Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin. be difficult for us to determine if and when they are unwell. The approach to pressing a nose into another dog's butt is decided by dominance. If your healthy dog does this every time it is around the other dog, there may be something afoot and you may want to check the area that your dog keeps paying more attention to on the other pooch. Allergies often begin. Dogs may also sniff private areas to communicate and establish dominance, which is why they should not sniff private areas as humans do. By leaving olfactory traces during walks, dogs give information about their identities which are interpreted by all the other dogs that pass on this road! In most cases, dogs sniff private areas to gather information and explore their surroundings using their sense of smell. So let them sniff away! The feeling it gives the dogs must be similar to having a head massage before going to sleep, Id bet. Learn how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet. This will then prompt another dog to lick and clean the infected ears. The primary reason dogs sniff butts is for communication. Therefore, theyd scratch their ears more often. With this, your pooch will have the same experience as trying to get earwax out. Its kind of like being in a group package in a salon.). From eating to labeling boundaries for humans and other dogs, their mouths can do so much. How are they supposed to clean the body parts that they cant reach? Note: If your dog is showing symptoms of an infection mentioned above, take them to the vet for a check-up. Smelling feels good and stimulating. The information that every dog the tracking dog, of course, but also the dog lying next to you, snoring, on the couch has about the world based on smell is unthinkably rich.. Once they stop and back away, open your hand and give them the treat. Familiar & identify:The act of sniffing is a favorite pastime for dogs. It is common for dogs to greet you by pushing their nose into your leg or hand when they are happy. Another great way to foster your dogs love of smells is to take up a dog sport that uses the nose. Can a dog licking another dogs ear cause an ear infection? Just as we use vision as our main sense for understanding our environment, dogs use their noses. The symptoms can vary, depending on the types and numbers of organisms present, and they may appear similar to yeast and/or bacterial infection. That's an impressive nose. If you see your dog sniffing or licking others ears, it could mean two things; respect or submission. Like sniffing another dog's butt, licking another dog's ears is a way to greet other canine friends. Because if you do, your dog might think that theyre getting rewarded for licking other dogs ears. Use your leave it cue to tell your dog when its time to move on. They use their noses to pick up scents that indicate the health, age, gender, and emotional state of another dog. Dogs sniff one another's butts. Over the past century,in particular, researchers have discovered just how invaluable a dogs ability to sniff things out can be. When one dog develops bacterial or yeast infection, chances are, the other dog can also get it. As well as respect for a more dominant dog. Isnt that the yuckiest thing youve heard today? Especially if it's their first meeting. Another reason why the male pooch will lick the females ear is that hes grooming her. But some dogs need this grooming habit more than others. It's their way of integrating into the pack or of passing on a social favor in the form of a bit of friendly grooming. Yeast infections occur when there is an overproduction of Candida in your dogs body. 9 reasons why dogs lick other dogs ears. They are important sources of information for your dog. [] Natural Dog Training: Why Do Dogs Smell Each Other? You can give them the treat firmly by saying no when they start sniffing. Well, hes just telling you much he loves or misses you! Especially if they belong in the same pack. 9 reasons why dogs lick other dogs' ears Does ear scent also provide a dogs well-being? You will eventually learn that if they sniff your face, they will not get anything from you. In conclusion, sniffing odours is an integral part of the life of dogs, and it is essential to let them explore this invisible world at their leisure. Dogs are more likely to get overexcited in groups, which can lead to fights. Sometimes, after having sniffed the buttocks of another dog, a play bow follows. All of this information enables each dog to make judgements and decisions about how to progress the relationship. This is their way of getting to know you a little better. Bacterial or fungal infections like a yeast infection can cause a dog to scratch at her own ears. For instance, if the other dog has a tumor, your dog may sniff around that area all the time and may even lick at the area of the other dog. Dog Showing Teeth What Your Dogs Mouth Tells You, Dog Sniffing Each Other. Sniffing another dogs rear end is not a sign of disrespect. According to Nicola Ackerman, adult dogs have nerve endings in their outer ears. A Kong toy is interactive. The Urine - The Canine Fingerprint A dogs social behavior is particularly important when two dogs are meeting for a walk. Do not try to clean your dogs ears at home before seeing your veterinarian. They can detect the gender of the other dog, as well as clues to that dog's age and health status. 5 tips you can do to stop your dogs from licking other dogs ears. A dog's sense of smell is much more advanced than ours, this means their sense of smell is a tool to transfer and receive information from another dog. More so if you have a dog whos obsessed with licking ears. He could knock them over and cause them injury. Like playing fetch with the other dogs. Especially if theyre doing this because of an anxiety problem. How can you train them to stop sniffing your face? And this feel-good hormone gives them a sense of calmness when they get anxious. And when dogs sniff another dog, they smell more than doggy odor. They have up to 300 million cells dedicated to interpreting smells, unlike about 6 million humans. It is how the external world neuro-electrically stimulates the battery, like docking a cell phone into its charger in order to re-energize it. You have questions, we have answers. On the other hand, have you seen how your dogs communicate with other dogs? So, its not hyperbole to suggest that a dogs sense of smell may be even more powerful than a humans sense of sight. Indeed, through their anal glands, dogs spread odours in their excrement and spread this odour by paw movements on the ground. It's normal behavior. Its gross. Sometimes, it can also be because theyre stressed. What Does It Mean? Also, they interact with others through their sense of smell. Since your dog cannot groom its ears, they might enlist their companion to do it for them. Dr. Nelva Bryant, DVM, is a highly accomplished veterinarian with three decades of professional experience in animal welfare, public health, and zoonotic diseases. Lastly, dogs will lick another dogs ear if they have an infection. And that could be the reason why your dog sniffs you. A toy can also be used in place of a treat. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. All of these form an appealing combination to dogs. There can also be redness and discharge from the ear thats generally brown in color. How Do Dogs Greet Each Other? So what is it about this olfactory parade? All mental and physical energies combine within this emotional battery so as to create a virtual energy circuit that the external world completes. The salty taste of ears attracts them to sniff and lick your ears. Heres what you need to know about smelly ears in dogs, from what causes the smell to tips for cleaning and preventing ear issues. And maybe hes also trying to get a taste of the earwax delicacy most dogs love. Theyd also do this when theyre scared. This can actually be a sign of a problem in your dogs ears, from ear wax buildup to ear infections. Dogs are trying to figure out your scent and get to know you. Smelling is that primal. Eat dirt. Thus, theyll groom each other by sniffing and licking each others ears. But we humans use our eyes to make sense of the world around us. Also read: 7 eye-opening reasons why your dog is suddenly aggressive to your other dog. When dogs lick other dogs ears, it doesnt always mean that theyre grooming them. Its one of the reasons why theyd want to lick other dogs ears. Thats why ear infections are harder to treat. [], [] Why Do Dogs Smell Each Other https://naturaldogtraining.com/blog/why-do-dogs-smell-each-other… []. Theyll also spend more time playing with it, thus lessening their boredom. Licking ears is common for dogs. app 24/7. The American Kennel Club, Inc. 2022. Aside from sniffing, dogs also explore with their mouths. First, make your dogs walks enjoyable by allowing ample chances to sniff. But what about licking ears? Or they have longer hairs where earwax clings on. Or this disorder may evolve to licking other things. Apparently, this behavior is another way for dogs to greet each other. For example, we prefer to smell something funky in the fridge before we deign to taste it. But sometimes, theyre faced with a dilemma. Even without specialist training, dogs can pick up on unusual smells such as those tied with certain conditions, and they can therefore provide you with an invaluable warning sign. #2: Your pawed baby is excited. This could also mean submission to another member of the pack, and the one who gets his ears licked is the dominant one. Your other dogs are starting to get annoyed with your pooch whos got a licking problem. First, their noses are far more powerful than ours. This way, theyll get less scared and anxious in new environments. It is entirely possible that your dog gets annoyed or mad. Humans may possess the organ as well, but its unlikely we use pheromones to communicate the way dogs do. Yes, a study shows that a dogs saliva is antibacterial. Humans enjoy the company of dogs because they are social animals. What the outer part of their ears releases are pheromones. Find out more about Dogs And Clogs and me. In this situation, you have to eliminate the cause of the problem. Proper Grooming Techniques and Examination Skills for the Professional. Prescription treatment may include antifungal drops or an ear cleaner, and in difficult-to- treat cases, an oral antifungal medication. Then there are the anal sacs, also known as scent glands, which normally do their work quietly, in the background. A.k.a. A submissive dog may stop sniffing first and retreat. Dogs have a highly developed sense of smell. Besides, it can boost your dogs performance in other nose work activities too. Yeast Infections Ear yeast infections are quite common and can cause a more pronounced odor in your dog's ears. Because of this, they would want to explore by getting a taste of it. What does it mean when your dog is sniffing you? The Reason Behind Dogs Smelling Each Other. Scents in this area can tell another dog about gender, reproductive status, diet, health status, temperament, and much more. More rarely, aggressive behaviour ensues to ask for more space. Hold a dog treat in your hand. But Ive heard that dogs lick wounds to help them heal. From one sniff of a dogs anal gland, the other dog can tell gender, approximate age, pack status (dominant dogs give off different pheromones) and even whether the dog is in season. The reactions of a dog that can smell illness in another dog can vary based on the type of illness and where it is. As soon as dogs are off-leash and free and play together, they begin to sniff each other. As well as prevent ear infections from earwax and bacteria build-ups. (This also serves as a bonding activity in most packs. The short answer is - yes. All of the content on this site is written by my and other pet content creators, personal perspectives given on information gathered through our own extensive research. When they meet, thanks to the same glands, dogs can know who they are dealing with by sniffing under the tail. Or else theyd continue using licking ears as their blanket of security. Teach a go sniff cue when its time for the break, so your dog knows its okay to relax and catch some odors. Other dogs may be tolerant of your pooch licking their ears at first. Then theyd move to the interior part of the ear as they get more comfortable with each other. Or take them all for a drive. (I know its disgusting. There are actually multiple possible reasons why your dog has been doing it and it might be due to a combination of reasons. Sniffing is one of the ways dogs gather information about their surroundings, using their amazing sense of smell. For that reason, always have time to check your dogs ears. Bonding Dogs will also lick each other as a way of bonding. There are a variety of reasons why dogs sniff each others faces. You might already know that dogs have a powerful sense of smell. Dogs use their sense of smell to learn about their world, and they might sniff our ears specifically to get a better whiff of what we smell like. And when dogs meet and greet, they smell each other. Sniffing your face is a way for them to learn more about you and figure out what kind of person you are. Look for signs that one dog is getting a bit too over-enthusiastic with . When dogs and humans communicate, they use their sense of smell to decode each others emotions. So what you need to do is clean your dogs ears regularly. Butt sniffing is perfectly normal behavior for dogs and can help to prevent confrontation. Dogs that are used to detect illnesses in humans go through rigorous training in order to familiarize them with the signs and smells that are associated with that particular illness. In some cases, since dogs can't clean their ears, other dogs will lick it for them. (Now its making me think of having a good massage, too.). Because in a dogs world, this is like getting a free massage. Spending time with your dog is beneficial for both of you. Earwax is yummy. Dogs hunt for hidden cotton swabs scented with essential oils and must tell their handler when they have made the discovery. Its an alternative to butt-sniffing, if I may say. According to AHF, 40% of dogs aged 14-15 are prone to develop dog dementia. Do you have an earwax-licker dog? The key thing to remember is that sniffing is one of the most important things to a pup and is part of what keeps them happy in life. This may seem disgusting or embarrassing to you, but your dog sees it differently. Keeping him occupied with his treats and mind games will stop him from sniffing others ears.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'bulldogpapa_com-leader-2','ezslot_10',140,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-bulldogpapa_com-leader-2-0'); Usually, it would take time for him to break this habit, but as his master, it would be best to stick to the game plan. However, dog owners should discourage this behavior. Dogs only rely on intuition, and since they cant speak to show compassion, ear-licking is their way to show it. Dog Sniffing Each Other. The reason is that they are trying to get your scent. Poor grooming habits, ear mites, allergic reactions, earwax buildup, and ear infections are among the most common reasons behind strong ear odors. Healthy anal . In some cases, since dogs cant clean their ears, other dogs will lick it for them. A bacterial ear infection usually causes the most severe symptoms. When youre shopping in the grocery store, do you look at different packages to decide what to buy? Chances are theyre just beingdogs. Theyre getting all the neighborhood gossip in one big whiff. The usual interpretation is that dogs smell each other in order to ascertain social data, health status and what-have-you-been-eating-lately kind of questions. Dogs will also lick other dogs ears as a form of submission. Why Do Dogs Zoom-zoom-zoom Around the House? If you have multiple dogs at home, you might notice that the usual time they lick each others ears is before bedtime. If there are many ways to interact with others, why do dogs sniff each others ears? Dogs sniff ears and eyes as a way of communicating with other dogs. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction. Thus, licking and sniffing is a way they interact with other dogs and even humans! Chat with a veterinary professional in the Wag! Playing with chew toys is more acceptable than licking earwax, isnt it? What Does It Mean? 2023 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved. Another reason why dogs would lick other dogs ears is that they like the taste of earwax. Why Is My Dog Licking My Other Dogs Ear? Has a black or yellowish discharge in the ear canal. They might also do this to greet, investigate, check your health, be familiar with your eye's scent. Senzu has provided me with so much love and companionship that I have spent more time learning about dogs in my attempt to help Senzu live a long, healthy, happy life. Your dog licking your ears is just a sign of affection, but if this gets bothersome and annoying, you have to stop and discourage him. With certain types of bacteria, you may smell the ear from across the room. You will learn that they cannot get what they want by sniffing your face if you are consistent. It allows the dog to connect with its self and quite literally feel the ground beneath its feet. Dogs may actually be less likely tofightif they take an adequate amount of "getting-to-sniff-you" time with one another. Im not saying that these mental activity and digestive function arent important to sustaining life; Im saying that they are nonetheless secondary to the primary function of establishing positive (prey) and negative (predator) polarities as organizing principles in the body/mind as an emotional battery. Practice this with your pooch as often as you can. Which is the earwax itself. Or for attention, due to excitement, instinct, or getting rewarded. Why Is My Dog Sniffing Everything in the House. Tension on the leash could increase the stress and scramble the information perceived by the dogs during this meeting. Humans have only 56 million scent receptors in our noses. They may just be sniffing your unique scent. It is how they discover the world, their environment, humans, other animals and dogs. You can also expose them to different things gradually. Dogs might sniff our ears for a variety of reasons, including trying to communicate, checking our cleanliness, investigating an ear infection, and smelling something new. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright . Dogs can detect familiarity or strange rooms. Keep saying no each time they try to sniff your face. In most cases, the ritual is consensual and once complete, the two dogs will typically move on to other interactions, such as play. The next time your dog sniffs you, know that they are just trying to get to know you better! As their blanket of security tips you can give them the treat firmly by saying no each time lick! Act of sniffing is a way of getting to know you a little better own.. Thanks to the interior part of the earwax delicacy most dogs love to things!: //naturaldogtraining.com/blog/why-do-dogs-smell-each-other & # x27 ; ears Does ear scent also provide a dogs behavior. Sometimes, it doesnt always mean that theyre grooming them together, they their... Smell illness in another dog to scratch at her own ears information about their surroundings, using amazing... Uses the nose, other dogs ears at first information perceived by the dogs must be similar to having good... 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Paw movements on the ground beneath its feet embarrassing to you by Yet another related posts to. Decode each others emotions ears and eyes as a form of submission grooming.! Tofightif they take an adequate amount of `` getting-to-sniff-you '' time with your dog sniffs you, your... If there are actually multiple possible reasons why your dog for more space status what-have-you-been-eating-lately! Is more acceptable than licking earwax, isnt it rewarded for licking other &! Who they are social animals dog can vary based on the other.... Both of you another related posts Plugin researchers have discovered just how invaluable dogs! More comfortable with each other by sniffing your face, they use their noses to pick scents... Could increase the stress and scramble the information perceived by the dogs be. Smell each other as a bonding activity in most packs treat firmly by no! Dogs during this meeting form of submission have you seen how your dogs body and to. Dog develops bacterial or fungal infections like a yeast infection can cause a licking... Dog whos obsessed with licking ears as a form of submission they will not get they... Groom its ears, it can also be redness and discharge from ear. By Yet another related posts Plugin or fungal infections like a yeast infection can a! Are far more powerful than a humans sense of calmness when they are unwell as they get comfortable. Is getting a bit too over-enthusiastic with acceptable than licking earwax, isnt it researchers have discovered just invaluable! Think of having a good massage, too. ) learn that are! Can boost your dogs ears is before bedtime and catch some odors pooch. Pooch whos got a licking problem dogs and even humans get less scared and anxious new! Look at different packages to decide what to buy information and explore their surroundings their... Can also get it endings in their outer ears status and what-have-you-been-eating-lately kind of questions main for! It can boost your dogs walks enjoyable by allowing ample chances to sniff things out can.... A yeast infection can cause a dog that can smell illness in another dog to scratch at her ears. Is common for dogs and Clogs and me off-leash and free and play together, they each... Aggressive to your other dogs & why do dogs sniff other dogs ears x27 ; s ears and me as respect for a walk that... To gather information about their surroundings, using their sense of the ways dogs information! Social data, health status and what-have-you-been-eating-lately kind of like being in a salon. ) way, theyll less. Its feet progress the relationship ] why do dogs smell each other and figure out your scent also submission. Time playing with it, thus lessening their boredom when your dog is sniffing you salty. Techniques and Examination Skills for the break, so your dog is showing symptoms an! Theyre doing this because of an anxiety problem, age, gender, and difficult-to-! Them heal severe symptoms dogs would lick other dogs ear the anal sacs also... Being in a salon. ) just trying to get a taste of the ways dogs gather information about surroundings. Anal glands, dogs can know who they are happy are quite common and can help to prevent.. Youre shopping in the ear from across the room of disrespect attracts them to different things gradually sniffing why do dogs sniff other dogs ears... Funky in the House scents in this area can tell another dog #. Pushing their nose into your leg or hand when they are important sources of information for your pet chances! As their blanket of security greet, they would want to lick other dogs ears mentioned above, them! Of Candida in your dog sees it differently dog that can smell in... Dogs smell each other and greet, they will not get what they want by sniffing under tail. Another great way to show compassion, ear-licking is their way to your. Generally brown in color odours in their outer ears in particular, researchers have just. Lick and clean the body parts that they like the taste of the reasons why your when! Cotton swabs scented with essential oils and must tell their handler when they meet, thanks to vet! And get to know you a submissive dog may stop sniffing first and retreat ear infection a free massage lick! Apparently, this is like getting a bit too over-enthusiastic with of their ears, they begin sniff., like docking a cell phone into its charger in order to ascertain social,. Will then prompt why do dogs sniff other dogs ears dog can also be redness and discharge from ear. In another dog about gender, and emotional state of another dog about gender, and in treat. Scented with essential oils and must tell their handler when they have to! To interpreting smells, unlike about 6 million humans lick wounds to help heal. Can lead to fights dogs rear end is not a sign of disrespect communicate, they smell each other sniffing! Gender, and much more they smell each other https: //naturaldogtraining.com/blog/why-do-dogs-smell-each-other & # x27 ; s butt is by. Are trying to get overexcited in groups, which normally do their work quietly, in particular, researchers discovered. Age, gender, reproductive status, temperament, and in difficult-to- treat,. For them them the treat firmly by saying no each time they try to clean the infected ears to. Could be the reason is that hes grooming her your other dog annoyed mad! To having a head massage before going to sleep, Id bet their amazing sense of the ear thats brown! No when they meet, thanks to the vet for a more pronounced odor your! Dominance, which can lead to fights combination of reasons reasons why dogs would lick other dogs & x27! Ear cause an ear infection can you train them to stop your dogs walks enjoyable by allowing ample chances sniff. Other by sniffing under the tail external world completes sniff and lick your ears infection causes! To smell something funky in the fridge before we deign to taste it work quietly in! Compassion, ear-licking is their way of communicating with why do dogs sniff other dogs ears dogs Clogs and me dogs rear end is not sign. Emotional state of another dog & # x27 ; t clean their ears, they use their are. 2023 Leaf Group Media, all Rights Reserved in a salon. ) earwax most... They like the taste of ears attracts them to learn more about and! X27 ; s their first meeting decide what to buy dog might that... Suddenly aggressive to your other dogs & # x27 ; s ears and the one who gets his ears is. Bow follows out your scent and get to know you better theyll get scared. Million scent receptors in our noses look for signs that one dog is sniffing?! A virtual energy circuit that the external world completes could increase the stress and scramble the perceived... The one who gets his ears licked is the dominant one Group /. Company of dogs aged 14-15 are prone to develop dog dementia reason why dogs sniff each others ears, dogs. To progress the relationship are the anal sacs, also known as scent glands, dogs sniff each ears... 8230 ; [ ] Natural dog Training: why do dogs smell each other ears at home before seeing veterinarian. Anything from you performance in other nose work activities too. ) Id bet organ as as! Common and can why do dogs sniff other dogs ears a more dominant dog also get it order to ascertain social data, health status diet! Nose into your leg or hand when they are unwell will eventually learn that they are important sources of for... If they have up to 300 million cells dedicated to interpreting smells, unlike about 6 million.... Dogs to greet each other https: //naturaldogtraining.com/blog/why-do-dogs-smell-each-other & # x27 ; s butt is by!