Why Does My Dog Lick My Other Dogs Ears?

Is this grooming, affection, or just plain gross?

Dogs do plenty of odd things. They chase tails. They roll in smells that make no sense to us. But ear-licking always raises eyebrows because it feels oddly intimate. It’s also a little confusing. Are they cleaning each other? Showing love? Or is there something a veterinarian should check out?

Ear-licking isn’t a one-size-fits-all behavior. Sometimes it’s about hygiene. Dogs are natural groomers, and those ears are hard to reach without a little help. Other times it’s social. Licking can signal affection, pack hierarchy, or even submission. And then there’s the sensory side. A dog’s sense of smell is thousands of times stronger than ours. They may notice things we can’t, like subtle changes in odor that point to an ear infection.

7 Main Reasons Your Dog Licks Another Dog’s Ears

If you’ve seen it happen, you’re not alone. Dogs lick each other’s ears more often than you might think. It’s a pretty common piece of dog behavior. The hard part is figuring out what it means.

Sometimes it’s affectionate. Sometimes it’s about hygiene. Other times it can point to something more serious, like earwax irritation or infection. The trick is learning to read the body language behind it.

1. Dog Grooming and Hygiene

One of the most straightforward reasons is dog grooming.

Dogs lick to clean each other. The ear canal collects wax, dirt, and even bacteria. For a dog, that’s a messy target.

When another dog steps in to help, it’s instinct at work. Wolves groom packmates to keep them healthy and secure. Domestic dogs inherited the same instinct.

But while it sounds helpful, it isn’t always sanitary. Excess moisture in the ear can make irritation worse. And the bacteria in a dog’s mouth aren’t exactly a cleaning solution.

Related: How to Clean Dog Ears?

2. Bonding and Affection

Ear-licking can also be about connection. Think of it as a quiet way dogs strengthen relationships.

When one pet licks another, it’s often a sign of affection. Puppies lick their mothers for comfort. Adult dogs carry the same behavior into their bonds with other animals.

It’s less about cleaning and more about communication. Body language plays a big role here. If the dog being licked seems relaxed, it’s probably a simple sign of closeness.

3. Pack Hierarchy and Submission

Dogs live by social rules. In a group, even a group of two, there’s usually a hierarchy.

Licking another dog’s ears can be a way of saying, “I know my place.” It’s a submissive gesture directed at the higher-ranking animal.

This is normal in multi-dog homes. The dog doing the licking may not even think about it. It’s an automatic way of maintaining security in the pack.

4. Soothing and Comfort

Licking isn’t always about the other dog. Sometimes it’s about the licker.

The repetitive motion can be calming, especially for a dog dealing with anxiety. It’s a little like how a puppy seeks comfort from its mother.

For the dog on the receiving end, it can feel reassuring. After exercise or a rough play session, one dog may lick another’s ears as a way to settle things down.

5. Curiosity and Taste

Not every explanation is sentimental. Some dogs just like the taste.

Earwax is salty. It has a funky flavor that appeals to curious animals. As strange as it sounds, licking ears can be as simple as exploring taste.

Pet owners often find this one the hardest to accept. But dogs chew on sticks, shoes, and even their own paws. Compared to that, earwax isn’t that unusual.

6. Attention-Seeking Behavior

Dogs are smart. They know how to get noticed.

If licking another dog’s ears earns a big reaction from you, that’s reinforcement. Positive or negative, it doesn’t matter. To the dog, attention is the reward.

This behavior can develop if a pet doesn’t have enough stimulation. More exercise, chew toys, or interactive play can help redirect the habit. Without alternatives, ear-licking can become the go-to move for grabbing attention.

7. Medical Issues

Sometimes ear-licking points to a health problem.

Dogs have an incredible sense of smell. They can pick up on subtle changes in odor long before we notice them. If a dog keeps licking another’s ears, it may be responding to signs of infection, mites, or irritation.

Watch for redness, swelling, discharge, or a strong smell. If the licking is obsessive or one-sided, it’s time to call your veterinarian. Left untreated, infections can spread quickly and cause lasting damage.

When Is Ear-Licking Totally Fine, And When Should You Worry?

Not every ear-licking session is a red flag. In many cases, it’s just dogs being dogs.

If the licking is light, mutual, and happens only once in a while, there’s usually no problem. Think of it as playful grooming or a quick show of affection. Both dogs stay relaxed, and the moment passes quickly. That’s the kind of behavior you can let slide.

The concern starts when licking turns into a habit.

If one dog fixates on the other’s ears and won’t stop, that’s worth paying attention to. Constant licking can lead to irritation or even earwax build-up. Look for other signs too. Redness around the ear. Whining when touched. A strong smell that wasn’t there before. Any of these can point to bacteria or yeast infections.

Body language matters here as well. If the dog being licked looks tense or keeps pulling away, it’s not a friendly exchange. That’s a sign of discomfort.

Occasional, playful licking is normal. Obsessive licking, bad odors, or irritated skin mean it’s time to step in and talk to your veterinarian.

How to Stop Excessive Ear-Licking If It Becomes a Problem

• Redirect with dog toys or commands. Keep a chew toy like WetMutt Dog Toy - Tire nearby. If your dog goes for the other’s ears, gently interrupt and offer the toy instead. Use basic commands like “sit” or “come” to shift their focus.
• Reward non-licking behavior. Positive reinforcement works. When your dog chooses not to lick, or stops when asked, reward with treats or praise. This builds the habit you want.
• Keep ears clean. A clean ear is less tempting. Regular cleaning reduces wax, bacteria, and odor that may attract the licking in the first place.
• Avoid punishment. Licking is instinctive. Punishing your dog for it only creates stress and confusion. Focus on redirection and rewards instead.

These small steps can make a big difference. With consistency, your dog learns better ways to seek comfort, security, and attention without turning another pet’s ears into their favorite chew toy.

FAQ: Quick Answers to Your Lingering Questions

• Why does my puppy lick my older dog’s ears? Puppies often lick to bond. It’s also a sign of respect or a way to learn social cues. Think of it as part of growing up.
• Can licking spread infections between dogs? Yes. If one dog has an ear infection, bacteria or yeast can spread to the other through licking. That’s why monitoring is important.
• Should I let my dogs do it at all? Yes, if it’s occasional and doesn’t cause irritation. It can be harmless bonding. No, if it’s constant, painful, or linked to infection. That’s when you need to step in.
• Do all dogs lick ears, or just some? Not all. Many do, but it depends on personality and relationship. Some dogs lick a lot. Others never develop the habit.

When a Quirk Is Just a Quirk and When It Isn’t

Dogs have some odd habits, and ear-licking is high on the list. Sometimes it’s affection. Other times, it’s curiosity about taste or scent. And yes, now and then it can be a signal that something is wrong.

Occasional licking between pets is usually harmless. But if it’s constant, one-sided, or paired with redness and smell, it’s time to take a closer look. Your veterinarian can help spot problems before they get worse.

Ear-licking is just one of the many quirks that come with sharing life with dogs. It might look odd, but in most cases it’s a normal part of communication and bonding.