Dogs lick for several normal reasons and a male dog licking a female dog’s ears is among these behaviors. But why does it happen? And what does it mean?
So, why is your male dog licking your female dog’s ears?
Let’s look at the reasons behind a male dog licking a female dog’s ears and what you can do about it.
Why is my male dog licking my female dog's ears?
A male dog licking a female dog’s ears is normal dog behavior that occurs due to scent identification, grooming instincts, playful interaction, social bonding, territory marking and sensing a scent of a medical problem on the female.
Reasons Male Dogs Lick Female Dogs’ Ears
Here’s why your male dog might do this sort of thing:
Scent identification
Dogs use licking and smelling to take in layers of scents from their environment from as well as other dogs in order to gather information.
Female dogs emit pheromones that can provide valuable information to male dogs, especially during the mating season.
Licking the ears of a female dog allows the male dog to gather and process these scent signals, potentially indicating fertility or reproductive readiness.
Related:
Grooming instincts
Dogs are social animals that engage in grooming behaviors as a way to strengthen social bonds within their pack.
By licking another dog’s ears, a male dog may be expressing a desire to groom and bond with the female dog. It can be a way to show trust and care.
Playful Interaction
Dogs engage in various playful behaviors as a form of socialization. Licking the ears of a female dog is also a playful act initiated by the male dog, similar to how they may engage in chasing, wrestling, or nipping during playtime.
It is a way for them to engage and communicate with each other.
Social bonding
Dogs have several instinctual behaviors, and licking is one of them. Licking serves as a way for dogs to communicate, establish social bonds, and show affection.
In the case of male dogs, licking the ears of a female dog can be a sign of affection and a means to establish a connection.
Territory Marking
Dogs have scent glands in their mouths, and licking can serve as a way for them to mark their territory.
By licking the ears of a female dog, a male dog may be leaving his scent, thus claiming ownership or establishing his presence.
Scent of a medical problem
A dog licking another dog’s ears would not be to specifically target a medical problem, however, dogs are use their sense of smell to gather information about other dogs.
They may pick up on changes in scent or behavior that could indicate an underlying health issue.
For example, if a female dog has an ear infection or an abnormal odor coming from the ears, the male dog may be drawn to that scent and show interest or lick the affected area.
A dog licking another dog’s ears is not a reliable indicator of a specific medical problem, but it is still important to pay attention to any changes in your female dog’s behavior or health and seek veterinary attention when needed.
What to do when my male dog licks my female dog’s ears
Monitor the behavior
Similar to other forms of licking seen in dogs, carefully observe your dogs’ behavior and interaction. Observe their body language, overall behavior, and any signs of discomfort or distress.
If your male dog licks briefly and your female dog is friendly and doesn’t seem to mind, that is normal, social behavior.
However, if your male dog insists on licking and starts looking like an obsessive licking, or if the female dog seems bothered or stressed by the licking, address the situation.
Separate the dogs
If the licking behavior becomes persistent, intrusive, or uncomfortable for the female dog, consider separating them temporarily.
This can help provide a break and prevent any potential escalation of the behavior.
Provide distractions
Offer toys, and treats, or engage the dogs in a different activity to redirect their attention away from the licking behavior.
Consult your veterinarian
Talk to your veterinarian or a certified dog behaviorist for guidance. They can evaluate the specific behavior and provide recommendations based on their expertise.
They may want to observe your dogs’ interactions directly or ask you for more details to better understand the situation.
If the licking behavior is linked to underlying issues, they will help you develop a plan to address those concerns.
This might involve training, behavior modification techniques, or medical interventions if necessary.