- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Our dogs don’t only lick us, they also love giving each other kisses! This behavior is normal and dogs lick other dogs for grooming, greeting, and communication, says Sharon Vincuilla, OTD, CDBC, a co-regulation coach and dog behaviorist.
Keep reading to find out why dogs lick other dogs and if you need to stop them.
1. They’re Bonding
Dogs lick to connect and form bonds with others, says Emma Fulton, (MVDr., DVM, MRCVS), a veterinarian with Whisker Witty. She explains that mother dogs lick their puppies to comfort them and keep them clean. As dogs grow, licking becomes a way to show love and friendship.
“Dogs enjoy this behavior because it supports social bonding and because the hormone oxytocin is released when dogs lick each other, contributing to feelings of safety and connection,” Vincuilla adds.
2. They’re Grooming Other Dogs’ Ears
Vincuilla says dogs sometimes lick each other’s ears to keep them clean, especially if there’s an injury or infection. “Some people have said that dogs might like the taste of ear wax,” she adds.
Dogs may also be trying to learn more about the other dog’s health, especially if the ear has an infection, mites, or other medical issue.
3. They’re Showing Respect
Dr. Fulton says licking shows respect. Younger or more submissive dogs might lick the face of a more dominant dog.
“It’s essentially their way of acknowledging the other’s higher status in their social hierarchy, which helps maintain harmony within the group,” she adds.
4. They Want to Play
Sometimes, licking means a dog wants to play or is excited. You might notice your dog licking you when they want you to play fetch or tug-of-war with them—it’s their way of saying, “Come on, let’s play together!”
Additionally, licking before play shows other dogs that they’re just looking to have fun, not start a fight.
5. They’re Curious About a Smell or Taste
Dogs are very curious, and licking helps them explore. Dr. Fulton says they’re asking questions and learning about the other dog. This explains why dogs sometimes lick each other’s private areas—they’re learning more through scent.
“Dogs have something called a ‘vomeronasal’ organ, which is a special sac above the mouth (or in the nose) that has receptor sites for scent molecules and pheromones,” Vincuilla explains. She says licking a fluid brings the scent to the nose and organ to help the dog gather information about other dogs.
6. They’re Hungry
Vincuilla says dogs might lick another dogs face to ask them for food.
A dog might also lick around another dog’s mouth if they just ate, as if to clean up crumbs.
7. They’re Communicating With Each Other
When dogs lick each other, they can be sharing their feelings. Dr. Fulton says licking could mean friendliness, anxiety, or even a way to ask for something, like food or space.
Sometimes a lick might be a polite way to say, “Please give me some space,” says Jennifer Shryock, BA, a certified dog behavior consultant with Family Paws Parent Education. She calls this behavior a “kiss to dismiss.”
8. They’re Providing Comfort
Licking isn’t just for cleaning; it’s also a way to show care. Dr. Fulton says dogs lick spots that need attention and take care of each other, especially if they are close.
This builds trust and strengthens their bond.
Should You Stop a Dog From Licking Another Dog?
Most of the time, you don’t need to stop your dog from licking other dogs.
But sometimes, it might cause problems. Here are a few times when you might want to step in:
- If your dog is licking so much that it’s causing bald spots or sores on the other dog
- If the other dog has an injury or a medicine on their skin
- If the other dog seems annoyed or bothered by the licking
Vincuilla explains that licking too much can be a sign of stress, anxiety, or stomach issues. But what counts as “too much”? If they do it all the time or won’t stop when you ask them to, it crosses into a compulsion.
How to Redirect Your Dog’s Excessive Licking
If you’re worried about how much your dog kisses, visit the vet to make sure they don’t have any health issues. If they don’t have any other worrying symptoms, keep them mentally and physically enriched. This might include:
Lastly, Vincuilla suggests teaching your dog to show their needs in other ways. You can learn to spot signs of stress and give your dog what they need to feel better and happier in the long run.
