One day at the park, my dog ran up to another pup and started licking his face. It looked sweet, but I had to ask myself, why do dogs lick dogs? I’ve lived with dogs for years and seen this happen over and over. Sometimes it’s love. Sometimes they’re just curious. Licking can be a way to bond or to learn about the other dog. It’s like their way of saying “hi” or asking questions without words. In this article, I’ll share what I’ve learned from real-life moments and expert tips. If you’ve ever wondered what your dog’s licks really mean, you’re in the right place. Now you have just read the full article and know the reason and your inner curiosity.

It’s a Sign of Affection and Bonding

Dogs often lick each other to show love and build trust—it’s their way of saying, “You’re part of my pack.” This kind of licking helps dogs feel close and stay connected, just like hugs do for us.

I remember one lazy Sunday when my two dogs, Max and Luna, were curled up on the couch. Out of nowhere, Max gently licked Luna’s ears and face. She closed her eyes, leaned in, and let him. There was no tension—just quiet comfort. It wasn’t about play or dominance.

The reason of dogs lick dogs like this is simple—it’s instinct. They do it to feel safe and connected. Just like we enjoy a warm hug or a kind word, dogs use licking to strengthen their relationships.

So next time you see your dog licking a buddy, smile. It’s not just cute—it’s deep dog language for “You matter to me.”

To Learn About the Other Dog

Dogs lick other dogs to gather information about them. It’s their way of saying, “Who are you?” without using words. Dogs explore the world through their senses, especially smell and taste.

One afternoon at the park, my dog Daisy met a new puppy. She sniffed him first, then gave a few soft licks to his face. Right after that, they both wagged their tails and started playing. That first lick helped Daisy feel safe and learn about her new friend.

Licking helps dogs figure out a lot. They can tell if another dog is young, healthy, happy, or even a little scared. It’s like reading a secret message hidden in taste and smell.

Puppies do this even more. They lick older dogs to learn how to act. It’s their way of asking, “Can you teach me?” In a dog’s world, licking is a big part of growing up and fitting in.

Dogs lick other dogs to learn about them and feel more comfortable.

Next time you see two dogs meet, notice the little licks. It’s not just cute—it’s a full conversation in dog language!

Submission and Respect

Dogs sometimes lick other dogs to show respect and say, “I’m not a threat.” It’s their way of bowing down, without needing words. This kind of licking is a quiet act of peace—almost like a handshake in the dog world, but softer and sweeter.

I remember when we first brought a foster dog, Buddy, into our home. He was nervous, unsure if he belonged. Right away, my dog Luna walked up, lowered her head, and gave a few gentle licks to Buddy’s chin. She wasn’t trying to be bossy. She was saying, “It’s okay. I respect you.” It was a moment so soft and pure that it almost made me tear up.

Experts like Ash Mani – Mobile Pet Groomer at Monsieur Groomer, a well-known animal behaviorist, explain that submissive licking is rooted in natural pack behavior. Puppies lick their mothers and older dogs to show respect and ask for care. Grown-up dogs keep this habit, using it to calm tense moments and strengthen social ties.

Play Invitation and Social Engagement

Dogs sometimes lick each other to invite play and make friends. A soft lick can mean, “Let’s have some fun!” You will often see a wagging tail, happy hops, and relaxed ears too. It’s like a child smiling and reaching out to a new friend at the playground. I once watched my dog, Bella, meet a shy little pup. Bella walked over, gave a tiny lick on the puppy’s nose, and stepped back with a playful bow. The puppy wagged his tail and ran toward her. They became fast friends in minutes. Dogs use licking to show good intent and break the ice. It helps both dogs feel safe before they start a game. Experts agree that licking during play is a clear way dogs talk. So if you see a quick lick, expect zoomies next! It’s dog language at its purest and happiest.

Grooming and Care

Dogs often lick each other as part of grooming, showing love, comfort, and trust. It’s like when a close friend brushes hair off your face—it feels warm, safe, and kind.

At home, I see this magic every day. My two dogs, Max and Luna, love grooming each other. After a long walk, Max will gently lick Luna’s ears and clean the fur around her eyes. It’s slow, careful, and full of care. Luna leans into him, closes her eyes, and just melts. Watching them, I can feel how much they trust and love each other.

Grooming licks are more than cleaning. They’re emotional touchpoints. Experts explain that mutual grooming helps dogs build strong bonds, lower stress, and feel part of a group. It’s like a spa day mixed with a hug!

So if you catch your dogs licking each other, smile—you’re witnessing pure dog love at its finest.

Health-Related Reasons

Dogs sometimes lick each other for health reasons. It’s not just a sweet gesture; it can mean something more. Dogs can sense when a friend has a cut, rash, or sore spot. Their first instinct is to help by licking it clean. Their saliva even has mild healing powers. But while one or two licks are okay, too much licking can cause problems. It can make wounds worse or spread germs. I once saw my dog Max lick Luna’s paw over and over. When I checked, she had a small cut. We took her to the vet to be safe. The vet said licking too much can slow healing. So now, I watch closely. A little lick means love. A lot of licking means it’s time to act. Always trust your gut when your dog shows extra care.

When Should You Be Concerned?

Licking is usually harmless, but it can sometimes signal a problem.

If your dog licks too much or the other dog seems stressed, it’s time to pay attention.

I learned this when Max kept licking his friend’s ear. It looked cute at first, but then the other dog pulled away and growled. That’s when I realized it was no longer playful.

Signs to watch for:

Licking one spot repeatedly
Skin irritation or redness
The other dog is acting upset or stiff
Licking that seems nonstop or obsessive

If you notice these signs, step in. Call your dog away calmly. Give them a break to reset.

Experts suggest redirecting the behavior early. A quick command, a toy, or a time-out can help. Praise your dog when they stop.

Licking should be gentle and mutual.

Trust your instincts. If something feels off, act fast. It’s better to guide your dog now than fix a bigger issue later.

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Managing licking in my dog pack is simple but important. Over the years, I’ve learned a few key tips.

Set Boundaries

When Max licked Luna too much, I stepped in with a firm “enough” and redirected him. Consistency helped him learn when to stop.

Encourage Healthy Licking

I allow friendly licking, like grooming after a walk. It strengthens their bond. I also make sure they get enough playtime to keep them happy and less likely to over-lick.

Discourage Problematic Licking

If I notice obsessive licking, I check for health issues first. If there’s no injury, I distract them with a toy or short game. A break from the situation helps calm things down.

Use Training

Training helps prevent unwanted licking. If my dog licks too much, I calmly redirect and reward positive behavior. This helps teach them when to stop.

Social Licking

When meeting other dogs, I watch closely. If my dog is overwhelming another dog with licking, I remove them and help them understand social cues.

FAQs About Why Do Dogs Lick Dogs

Why do dogs lick each other’s mouths?

Dogs lick each other’s mouths to show respect. It is often a way to ask for food or care, especially in puppies. Licking helps them bond.

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

Yes, dogs lick each other’s ears as a form of grooming. It shows affection and strengthens their bond.

Can licking spread illness between dogs?

Yes, licking can spread germs. It is especially risky if one dog has a wound. Always check for signs of illness.

Should I stop my dog from licking other dogs?

You should stop your dog from licking others if it becomes too much, causes distress, or if the other dog feels uncomfortable.

Do dogs lick each other to show dominance?

No, dogs lick to show respect, not dominance. Licking is usually a sign of submission or affection.

Last Thought

Dogs lick each other for many reasons, and understanding why can help us connect better with our pets. Often, dogs lick to show affection. It’s their way of saying, “I care about you.” Licking also helps them learn about each other. When dogs meet, they lick to gather information like age or mood. In some cases, licking is a sign of respect or submission. Dogs may lick another dog to show they are not a threat. Sometimes, dogs lick to invite play, especially when they wag their tails. Licking can also be part of grooming. It’s a way for dogs to care for each other. If your dog is licking too much or seems obsessed, it might signal a problem. Watch for signs of irritation or discomfort in the other dog. Understanding these behaviors helps keep your dogs happy and healthy.

Why Do Dogs Lick Dogs