Many dog parents ask me why is my dog licking my other dog all of a sudden. I know this worry well because I hear it a lot Pets. It may look sweet at first but then it turns odd. You may think what is the reason of dog licking my other dog all of a sudden. I have seen this in many homes and with many dogs. Some dogs do it to bond. Some do it when sad or tense. Some do it when a male dog keeps licking a female dogs privates.
Some lick when they sense a smell. Some do it due to health needs and that is why dogs lick each other private parts. I want to guide you in a clear and calm way so you know the best solution of dog licking my other dog all of a sudden. Let us walk through this with simple steps so you feel sure and your dogs stay safe.
The Main Reasons Your Dog Is Licking the Other Dog All of a Sudden
Natural Grooming Behavior
Dogs use their tongue to clear dirt and to care for the other dog the same way they do in a pack. This can start fast when one dog sees a small change in the coat or a new scent on the fur. I have seen dogs do this right after a walk or after a bath because the new smell pulls them in. It is sweet at first but it can turn too much when one dog licks non stop. The owner thought it was cute until the skin got red. So grooming is normal but it should not reach a point where it looks hard or forced.
Social Bonding or Comfort
Dogs lick to bond and this is one strong reason your dog is licking your other dog all of a sudden. Lick acts like a warm hug for dogs. It is their way to say I am with you or I know you. This can happen when a home feels tense or when there is a shift in mood. The lick helps them feel safe and feel close the same way we sit near a friend when life feels heavy. One dog becomes soft and calm and the other starts to lick as a sign of care or peace. It is a social link and it can grow fast when both dogs trust each other.
Stress Anxiety or Environmental Changes
This can start with a new home a loud sound a new dog or a long day alone. Dogs often use the lick the same way we take a deep breath when the day feels too full. I saw this in a home where a new baby came in. One dog felt lost and kept licking the older dog like it needed to hold on to something safe. The older dog sat still and let it happen. Once the home became calm the licking slowed down. So stress can change your dog fast and this lick is one of the signs.
Attention Seeking Behavior
Dogs lick each other when they want you to look their way and this can turn into a habit. When the lick gets your eyes or your voice the dog learns that it works. Some dogs lick because they want play. I saw one case where a small dog would lick the big dog each time the owner sat down. It learned that the owner would stand up and talk to them. This became a loop. So if your dog licks the other dog to get you involved it can grow fast if the response rewards the behavior.
Why Do Dogs Lick Each Other’s Private Parts?
Dogs lick the private area to read scent and learn fast what changed in the other dog. Dogs use the mouth the same way we use our eyes. The scent gives them a full story in one small lick. A dog can learn age mood rank and even health clues. One dog walks in with a new smell from the yard and the other dog goes right to the private area. It is not rude for them. It is how they talk.
This act can start all of a sudden when the scent shifts. It may be a new soap a new food or a new place. I saw this in a home where the older dog came back from the vet and the young dog kept licking the private spot like it needed to learn the full story.
Heat Cycle in Female Dogs
A male dog licks the female private area when he picks up signs of heat or strong scent from that cycle.
The scent of heat is very clear to a male dog. He smells it right away. This is why a male dog keeps licking a female dog private area in many homes I visit. It starts in one day and it can grow fast.
A male dog may also lick when the female is not in heat. This can happen when the scent in the area feels warm or moist. It may be a small rash or a small sign of stress in the skin. I saw one case where the owner thought the female was in heat but it was only a light skin flare. The male kept licking due to the smell not due to mating needs.
Health-Related Causes
Dogs lick the private area when they sense pain smell or heat from infection or skin trouble.
This is one of the top reasons your dog is licking your other dog all of a sudden. Dogs pick up small shifts long before we do. They smell the change and they react fast. I have seen this many times in my work. One dog starts to lick and the owner thinks it is sweet. But the other dog may have a small issue.
Here are the most common issues I see in real homes:
- UTI or pain while they pee
- Yeast or skin rash in the area
- Bacteria on the skin
- Swollen anal glands
- Dry skin near the tail
- Small cuts near the private area
The lick is the clue. It is your sign to take a look. Dogs try to help the other dog with the lick the same way they care for pups.
When It Is Normal vs When It Is a Red Flag
It is normal when the lick is soft short and part of play but a red flag when it is long tense or done many times in one day.
Normal lick looks calm. It stops fast. The dogs stay at peace after. This is what I see in most homes. It is the same as a small check in a pack. Dogs use it to bond or to calm.
A red flag lick looks sharp or fast. It may make the other dog move away. It may happen many times in one hour. It may bring a strong smell or a wet mark. I saw one dog who would not stop. It kept the nose in the same spot for long. The skin looked red. The dog was in pain. This needed a vet.
Here is a quick list for you to check:
- Look for red skin
- Look for strong smell
- Look for pain signs
- Look for long lick time
- Look for stress in the other dog
- Look for signs of heat in a female dog
Why Is My Dog Licking My Other Dog So Much All of a Sudden?
Dogs sometimes start licking more suddenly because their feelings or relationships change. It can signal bonding, jealousy, or shifts in their pack order.
New bonding often sparks sudden licking. I remember a shy dog who rarely licked the family Labrador. After a week of shared naps and play, the shy dog began licking constantly. It was their way of showing trust and connection.
Jealousy can also cause it. Dogs notice attention and resources. One small dog started licking the older dog every time the owner petted the big dog. The licking was a clear call for notice and care.
Resource guarding triggers licking too. Dogs sometimes lick to calm tension over toys, food, or space. It may look excessive, but it is often a subtle way to manage conflict.
Pack hierarchy shifts are another reason. A dog adjusting to a new rank may lick to appease or reconnect. I once saw an older dog lick a new puppy more often. This helped establish trust while testing the bond.
Health Issues That Can Trigger Sudden Excessive Licking
Sometimes, sudden licking isn’t just about behavior—it can be your dog’s way of saying something hurts or feels off. Dogs notice tiny changes in each other long before we do.
Here are the main health issues I often see:
- Vaginal infections – Females may feel itchy or sore, and a dog may lick to soothe or investigate.
- Penile irritation – Males can have redness or discomfort that draws attention from other dogs.
- Skin infections – Yeast, bacteria, or rashes often make the area itchy or tender.
- Allergies – Food or environmental allergies can cause irritation that other dogs detect.
- Gastrointestinal upset – Changes in odor from stomach or urine can trigger licking.
- Anal gland issues – Full or infected glands give a strong scent dogs want to check.
More Information here
How Do Groomers Keep Dogs Still While Grooming
How Long Will My Dog Act Weird After Grooming
My Dog Keeps Sitting On His Bum After Grooming
FAQ Section
Why do dogs lick other dogs’ private parts?
Dogs lick to smell and learn about the other dog. It helps them know mood, age, health, or if a female is in heat.
Is it OK for my dog to lick my other dog?
Yes, gentle licking is normal. Dogs do it to bond or comfort each other. Only stop it if it happens too much.
Should I stop my dog from licking my other dog?
Stop licking if it is constant or hurts the skin. Short, calm licks are fine and help dogs feel safe together.
Can dogs get sick from licking each other?
Yes, licking can spread germs or infections if one dog is sick. Watch for redness, smell, or discomfort.
Why does my dog suddenly obsess over my other dog?
Sudden licking can mean bonding, jealousy, or stress. Dogs may lick to calm each other or show care.
Is this a dominance behavior?
Sometimes licking shows rank. Most often, it is about comfort, bonding, or stress relief, not aggression.
Does neutering reduce this behavior?
Neutering can lower hormone-driven licking. Social or stress licking usually continues even after neutering.
Final Thoughts
Watching dogs interact can be fascinating. Sudden licking is usually normal, but it can also signal stress, health issues, or changes in their bond. At Monsieur Groomer, I’ve seen this behavior hundreds of times. Gentle, short licks are often just a sign of comfort or care. Always watch for red flags, constant licking, redness, or signs of pain. These are cues your dog may need a vet check.
Remember, each dog is unique. Pay attention to their body language and moods. Understanding the reasons behind licking helps you keep your dogs safe and happy.
With patience, observation, and care, you can guide your dogs to healthy, happy interactions. At Monsieur Groomer, we focus on building trust, comfort, and harmony in every home.