question “Why does my dog lick my ears?” may have some affectionate or submissive answers, it’s important to consider these potential health implications. If you notice excessive or obsessive licking, consult your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health problems.
How To Redirect Your Dog’s Licking Behavior
Michael W. Fox, DVM, has noted that some dogs have a greater inclination toward licking than others, and in some cases, dogs may even nibble on ears.
If your pet’s ear-licking habit is becoming a bit too frequent for your liking, there are strategies to discourage this behavior.
The primary aim is to divert your dog’s attention away from ear licking. One effective strategy could be taking your dog for a walk as soon as they start licking. The idea of a walk or a little adventure can be very exciting for most dogs, making them forget about their previous preoccupation with licking ears.
Another approach involves mental stimulation. For instance, you could put their food inside a toy, compelling them to figure out how to retrieve their meal. Engaging in games can often distract them from other habits. We recommend the IQ treat ball for this purpose, as it offers both a mental challenge and a physical activity for your dog.
Breaking any habit takes time and patience, and curbing your pet’s ear licking is no different. With a consistent strategy and a little patience, you should notice a reduction in your pet’s ear-licking frequency.
FAQs
What other behaviors are similar to a dog licking my ears?
Dogs might exhibit other affectionate behaviors similar to ear licking, such as nudging you with their nose, leaning against you, or licking other parts of your body like your hands or face. These are all ways dogs express their love and seek attention.
Can a dog licking my ears cause any harm to my hearing?
No, probably not. While a dog’s tongue reaching your eardrum is unlikely due to the ear’s structure, you should still maintain good hygiene and discourage ear-licking behavior. In rare cases, if a dog’s lick introduces bacteria deep into the ear canal, it could potentially lead to an infection.
How can I tell if my dog’s ear licking is due to affection or a health issue?
Regular observation of your dog’s behavior can help you understand the reason behind ear licking. If it’s occasional and seems to happen during relaxed, affectionate moments, it’s likely an expression of love. However, if the licking becomes excessive, obsessive, or is coupled with other signs of distress like whining, changes in appetite, or unusual aggression, consult a veterinarian.
Links/Sources:
- https://www.billingsanimalfamilyhospital.com/ask-a-vet-why-is-my-dog-licking-ears/#:~:text=Your%20Dog%20is%20Licking%20Ears%20Because%20Dogs%20Can%20Be%20Gross&text=Ear%20wax%20is%20a%20little,there%20is%20an%20infection%20present.
- https://www.chron.com/life/article/why-does-my-dog-like-to-lick-ears-1773559.php
- https://a-z-animals.com/blog/why-do-dogs-lick-each-others-ears-is-something-wrong/
- Feature photo: istockphoto
Wendy Toth is an entrepreneurial writer, editor, and mom of two humans, two dogs and one cat. She’s currently Content Director here at PetFul. For the last 15 years she has held positions at Parents Magazine, NBC, PetSmart, and GreatPetCare, where she was co-founder. Her writing has appeared in many national outlets including Pet Lab Co., Retail Me Not, Ask Men, Wild Society Nutrition, and The New York Times. Because she loves her work so much, she’s obsessed with helping others find career fulfillment, and covers it regularly at PowerSuiting.
Veterinarian · BVMS MRCVS
Dr. Pippa Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS, is a veterinarian with nearly 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. Dr. Elliott earned her Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery from the University of Glasgow. She was also designated a Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Married with 2 grown-up kids, Dr. Elliott has a naughty Puggle named Poggle, 3 cats and a bearded dragon.
