One question that is frequently asked is why does my dog lick my other dogs’ faces? Generally, this behavior occurs due to a combination of several reasons. By determining the most common cause, you can take the proper steps to stop your dog from licking the faces of other dogs. Read on to discover more about this behavioral trait. This dog may have a condition called obsessive compulsive disorder, or OCD.
Whenever a dog licks another dog’s face, it usually is a sign of affection, submission, or friendly behavior. Dogs who lick each other’s faces are showing respect and affection to their owners. If your dog licks your other dog without a good reason, it’s time to seek veterinary care for your pet. There are two main reasons for this behavior. First, it may be a sign of a wound. Second, it may simply be a sign that your dog has a taste for your face. Lastly, dogs who lick each other’s faces also may be submissive to your authority.
While a dog’s behavior may seem counterproductive to your relationship with other dogs, it can actually help you avoid unwanted situations. Often, dogs are biologically programmed to lick their face, and by distracting your dog with a favorite toy or a game, you can help the situation. By distracting your dog from the other dogs, it will become more aware of you, and might even start licking you more frequently.
Lastly, if your dog repeatedly licks another dog’s face, you must try to break this habit. First, try to avoid rewarding your dog for this behavior. When this behavior continues for a long time, your dog may begin to resent the other dogs. Then, when the other dog returns, they will begin to lick your dog’s face with more gusto. If this is happening frequently, it may be time to seek out a force-free behavior professional.
Another reason for a dog to lick your face is to attract tasty bits of food. Interestingly, dogs have many different body parts that secrete pheromones – volatile chemical substances that influence other animals – and the facial hair of a dog is one of those places. One of these body parts is the Jacobson organ, also known as the vomeronasal organ, which is a patch of sensory cells inside the upper mouth and nasal cavity.
Other reasons for a dog to lick another dog’s face include social hierarchy. During introductions, a lower-ranking canine will lick the dominant dog’s muzzle in a gesture of respect. If the dog constantly licks your face, however, it may be a sign of a more serious issue. If you notice your dog licking other dogs’ faces, seek veterinary attention immediately.
An increase in eye discharge is another reason why a dog may begin to lick another dog’s face. Eye discharge is a common symptom of an eye disease or infection. If your dog is licking your eyes, it may be a sign of an underlying condition that needs to be checked by a veterinarian. Some dogs are attracted to the smell of another dog’s yeast infection in the ear, while other dogs may simply lick their eyes to get to the spot where they’re rubbing their faces.
Why does my dog lick my other dog’s eyes and ears?
It’s a Grooming Technique When two dogs are on friendly terms as part of the same family, they become very comfortable grooming each other. Licking each other’s ears is just one way to show that. What’s more, it can ward off ear mites, but too much licking can cause irritation and possibly an ear infection.
Why does my dog obsessively lick my other dog’s face?
When a dog licks the face of another, the behavior probably can be traced to the puppy stage. A puppy’s display of licking signaled a desire to be fed. In adult dogs, it could be a sign of respect. Wild dog puppies lick their mother’s lips when she returns from a hunt, her belly full of predigested meat.
What does it mean when an older dog licks a younger dogs face?
When a dog licks the face of another, the behavior probably can be traced to the puppy stage. A puppy’s display of licking signaled a desire to be fed. In adult dogs, it could be a sign of respect. Wild dog puppies lick their mother’s lips when she returns from a hunt, her belly full of predigested meat.
