If you’re a proud owner of multiple dogs, you might have noticed a rather peculiar behavior – one dog licking the face of the other. As intriguing as it may seem, this behavior is not just random. It’s deeply rooted in the canine world and offers insight into social dynamics and communication techniques.
My dog licks my other dog’s face – what are the possible reasons and solutions?
Origin of the Licking Behavior
To truly grasp the concept, it’s essential to revisit the early days of canine evolution. Wild canines, like wolves, engage in face-licking for specific reasons. Observing their behaviors helps us unravel the mysteries behind our domestic dogs’ actions.
1. Submissiveness and Social Hierarchy
Among wild canines, face licking often signifies submissiveness. When a lower-ranking individual licks the face of a higher-ranking pack member, it’s a way of recognizing and reinforcing the social order; these submissive dog acknowledges the dominant dog’s position and seeks to avoid potential confrontations.
In a multi-dog household, if one dog consistently licks the other’s face, it shows respect and understanding of the household hierarchy.
2. Affection and Bonding
Licking, in many animals, is an affectionate gestureLikeke a human kiss, dog lick areas a token of love, trust, and closeness. When a dog licks another’s face, it’s a sign of the bond they share. If your dogs have grown up together or have fostered a close relationship over time, face-licking can merely be a sign of their deep connection.
3. Grooming and Cleanliness
In the animal kingdom, grooming is standard practice to ensure cleanliness. Dogs often lick each other’s faces to help clean hard-to-reach spots. It’s a communal effort, with each dog helping the other maintain hygiene, especially in areas like the eyes, ears, and mouth.
4. Gathering Information
A dog’s sense of taste and smell are closely connected. By licking another dog’s face, especially around the mouth area, a dog can learn a lot about its fellow canine. It can decipher what the other dog ate recently, its health status, and even its emotional statGatheringing information aids in their social interactions and understanding of the environment.
5. Motherly Instincts Mother
r canines lick their puppies in the wild to stimulate urination and defecation. This behavior might carry over to the domesticated world, where an older or more maternal dog might lick a younger dog’s face as an instinctive motherly gesture.
Should I Be Concerned?
For the most part, face-licking is harmless and is a natural part of dog-to-dog interactions. However, excessive licking or sudden changes in this behavior macauseor concern.
- Medical Concerns: If one dog excessively licks the other’s face, especially around the eyes, ears, or mouth, it might indicate an underlying health issue. Dogs can detect changes in their companions, and persistent licking might be their way of signaling a problem.
- Behavioral Issues: Increasing submissive face licking might hint at bullying or dominance issues within the pack. If one dog seems stressed, fearful, or constantly submissive, it’s worth investigating the group dynamics.
Final Thoughts
To the untrained eye, one dog licking another’s face might seem like a random act, but it is a multifaceted behavior deeply rooted in canine communication. Whether it’s a gesture of submission, affection, grooming, or information gathering, it showcases the intricate social dynamics within the dog world.
For pet owners, understanding these behaviors provides a glimpse into their pets’ minds, aiding in fostering a more harmonious and empathetic relationship with their furry friends. If you ever feel concerned about behavioral changes, seek advice from a veterinarian and professional dog behaviorist.