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Dogs can be so confusing to us! They have some unique habits that can be concerning and gross to humans! But what’s normal when it comes to a female dog licking another female dog? Is this anything to be concerned about?
If you find your female dogs doing this, you’ve come to the right place. We understand this behavior can be concerning. So, we’ve put together some information about why a female dog would lick other female dogs. Let’s get started!
Dogs & Licking One Another
Dogs lick one another for many reasons! We’ll review some of those reasons in this section!
Getting Attention
A female dog may lick another female dog’s face to get attention. It can be a way puppies seek out their mother’s attention, and this instinct stays with the dogs for life.
In addition, dogs may greet one another with kisses on the face. This is another common behavior seen in both male and female dogs.
Show of Respect
Female dogs may lick the face of another female dog as a show of respect! Puppies do this and the same behavior is found in adult dogs.
Your female dog may be showing subordination to another female dog. Some dogs may do this to obtain some care or protection from the dominant dog.
Licking Private Areas
Female dogs may also lick the privates of other female dogs. Your dog may notice that another female dog is in heat, and she’s cleaning the dog’s discharge. Or your fur baby could smell that the other female has an infection or another medical issue (such as a bladder infection).
Dogs also lick one another’s privates as a way of greeting when they meet someone new. This behavior is common in both male and female dogs. The dogs do this to learn about the newcomer. They can learn a lot, including the other dog’s age, whether they’re sexually mature and ready to mate, and more.
Licking Another Dog’s Ears
A female dog may also lick another female dog’s ears for different reasons. For example, the other dog could have an ear infection. Or one dog could be showing she’s subordinate to the other dog. One female dog may be showing the other some affection, too.
Another reason for licking another dog’s ears is to help clean them. While that’s yucky to us, this is how dogs help one another stay clean and free of infections.
Summing It Up
So, there you have it! These are some of the most common reasons a female dog will lick other female dogs! These are normal canine behaviors and are usually nothing to worry about. However, if you believe one of the dogs has an infection, it’s time to call the vet (if this is your own dog).
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Julie
Julie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she studied Animal science. Though contrary to the opinion of her parents she was meant to study pharmacy, but she was in love with animals especially cats. Julie currently works in an animal research institute (NGO) in California and loves spending quality time with her little cat. She has the passion for making research about animals, how they survive, their way of life among others and publishes it. Julie is also happily married with two kids.
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