Why Do Dogs Lick Each Other’s Ears?

If you’ve ever brought home a second dog, you know how quickly things get interesting. The house feels busier, the energy shifts, and within minutes, you’re probably witnessing some new, puzzling interactions. One of them might be your new pup sneaking up to your older dog and—without hesitation—starting to lick its ears.

At first, it feels cute. Maybe even heartwarming. But after the tenth time, you start thinking, what’s going on here? Is it love, respect, or something else entirely? The truth is, dogs don’t do anything by accident. That little “ear kiss” actually says more than you might think.

The Social Side: More Than Just Affection

Dogs build and maintain relationships through subtle, physical gestures. Ear licking sits high on that list—it’s intimate, gentle, and loaded with meaning.

When one dog licks another’s ears, it’s often saying, “You’re part of my pack.” It’s a dog’s version of a hug or a friendly pat on the shoulder. In many multi-dog homes, the closest companions are the ones you’ll see grooming each other the most.

Sometimes, it’s also about respect. A younger or lower-ranking dog might lick an older dog’s ears to show deference and peace. It’s like saying, “I mean no trouble.”

And beneath it all lies comfort. Licking releases oxytocin—the same “bonding hormone” that helps calm both humans and dogs. What looks like a random moment of canine weirdness is actually a quiet act of reassurance.

For more insight into why dogs lick other dogs’ ears or faces, see AKC’s expert explanation on this social behavior.

The Practical Side: Instinct and Hygiene

Of course, not every ear lick is about emotion. Sometimes it’s just good, old-fashioned grooming.

In the wild, dogs and other pack animals help each other clean hard-to-reach spots. Ears are tricky, so one dog lending a “tongue” makes perfect sense. It’s teamwork disguised as tenderness.

And then there’s the curiosity factor. Let’s be honest—dog ears smell interesting. The mix of salts, oils, and mild musk is full of information for a curious sniffer. What humans might call “gross” is simply irresistible to a dog.

In some cases, there’s even a hint of concern involved. Dogs can detect small changes in scent, including those linked to ear infections. If one dog suddenly can’t stop licking another’s ears, it might actually be trying to help—though too much help can make things worse.

Want to learn how to safely clean your dog’s ears at home? Read our dog ear cleaning guide.

The Health Side: When to Step In

An occasional lick? Totally fine. Constant licking? That’s when you should start paying attention.

Since saliva keeps the area damp, too much licking can invite yeast or bacteria to grow inside the ear. Before long, your dog might be dealing with redness, itching, or a sour smell. You might also see your dog shaking its head or scratching at the ear—a sure sign it’s uncomfortable.

To prevent moisture buildup and skin irritation, it’s a good habit to wipe your dog’s outer ears with pet safe cleaning wipesafter swimming, bathing, or playtime outdoors. These wipes help remove excess moisture and reduce the risk of bacteria or yeast overgrowth without irritating the skin.

If the problem doesn’t clear up in a few days, call your vet. A professional cleaning or medication may be needed. Don’t wait too long—what starts as grooming can turn into infection pretty fast.

The Emotional Side: When Licking Comes from Stress

Sometimes, an ear lick isn’t about the other dog at all. It’s about how your dog feels.

Dogs, like people, have coping habits. Some chew, some pace, and some lick—constantly. The act releases endorphins, giving them a brief sense of relief. But when it becomes repetitive and hard to interrupt, it can tip into a compulsive behavior.

Big life changes—like a move, a new baby, or even a tense household—can amplify this. When dogs feel uncertain, licking becomes a comfort blanket. The best fix? More structure, play, and mental stimulation. A tired, happy dog licks a lot less.

Learn more about the emotional and instinctive reasons behind licking habits in AKC’s guide on why dogs lick.

Redirecting the Behavior

If your dog’s licking habit gets out of hand, don’t scold—it’ll only add stress. Instead:

Gently interrupt. When you catch your dog licking, calmly use a simple cue like “leave it” or “enough” and redirect to a chew toy or puzzle feeder. Avoid yelling — it can increase anxiety and make the behavior worse. Reward the calm response to strengthen the new habit.

Add variety. Mild obsessive licking often stems from boredom or under-stimulation. Daily walks, sniffing games, or interactive toys can help release energy and reduce anxiety-driven behavior. Physical and mental exercise creates healthier, more balanced dogs.

Clean regularly. 

Clean and dry your dog’s ears regularly, especially after baths or swimming. Moisture buildup invites odor and yeast growth, which can encourage licking. A healthy, odor-free ear is less tempting and more comfortable for everyone.

Redirect, enrich, and care — that’s the formula. Done consistently, you’ll protect both your dogs’ ears and their relationship.

You can also use gentle pet safe cleaning wipes for routine maintenance — they’re safer than cotton swabs, easy to use, and perfect for wiping away excess wax or odor-causing debris around the outer ear. Avoid inserting anything into the ear canal, and choose alcohol-free formulas designed for dogs’ sensitive skin.

Consistency matters more than quick fixes. Over time, your dogs will settle into a happier balance.

What Dog Owners Usually Ask

Is it normal for dogs to lick each other’s ears

Yes — it’s a normal part of canine social bonding and grooming. Ears are difficult to clean, and licking strengthens trust and companionship.

Can dogs get sick from licking ears?
Yes. Constant licking can cause moisture buildup, leading to yeast or bacterial infections. Watch for redness or odor and contact your vet if symptoms appear.

Should I stop my dog from licking another dog’s ears?
Not always. Occasional licking is fine, but if it becomes obsessive or causes irritation, gently interrupt and redirect the behavior.

Why does my dog lick my ears too?
It’s often the same bonding instinct — affection or curiosity — but less hygienic. It’s better to redirect that affection through play, touch, or gentle training.

For proper oral hygiene tips, explore our detailed dog mouth cleaning guide.

The Sweet Truth Behind the “Ear Kiss”

When your dog leans in for that quiet, gentle lick, it’s speaking a language older than words—a mix of affection, respect, and instinct.

But love can sometimes go overboard. A few licks here and there are sweet. Constant attention may be a cry for help.

So the next time you catch your dogs in an “ear kiss,” enjoy the moment—but keep an eye out too. Beneath that tender gesture might be your dog’s subtle way of saying, “I trust you… and I need you to notice.”