Why Does My Dog Lick My Other Dog
Dogs are one of the most lovable and loyal pets that you can have. They are great companions, and they bring joy and happiness to your life. However, sometimes their behavior can be puzzling, especially when they start licking each other. As a dog owner, you may have noticed that your furry friend likes to lick your other dog constantly. This can be quite confusing and even concerning. But why do dogs lick each other? In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this behavior.
Reasons why dogs lick each other
1) Grooming
One of the primary reasons why dogs lick each other is for grooming purposes. Dogs are naturally clean animals, and they love to keep themselves clean by licking their fur. When dogs live in packs, they often groom each other as a way of bonding and showing affection. Licking also helps to remove dirt and debris from their fur, which is important for their hygiene.
2) Showing affection
Another reason why dogs lick each other is to show affection. Dogs are social animals, and they thrive on physical touch and attention from their pack members. Licking is a form of affectionate behavior that shows love and loyalty towards another dog.
3) Communication
Dogs use body language to communicate with each other, and licking is one of the ways they convey messages. For example, if a dominant dog licks a submissive dog’s face or muzzle, it is a sign of acceptance and submission. On the other hand, if a dog licks another dog’s ear or tail aggressively, it could be interpreted as a warning sign.
4) Tasting & Smelling
Dogs have an incredible sense of smell, and they use their tongues to taste different scents in their environment. When two dogs meet, they usually sniff each other’s butts as a way of gathering information about each other. Similarly, when one dog licks another dog’s face, it is a way of tasting and smelling their scent. This helps them to recognize each other and establish familiarity.
5) Boredom & Anxiety
Sometimes dogs may lick each other out of boredom or anxiety. If your dogs are left alone for extended periods, they may start licking each other as a way of relieving stress and anxiety. Dogs who are bored or anxious may also develop compulsive licking behaviors that can be harmful to their skin and health.
6) Medical Issues
In some cases, dogs may lick each other excessively due to underlying medical issues. For example, if one dog has an open wound or skin condition, the other dog may lick the affected area as a way of trying to heal it. However, this can lead to further complications such as infection or inflammation.
How to stop excessive licking between dogs?
If you notice that your dogs are licking each other excessively, there are several things you can do to address this behavior:
1) Provide plenty of toys and activities to keep your dogs occupied when you’re not around.
2) Make sure your dogs get enough exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and anxiety.
3) Avoid punishing your dogs for licking as it can create more stress and anxiety.
4) Train your dogs with positive reinforcement techniques such as treats and praise when they display desired behaviors.
5) If necessary, consult with a veterinarian or animal behaviorist for guidance on how to modify your dogs’ behavior.
Conclusion
In conclusion, dogs lick each other for various reasons, including grooming, affection, communication, tasting/smelling, boredom/anxiety, and medical issues. While some licking is normal and healthy for dogs, excessive licking can be a sign of underlying problems that need to be addressed. As a responsible dog owner, it is essential to understand your furry friend’s behavior and provide appropriate care and attention to ensure their well-being.
