We’ve all experienced a dog or puppy trying to lick our ears at some point in our lives—it’s inevitable. When you bend down to greet them, you’ll likely get a wet willy in no time. So, what exactly is the fascination with dogs licking our ears? Is there some hidden treasure in there that we are unaware of?
There might not be just one reason, but a combination of factors that drive your furry friend to tickle your ears. Let’s explore the possible messages your dog is trying to convey.
Licking in Dogs
Dogs use licking as a way to communicate various emotions with us. It’s one of the ways they express affection. In their natural habitat, dogs lick each other to show love, groom one another, and care for their offspring. Since they view their human companions as part of their pack, it’s no surprise they extend this behavior to us.
So, why might your dog be interested in licking your ears? The reasons are likely not too difficult to decipher. Dogs are transparent about their feelings—we just need to pay attention to understand the message.
The 6 Reasons Dogs Lick Your Ears
1. Your Dog Loves You
One of the primary reasons dogs lick humans is simply to show affection. It’s a clear indicator that they love you. They often lick your ears when greeting you or when you are at eye level with them. Dogs enjoy making facial contact as a direct way to express intimacy and affection, showcasing their care for you.
They do this willingly because they seek your love and approval in return. By showering us with affection through licks, they demonstrate that the bond between you is mutual. It’s heartwarming to think about the many ways dogs express their gratitude towards us.
2. Your Dog Enjoys the Taste of Your Ears
As unappealing as it may seem to us, dogs might be intrigued by the taste of our ears. Earwax, being an oily and bitter substance, could be a flavour they find appealing, creating an interesting tasting experience for them. The inner ear might offer a different and more potent taste compared to just licking a regular cheek.
Although it may not be the most pleasant thought, dogs have a reputation for putting various unappetizing things in their mouths. If your dog leans towards licking your ears, it could be due to finding a unique taste that intrigues them.
3. Your Dog Is Grooming You
When was the last time you cleaned your ears? Your dog might be doing you a favor by giving your ears a thorough “tongue bath.” Dogs are adept at reaching areas you can’t, ensuring they provide you with a grooming session you might have missed.
Grooming is a behavior ingrained in dogs from their early days in the pack, where members groom each other to maintain cleanliness and hygiene. Your dog probably believes that by grooming you, they are fulfilling a dutiful service to keep you healthy.
4. Your Dog Is Showing Submission
Your dog recognizes you as the leader of the pack. In natural canine hierarchies, once the alpha is established, the other pack members respect the leader. Dogs quickly grasp the household dynamics and understand where they stand in the pecking order. While they may push boundaries occasionally, deep down, they acknowledge you as the head honcho.
By engaging in submissive licking, your dog is affirming their place in the hierarchy and expressing their deep loyalty and respect towards you as their leader. It’s a signal of acceptance of the social order and a gesture of submission.
5. Your Dog Seeks Comfort
Our furry companions rely on us for comfort and seek solace in our presence. They have a strong emotional bond with us, and displaying affection through actions like licking reaffirms this connection. When you reciprocate their love, it reassures your dog, making them feel secure and valued.
Conversely, your dog might be trying to offer you comfort if they sense your emotional state. Dogs are highly attuned to human emotions and can pick up on signals of distress or sadness. Licking your ears could be their way of communicating that they are there for you and attempting to provide reassurance.
6. Your Dog Craves Attention
If your dog’s ear-licking antics bring a smile to your face, that’s precisely what they are aiming for. Dogs are quick to pick up on your reactions, and if they see that their behavior elicits a positive response, they are likely to continue it. Your laughter or playful response might signal to them that you are ready for some interaction or playtime.
If they receive attention and affection when they lick your ears, they may interpret this as a form of engagement they should continue. To them, any response from you validates their action and encourages them to repeat it.
Avoid Shaming Ear Licking
If your dog’s ear licking bothers you, scolding or pushing them away is not an effective solution. Instead of negative reactions, there are ways to redirect this behavior in a constructive manner.
To discourage unwanted licking, you can try redirecting their attention. Most dogs are easily distracted by toys or treats, so offering them a diversion can help shift their focus away from licking.
Maintaining boundaries and teaching manners is essential, but punishing your dog for showing affection or comfort can lead to confusion and anxiety. It’s crucial for your dog to feel secure and loved by you, so finding a balance between setting limits and responding positively is key to managing their behavior.
Understanding Obsessive Licking
Obsessive licking in dogs is a behavior that could signal underlying issues and has various potential causes. Dogs with this behavior tend to excessively groom themselves or fixate on licking random objects.
If your dog displays compulsive licking behaviors towards themselves, other objects, or animals, it’s essential to investigate the root causes. Contributing factors to such behavior may include:
- Allergies
- Anxiety
- Hormonal imbalances
- Pain
- Boredom
Dry skin and parasitic infestations can also trigger excessive licking, but if the focus is specifically on your ears and not on their own skin, exploring other potential reasons is advisable.
When to Seek Assistance
Concern about your dog’s licking behavior is warranted only if it starts affecting their well-being. Conditions such as hormonal imbalances, anxiety-related behaviors, or pain may worsen over time. Monitor your pet for any accompanying symptoms and seek veterinary advice if necessary.
If you notice signs like hair loss or irritation on their skin due to excessive licking, consult a vet for a thorough evaluation.
Is Dog Face Licking Unhygienic?
While dog licking might not seem concerning, it does have some downsides. Considering what dogs do with their mouths throughout the day, it’s best to be cautious about allowing them to lick your face.
Direct contact with your skin might not pose significant risks since only a minimal amount of bacteria is transferred this way. However, areas like the eyes, mouth, and ears have mucous membranes through which bacteria can potentially enter our system.
Although most pathogens are not cross-transmittable between species, the risk of parasites and disease transmission exists. Whether your dog stays indoors or ventures outdoors, you can’t always control what they come into contact with, which could potentially pose health risks.
Zoonotic diseases, which can be transmitted between animals and humans, are a cause for concern.
Some zoonotic illnesses you should be wary of include:
- Capnocytophaga — This bacterial infection is spread via saliva into the bloodstream. The risk is low if there are no open wounds involved, but with fresh scratches, the risk of contracting capnocytophaga increases, albeit in rare cases. This infection typically affects soft tissues around the ears, nose, and eyes.
- Salmonella — Another bacterial infection that can potentially transfer from dogs to humans via mucous membranes. While rare, salmonella transmission is still possible. To minimize risks, if your dog licks your ears, exercise caution to prevent them from accessing sensitive areas like your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- For further reading: Why Does My Dog’s Breath Smell? 6 Causes & How To Fix It!
Final Thoughts
Most of the time, dog licking is no cause for concern. It’s typically a display of affection or care. After being away for some time, your dog might act as if they haven’t seen you in ages by showering your ears with affection. This behavior is usually normal and expected.
While it’s fine to accept a sloppy kiss now and then, if your dog goes for the upper body, ensure they avoid sensitive areas like your ears, nose, and mouth—the transmission of potentially harmful bacteria should be averted. However, don’t let it stop you from enjoying some loving moments with your furry companion.
Sources
- https://www.cdc.gov/capnocytophaga/transmission/index.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/training/SIC_CaseStudy/Infection_Salmonella_ptversion.pdf
- Next on your reading list: Why Do Dogs Pin their Ears Back? Here’s Why!
Featured Image Credit: Lazy_Bear, Shutterstock
