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Why Does My Dog Lick My Other Dogs Privates? The Truth
Do you often see one of your dogs licking the private areas of your other dog? It might look strange to us. But is dog licking private parts normal for dogs? Yes, it often is. This behavior is very common among dogs. It is part of how dogs talk to each other. It is also how they check on each other. Sometimes, it is just part of their natural way of life.
Dogs live in a world of smells. Their noses tell them many things. Licking helps them get close to important smells. Private areas have strong smells. These smells give dogs lots of information. This lick often tells a story about the other dog. It can be about health. It can be about feelings. It can be about who they are.
However, there are times when this licking might mean something else. It could point to a health problem. It could be a sign of stress. Knowing why your dog does this is key. It helps you know if it is normal or if you need to do something about it. This post will look at the many dog licking other dog genitals reasons. We will break it all down for you.
Deciphering Canine Communication
Dogs do not talk like us. They use their bodies. They use sounds. And they use smells. Smells are a huge part of their world. Think of it like reading a newspaper. A dog smells another dog. They get a lot of news.
They have a super strong sense of smell. It is much stronger than ours. Private parts, like the rear end and genitals, have special scent glands. These glands make smells called pheromones. These pheromones are like messages. They tell other dogs important things.
Grasping Dog Scent Communication
Dogs use their noses a lot. They sniff the ground. They sniff other dogs. They sniff pee marks. This is how they learn about their world. When a dog sniffs another dog’s private parts, they are reading those scent messages.
Licking helps them get an even better read. It brings the smells closer to their noses. It can also help them use a special organ. This organ is on the roof of their mouth. It is called the Vomeronasal Organ. It helps them sense pheromones even better. So, licking is not just weird behavior. It is a way they gather important facts. It is part of deciphering dog scent communication.
What kind of facts do they get from these smells?
* The other dog’s age.
* The other dog’s sex (male or female).
* If a female dog is ready to have puppies (in heat).
* The dog’s general health.
* The dog’s mood or stress level.
Think of it like this: A quick sniff is like reading a headline. A lick is like reading the whole article. It gives them much more detail.
Why They Lick: The Most Common Reasons
Most times, a dog licking another dog’s private parts is normal. It is part of being a dog. There are a few main reasons for this behavior. Let’s look at the canine behavior explanations.
Social Reasons
Dogs are social animals. They live in groups, even in our homes. They have ways of acting within their group. Licking is one of these ways.
Social Grooming in Dogs
Dogs groom themselves. They lick their fur to clean it. They also groom each other. This is called social grooming. It helps dogs bond. It shows they are part of the same group. It is like friends helping each other out.
Sometimes, a dog might lick another dog’s private area as part of social grooming. It might seem odd to us. But for them, it can be like cleaning a spot the other dog cannot reach easily. It is a sign of closeness. It shows they feel safe and linked to each other. This is one reason behind social grooming in dogs. It is a simple way dogs show care.
Greeting and Checking In
Dogs greet each other in many ways. A tail wag is a greeting. A sniff is a greeting. Licking can also be a greeting. Especially for close family members or dogs living together.
It is like saying, “Hi! How are you today?” And the lick is also how they get the answer. They smell the pheromones. They learn how the other dog is doing. Are they healthy? Are they happy? This greeting lick gives them a status update. It is a quick check-in.
Deciphering Rank and Status
Sometimes, licking can be about who is who in the group. It can be about showing respect. It can also be about showing who is in charge.
Submissive Licking in Dogs
One common reason is showing submission. A dog who feels less important in the group might lick a dog they see as more important. Licking the face is a common submissive sign. But licking other areas, including private parts, can also happen.
This licking says, “I know you are in charge. I am not a threat.” It helps keep the peace in the dog group. It avoids fights. A dog showing submissive licking in dogs is just trying to fit in safely. They are saying, “I respect you.” This is a normal way dogs show their place.
Dominance Behavior Dog Licking?
Can licking be about being dominant? It is less common than submissive licking. But sometimes a dog might lick another dog in a way that seems pushy or demanding. This is not as clear-cut as face licking.
Some people think a dog that forces another dog to stand still to be licked might be showing dominance. It is more about the way the licking happens. Is one dog forcing the other? Is the other dog trying to get away? If the licker is pushy and the other dog is not happy, it could be seen as a mild form of dominance behavior dog licking. However, often what looks like dominance is actually the lickee being tolerant of a lower-ranking dog. Licking private parts is usually more about getting information or showing submission or care. It’s rarely a clear sign of dominance on its own.
Special Cases: Puppies and New Smells
Puppies are new to the world. They have a lot to learn. They use their mouths to learn about everything. Licking is a big part of this.
Puppy Licking Adult Dog Privates
It is very normal for puppies to lick older dogs. They lick their faces. They lick their ears. They lick their paws. And yes, they lick their private parts.
Why do puppies do this?
* Learning: Puppies learn about the world by licking and sniffing. Licking an adult dog is like exploring a new place. They are gathering information about the older dog.
* Bonding: It helps the puppy connect with the adult dog. It is a way to show they are part of the family.
* Getting Attention: Licking can get the adult dog’s attention. The adult might lick back. Or they might just stand there. It is a way for the puppy to interact.
* Instinct: In the wild, mother dogs lick their puppies to keep them clean and help them go to the bathroom. Puppies might do this back as they get older, just out of instinct.
* Scent Exploration: Puppies are learning about smells. The smells on an adult dog’s private parts are very new and interesting to a puppy. Puppy licking adult dog privates is a big part of how they learn about other dogs and their place in the group.
Adult dogs are usually very patient with puppies doing this. It is seen as a normal part of puppy behavior.
When Licking Might Mean Trouble: Medical Reasons
Most of the time, dogs licking each other’s private parts is normal behavior. But sometimes, it can point to a problem. This is when you should pay close attention. There can be medical reasons dog licking privates.
If you see the licking start suddenly, or if one dog seems unhappy with the licking, it could be a sign. The dog being licked might have an issue.
Possible Health Problems
What kind of health problems could cause this?
* Infection: The dog being licked might have an infection. This could be in the urinary tract or the genital area. Infections can cause pain or itching. The dog might lick themselves a lot. Or another dog might be drawn to the area because it smells different.
* Irritation: Skin problems, allergies, or bug bites can cause irritation in the area. This makes the dog lick themselves. Another dog might lick them because they smell the irritation or blood.
* Injury: A small cut or scrape could be there. The dog might lick it. Another dog might lick it too. Dogs sometimes lick wounds to try and clean them.
* Anal Gland Issues: Dogs have glands near their anus. These can get full or infected. This is very uncomfortable for the dog. They might scoot their rear. They might lick the area a lot. Another dog might be attracted to the strong smell from the problem gland.
* Urinary Problems: Things like bladder stones or crystals can cause pain when a dog pees. This can make the dog lick the area more. It can also make the area smell different, attracting other dogs.
* Tumors or Growths: In older dogs, lumps or growths can appear in the area. These can cause discomfort or strange smells.
If one dog suddenly starts licking another dog’s private area much more than before, look at the dog being licked. Do they seem bothered? Are they licking themselves a lot? Do they have trouble peeing or pooping? Do you see any redness, swelling, or strange smells?
If you see these signs, it is wise to see a vet. A vet can check the dog for any medical reasons dog licking privates.
Is There Such a Thing as Too Much?
Yes, sometimes the licking can become a problem. Even if it starts for a normal reason.
When Licking Becomes Excessive
How do you know if it’s too much?
* It goes on for a very long time.
* It happens constantly throughout the day.
* The dog being licked seems bothered, scared, or tries hard to get away.
* The licking is causing redness, swelling, or sores on the licked dog.
* The licking dog seems obsessed with the area.
Excessive licking can be a sign of:
* Underlying medical issue (as mentioned above): If the problem is not fixed, the licking continues.
* Stress or Anxiety: Some dogs lick a lot when they are stressed. This can be true for licking objects, themselves, or other dogs. If the licking dog is anxious, this could be how they cope.
* Attention Seeking: If the dogs get attention (even negative attention) when one licks the other, they might learn to do it more often to get noticed.
* Behavioral Problem: In rare cases, it could become a habit or even a sign of a compulsive disorder.
If the licking is constant, bothering one of your dogs, or causing physical problems, it’s time to think about how to stop dog licking other dog.
How to Stop the Licking
If the licking is not normal, or if it is causing problems, you can try to stop it.
First Steps: Rule Out Medical Issues
Before you do anything else, take the dog being licked to the vet. This is the most important step if you think there is a problem. The vet can check for infections, injuries, or other health issues. If there is a medical reason, treating it will likely stop the licking.
Behavior Steps
If the vet says both dogs are healthy, the licking is likely a behavior issue. Here are some things you can try:
Interrupt and Redirect
Do not yell or punish the dog licking. This can make them scared or confused. It might even make the behavior worse.
Instead, gently interrupt the licking. Make a small noise (like a soft clap). Or calmly call the dog’s name.
Once you interrupt, redirect the dog to something else. Give them a toy. Ask them to do a trick they know (like ‘sit’). Give them praise or a small treat for doing the new thing.
This teaches them that licking the other dog does not get attention, but doing something else does. Do this every time you see the licking.
Increase Exercise and Mental Work
Dogs lick more when they are bored or stressed. Make sure both your dogs get enough exercise. Go for walks. Play fetch. Run in the yard. A tired dog is less likely to lick constantly.
Also, give them things to think about. Use puzzle toys for their food. Teach them new tricks. Have training sessions. Mental work can tire a dog out just like physical work. More activity can help reduce stress and boredom. This might help stop the licking.
Manage the Environment
If the licking happens at certain times or in certain places, try to avoid those situations.
If it happens when you are sitting and watching TV, give the dogs toys or separate them with a baby gate.
If it happens when they first wake up, take them outside right away.
You can use physical barriers like gates to give the dogs breaks from each other. This can stop the habit.
Use Bitter Sprays (With Caution)
You can try using a bitter-tasting spray on the area being licked. Make sure the spray is safe for dogs. Spray a little on the fur around the private area, not directly on it.
When the dog licks the area, they will get a bad taste. This might make them stop.
* Important: Make sure the dog being licked is not bothered by the spray. Watch for skin irritation. This does not work for all dogs. Some dogs don’t mind the bitter taste. Some dogs might even lick more if the area is now flavored! Test a very small amount first.
Reward Calm Behavior
Instead of just stopping the licking, reward the dogs when they are lying near each other and not licking. When you see them resting quietly together, drop a small treat or give calm praise. This teaches them that being calm and not licking is a good thing.
Address Stress and Anxiety
If you think the licking dog is stressed or anxious, try to figure out why. Are there loud noises? Changes in the home? Not enough time with you?
Try to fix the cause of the stress. You might need help from a vet or a certified dog behaviorist. They might suggest things like calming treats, special diffusers, or even medicine for severe anxiety. Reducing stress can help reduce stress-related licking.
Seek Professional Help
If the licking is severe, hurting one of the dogs, or you cannot stop it yourself, get help. A certified professional dog trainer or a certified applied animal behaviorist can help. They can watch your dogs. They can figure out the exact reason for the licking. They can make a plan just for your dogs. They have lots of experience with canine behavior explanations. They can guide you on how to stop dog licking other dog safely and effectively.
Remember, punishment usually makes behavior problems worse. Focus on managing the situation, redirecting the dog, and rewarding good behavior.
Breaking Down the Licking Behaviors
Let’s put it all together. Why does a dog lick another dog’s privates?
| Reason | What it looks like | Is it normal? | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| **Scent Communication** (Getting info) |
Often happens during greetings. One dog sniffs, then licks briefly. |
Usually Yes. Normal part of how dogs get info. |
Nothing needed if brief and both dogs are okay. |
| **Social Grooming** (Showing care/bond) |
Part of general licking/cleaning each other. Might be near the end of a grooming session. |
Often Yes. Shows closeness between dogs. |
Nothing needed if occasional and both dogs are okay. |
| **Submissive Behavior** (Showing respect) |
A less confident dog licks a more confident one. Might be paired with other low-body language (low tail, averted eyes). |
Usually Yes. Normal way to avoid conflict. **Submissive licking in dogs.** |
Nothing needed if the licking is brief and the licked dog is tolerant. Don’t force interaction. |
| **Puppy Learning** (Exploring the world) |
A puppy licks an adult dog. Happens as part of puppy exploring. **Puppy licking adult dog privates.** |
Very Normal for puppies. | Nothing needed usually. Adult dogs manage puppies. Separate if adult is bothered. |
| **Medical Issue** (Something is wrong) |
Licking starts suddenly or is excessive. The dog being licked might show discomfort (licking themselves, redness, limping). **Medical reasons dog licking privates.** |
No. Sign of a health problem. | **See a vet right away.** This is key. |
| **Excessive/Compulsive** (Problem behavior) |
Licking is constant, long-lasting, or harms the other dog. Happens even when dogs are not greeting or stressed. Could be linked to anxiety. |
No. Behavior issue or high stress. | See a vet first (rule out medical). Then work with a pro trainer/behaviorist on **how to stop dog licking other dog**. Redirect and manage. |
It’s important to watch your dogs. See when the licking happens. See how the dogs act during and after the licking. This helps you figure out the reason.
More Factors to Consider
A few other things can play a role in this behavior.
Hormones
Hormones can affect dog behavior. For example, if one of your dogs is not spayed and is in heat, her smell will change a lot. Male dogs will be very drawn to her private area. They might lick her much more. This is a strong natural drive linked to getting pregnant. Other female dogs might also lick her more due to the change in smell and hormones.
Neutering or spaying your dogs can sometimes reduce intense interest in private areas related to hormones.
Learning from Other Dogs
Dogs learn from each other. A young dog might see an older dog licking another dog. They might start to do it too. It is part of how they learn canine behavior explanations from their pack members. This is especially true for puppies learning from adults.
Attention from Humans
Be careful not to give too much attention when the licking happens. Even saying “No!” is attention. Some dogs would rather have negative attention than no attention. If they lick and you react, they might learn that licking gets you to notice them. Try to react only when they stop the behavior or do something else you like.
Wrapping It Up: Knowing Your Dogs
Seeing your dog lick another dog’s private parts can be surprising. But remember, much of the time, this is a normal part of being a dog. It’s how they gather information through scent. It’s part of their social life, like grooming or showing respect. This is why learning about dog licking other dog genitals reasons is helpful.
It is normal for dogs to sniff and lick these areas. It is how they “read” the other dog. Is dog licking private parts normal? Yes, usually. Social grooming in dogs and submissive licking in dogs are key reasons. Puppy licking adult dog privates is also very common as puppies explore.
However, stay watchful. If the licking starts suddenly, becomes constant, or the dog being licked seems bothered, it could be a medical problem. Medical reasons dog licking privates need a vet’s help fast.
If it’s not medical but the licking is causing issues (like skin irritation or stress), then you need to address it. Interrupting, redirecting, increasing exercise, and managing the environment can help. If you need more help on how to stop dog licking other dog, a dog behavior expert is a great resource. They can give you specific canine behavior explanations for your situation.
By watching your dogs and understanding their world of smells and social rules, you can figure out if this behavior is just normal dog stuff or if you need to step in.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
h5 Is it dirty for dogs to lick each other’s private parts?
From a human point of view, maybe. But for dogs, it is normal. They use their mouths and noses to explore. Their mouths have different bacteria than ours. It is just how they learn and interact.
h5 Can my dog get sick from licking another dog there?
It is unlikely in healthy dogs. Dogs’ bodies handle bacteria differently than ours. However, if the dog being licked has an infection or parasite, there is a small chance it could spread. This is another reason to check for medical issues if the licking changes.
h5 The dog being licked seems to like it. Is that okay?
If the dog being licked is relaxed, not trying to get away, and does not show signs of discomfort, it might just be tolerant or even enjoy the attention. As long as it is not excessive or causing skin issues, it is usually fine.
h5 My dogs never did this before. Why start now?
A sudden start could point to a medical issue in the dog being licked. Or it could be a sign of a change in their social group, increased stress, or a new smell (like one dog going into heat). Always check with a vet first for sudden behavior changes.
h5 Can licking lead to fighting?
Rarely, but it can happen. If the licker is being too pushy, or if the dog being licked is in pain (due to a medical issue) or just very annoyed and not getting space, they might snap or growl to make the other dog stop. Watch their body language closely. If you see tension, separate them.
h5 My puppy licks the adult dog’s rear end all the time. Should I stop it?
Puppy licking, including puppy licking adult dog privates, is very normal for learning and bonding. Adult dogs usually manage this themselves. If the adult dog seems very annoyed or you worry about the puppy being too pushy, you can gently redirect the puppy sometimes. But often, it is best to let the dogs work out their normal interactions.
h5 How can I tell if it is submissive licking vs. something else?
Look at the dog doing the licking. Are they acting small? Tail low? Head down? Avoiding eye contact? Is the other dog standing tall and confident? These are signs of submissive licking in dogs. If the licking dog is pushy or the other dog looks scared or trapped, it is different.
h5 Will spaying or neutering stop this behavior?
It might reduce it, especially if the behavior is linked to hormones (like a male dog constantly licking a female in heat). It can also sometimes reduce overall anxiety or marking behaviors. But it does not guarantee it will stop completely if the behavior is also linked to social reasons, habit, or other factors.
This simple act of licking is quite complex! It shows how much dogs use smells and body language to understand each other.