Yes, dogs often chew on, lick, or nibble another dog’s ears. This behavior is common and usually falls into a few main categories: grooming, play, social bonding, or sometimes, a sign of stress or resource guarding.
Fathoming the Roots of Inter-Dog Ear Nibbling
When one dog starts focusing intensely on another dog’s ears, owners often worry. Is this friendly, or is it aggression starting? Most of the time, it is not about harm. We need to look closely at what is happening. Is it soft and slow, or is it hard and fast? This tells us a lot about the dog ear chewing causes.
Social Bonding and Affection
Dogs are social animals. They build strong bonds with their pack mates. A big part of bonding involves mutual grooming. This is where why dogs lick other dogs’ ears really comes into play.
The Grooming Instinct
Mutual grooming, or allogrooming, is normal dog behavior. Dogs clean each other’s hard-to-reach spots. Ears are prime targets. They often have wax or bits of debris that are hard for a dog to get on its own.
- Licking cleans the area gently.
- It spreads familiar scents between the dogs.
- This act tells the other dog, “I care about you.”
It is a sign of trust. The dog being groomed usually stands still or relaxes its body. This shows they are happy about the attention.
Comfort and Reassurance
Sometimes, ear licking is a way for a dog to comfort another. If one dog is nervous or scared, a friend might start licking its ears. This is soothing behavior, similar to how a mother dog licks her puppies. It lowers stress for both dogs involved.
Play Versus Actual Biting
It can be hard to tell the difference between fun and a fight, especially when teeth are involved. Canine ear play behavior looks energetic, but there are key differences from aggression.
Signals of Play
During play, the chewing or nibbling is usually bouncy. Look for these clear signs:
- Play Bows: One dog dips its front end down. This signals, “This is just a game!”
- Loose Bodies: Both dogs move softly, not stiffly.
- Taking Turns: The dogs switch who is initiating the action.
- Soft Mouth: If teeth touch, they are gentle. This is not hard biting.
If the interaction is truly play, the chewing is light and stops quickly if the other dog moves away.
When Play Turns Rough
Sometimes play escalates. If one dog starts to pull hard on the ear flap, or if the other dog shows signs of stress, it is no longer just play. This moves away from gentle canine ear play behavior and into roughhousing that needs supervision.
Resource Guarding: Protecting Prized Parts
Not all ear chewing is about affection. Sometimes, it relates to dog resource guarding ears. This is less common but very important to watch for.
Dogs sometimes treat parts of their bodies or even their resting spots as valuable resources. If Dog A chews Dog B’s ear, and Dog B suddenly gets stiff, growls, or pulls away sharply, Dog A might be guarding that specific spot or the act of grooming itself.
- Guarding the Act: Dog A likes grooming Dog B, but Dog B does not like being groomed that way. Dog A might persist, leading to tension.
- Guarding the Area: If the ear chewing happens near a favorite bed or toy, the ear might become an accidental resource tied to that item.
This type of interaction requires careful management to ensure no real conflict starts over valued items.
Stress, Anxiety, and Self-Soothing
A significant area of dog ear chewing causes relates to internal states, specifically anxiety in dogs causing ear chewing. This often manifests as redirected behavior.
Redirected Anxiety
When dogs are stressed or anxious—maybe due to a loud noise, a strange visitor, or a change in routine—they need an outlet for that nervous energy. Sometimes, they direct this energy onto the nearest available target, which can be another dog’s ear.
It is a form of displacement behavior. The dog is nervous about X, but it grooms Y excessively.
Obsessive Compulsive Behaviors (OCD)
In rare cases, excessive, repetitive licking or chewing on another dog’s ears can become compulsive. If the dog cannot stop, even when the other dog clearly signals “stop,” it might be entering OCD territory. This requires veterinary and behavioral help.
This compulsive licking is different from natural grooming. It lacks the relaxed social context.
Medical Motivations: Itching and Irritation
Sometimes, the reason a dog licks another dog’s ear is simply because the ear is bothering the recipient dog. This is a major factor when considering why dogs lick other dogs’ ears frequently.
Ear Infections and Allergies
If a dog has an ear infection, allergies, or mites, their ear might itch intensely. They cannot scratch the inside very well. Their best friend often steps in to help!
- The licking releases minor itch relief.
- It is the canine equivalent of saying, “Let me scratch that for you.”
If you notice the dog being licked seems uncomfortable or is constantly shaking its head, check the ear. If it is red, smelly, or has discharge, medical attention is needed. Treating the underlying medical issue will often stop the attention-seeking licking instantly.
Interpreting the Difference: Dog Grooming vs Aggressive Ear Biting
Distinguishing between friendly care and true aggression is vital for multi-dog households. Dog grooming vs aggressive ear biting relies on body language cues, intensity, and context.
| Feature | Gentle Grooming/Play | Aggressive Ear Biting |
|---|---|---|
| Mouth Action | Gentle nibbling, soft licks, licking only. | Hard grabbing, deep mouthing, tearing/pulling. |
| Body Posture | Relaxed, loose, wiggly, play bows present. | Stiff, low growl, hackles raised (hair standing up). |
| Recipient Dog’s Reaction | Calm, still, leaning in, reciprocal licking. | Yelping, hard withdrawal, snapping back, trying to flee. |
| Frequency | Intermittent, stopping when initiated stops. | Continuous, ignoring signals to cease. |
| Focus | Surface cleaning, usually around the pinna (ear flap). | Deep chewing, targeting the ear canal area intensely. |
If the interaction looks rough, stops abruptly with a yelp, and the dogs separate and avoid each other afterward, it leans toward aggressive biting or rough play that crossed a line.
Managing Destructive Chewing Between Dogs
If the behavior becomes intense, obsessive, or leads to conflict, owners must address destructive chewing between dogs related to ears before it causes injury or fear.
Assessing the Behavior Intensity
First, document what you see. Keep a log:
- Time of day the chewing occurs.
- Location (e.g., near food bowl, during rest).
- How long it lasts.
- The exact body language of both dogs.
If the chewing lasts more than a minute without pause, or if the recipient dog shows stress signs three times in a row, intervention is necessary.
Environmental Adjustments
Sometimes, reducing overall stress helps reduce this specific behavior.
Managing Resources
Ensure all high-value items are separated when dogs are resting or eating. This reduces any chance that the ear nibbling is tied to dog resource guarding ears.
- Separate feeding stations.
- Provide individual, comfortable resting mats in separate areas if needed.
Increasing Enrichment
Boredom fuels many dog behavior issues ear licking. If dogs have less to do, they invent activities, sometimes involving each other’s anatomy.
- Increase daily structured exercise (walks, running).
- Provide long-lasting chews (like puzzle toys or frozen Kongs) when you cannot actively supervise them.
Training and Redirection Techniques
You cannot simply punish a dog for licking; it is a natural behavior. Instead, you redirect the energy toward acceptable outlets. This is key to preventing dogs from chewing ears inappropriately.
Teaching “Leave It”
A strong “Leave It” command is essential. Practice this command first with low-value items, then move up to practicing near the dogs when they are calm.
If Dog A goes for Dog B’s ear inappropriately:
- Use a clear, calm “Leave It.”
- When Dog A stops and looks at you, immediately reward them with a high-value treat.
- If Dog A is seeking attention, reward them for looking away from the other dog, not for returning to the ear.
Rewarding Calm Interaction
Catch the dogs being good! If you see them resting quietly near each other, or if they engage in brief, gentle licking that quickly fades, calmly reward them with praise or a small treat. This reinforces the appropriate social boundaries.
If the behavior stems from anxiety in dogs causing ear chewing, you might need to work on the underlying anxiety using calm training techniques or consulting a veterinary behaviorist.
The Role of Scent and Taste
Why the ear specifically? The answer often lies in what the ear smells and tastes like to the other dog.
Ear Wax Attractiveness
Ear wax (cerumen) is made of oils, dead skin cells, and sometimes yeast or bacteria, especially if an infection is present. To a dog, this mixture is a rich source of scent information and potentially mild fats or salts.
Dogs investigate the world primarily through their noses. Licking the ear is a deep dive into the other dog’s current health status and scent profile. It is the equivalent of reading a detailed newspaper article about their companion.
Saliva as a Calming Agent
When a dog licks, its saliva is deposited. Dog saliva contains enzymes that can feel soothing. If the recipient dog finds the licking calming, it encourages the behavior to continue. This creates a positive feedback loop for inter-dog ear nibbling.
Specialized Scenarios and When to Worry
While most chewing is benign, certain situations demand closer attention.
Puppy vs. Adult Dynamics
Puppies explore the world with their mouths. They often mouth ears, tails, and paws as part of learning bite inhibition. This is rarely malicious. However, if an adult dog is too rough with a puppy, the puppy might become fearful of all touch.
With older dogs, persistent ear chewing might signal cognitive decline or pain in the dog doing the chewing, making them seek out familiar, comforting actions.
When External Licking Becomes Internal Damage
The biggest risk is accidental injury, especially if the dog has sharp teeth or if the recipient dog has very sensitive, thin ears (like a French Bulldog or a Greyhound).
Destructive chewing between dogs can lead to:
- Torn ear flaps (pinna hematomas, which are painful blood blisters).
- Skin irritation or abrasions from repetitive gnawing.
- Increased tension if one dog consistently harms the other.
If you see blood, hear repeated high-pitched yelps, or observe the recipient dog hiding or avoiding the other dog afterward, the behavior is no longer acceptable play or grooming.
Seeking Professional Help
When is it time to call a professional? Consult a certified dog behavior consultant or veterinarian if:
- The licking is constant and obsessive, even when the other dog tries to move away.
- Injuries are occurring regularly.
- The behavior is accompanied by growling, snapping, or stiff body language indicating conflict.
- You suspect the underlying issue is related to fear, separation distress, or resource guarding.
Behaviorists can help identify subtle triggers that lead to anxiety in dogs causing ear chewing or aggressive escalation.
Summary of Prevention and Management
To promote healthy social interactions and stop unwanted ear chewing, focus on positive reinforcement and management.
Quick Checklist for Owners
- Check the Ears: Rule out medical causes first. Visit your vet if you see redness or discharge.
- Supervise Closely: Do not leave dogs alone if ear chewing frequently becomes rough.
- Interrupt Gently: If you see it happening excessively, call both dogs over for separate positive reinforcement (treats or toys). Do not scold; just redirect the focus.
- Enrichment First: Make sure both dogs get enough individual attention and appropriate chewing outlets to prevent boredom-driven destructive chewing between dogs.
- Respect Boundaries: If a dog clearly walks away from the licking, let them go. Do not force social interaction.
By recognizing the various dog ear chewing causes—from a simple itch to a complex social signal—you can manage the situation effectively and keep harmony in your multi-dog home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it bad if my dog always licks my other dog’s ears?
It is usually not bad, but it requires observation. If the licking is gentle, brief, and the recipient dog seems relaxed, it is normal social grooming. If the licking is intense, prolonged, or causes the recipient dog to show stress signals (like turning their head away repeatedly or trying to leave), then it becomes problematic and needs management.
How can I stop my dog from obsessively licking the other dog’s ears?
The best method is positive redirection. When you see the licking start, calmly interrupt both dogs with a fun activity or a brief training session (“Sit,” “Stay,” or “Find it”). Reward them for engaging in the new, appropriate activity. Also, ensure the ears are medically healthy, as itching is a primary driver for why dogs lick other dogs’ ears.
Does ear chewing mean my dogs are fighting?
Not necessarily. It can mean they are playing, grooming, or communicating. However, if the chewing involves hard grabbing, deep mouthing, or results in yelps followed by avoidance, it has crossed into aggressive territory. Look for other signs of tension like stiff bodies or growling alongside the chewing.
What if my dog is chewing aggressively only during feeding time?
This points strongly toward dog resource guarding ears or guarding the food itself. In this case, completely separate the dogs for all feeding. Feed them in crates or different rooms until the resource guarding behavior is addressed through professional behavior modification training.
Why does my dog lick the other dog’s ears when guests are over?
This is a common sign of anxiety in dogs causing ear chewing. The dog is stressed by the new person or the change in routine. They turn to their familiar companion for comfort, manifesting this stress through excessive grooming. Managing the anxiety (e.g., with calming protocols or keeping the guest interaction brief initially) will likely reduce the ear licking.