Dogs are incredibly social animals that display a range of complex behaviors, especially when interacting with other dogs. One of these behaviors is grooming—or more specifically, allogrooming, which refers to animals grooming each other. If you’ve ever seen one dog licking another, especially around the face, ears, or neck, you’ve witnessed this intriguing behavior. But why do dogs groom other dogs? This article dives deep into the science, psychology, and social dynamics behind this behavior.
The Role of Grooming in Canine Communication
Grooming in dogs is more than just a hygiene practice—it’s a form of communication. Dogs are pack animals by nature, and grooming plays a vital role in maintaining social bonds within a group. When one dog licks or grooms another, it may be expressing affection, submission, or a desire to strengthen social ties.
According to Dr. Bonnie Beaver, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist, licking and grooming in dogs are often gestures of appeasement or affiliation. The licking dog might be showing submission, especially if the other dog is more dominant. Conversely, grooming can also be an invitation to play or a way to defuse potential aggression in a tense social situation.
Facial grooming, in particular, is common among dogs that share a strong bond. Puppies often lick their mothers as a sign of dependency and affection, and this behavior can carry into adulthood as a way of expressing social harmony. Overall, grooming helps dogs reinforce social structure, reduce stress, and ensure peaceful coexistence.
Reference: Beaver, B.V. (2009). Canine Behavior: Insights and Answers. Saunders Elsevier.
Grooming as a Sign of Affection and Bonding
Just like humans might hug or hold hands, dogs use grooming to show affection. When dogs lick each other, it often serves as a bonding activity. This behavior is especially common in dogs that live together or have been raised together since a young age.
Bonding through grooming usually occurs between dogs that have a close, trusting relationship. This type of grooming often happens during calm moments, such as after a meal or before resting. The licking can be focused around the ears, muzzle, and neck—areas that dogs can’t easily reach themselves.
Studies have shown that grooming behaviors in social animals, including dogs, increase the production of oxytocin, the “love hormone.” This hormone helps create feelings of trust and attachment, not only between dogs but also between dogs and their human companions. So when your dogs groom each other, they’re reinforcing a deep emotional connection.
Reference: Nagasawa, M., et al. (2015). Oxytocin-gaze positive loop and the coevolution of human-dog bonds. Science, 348(6232), 333-336. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1261022
Submission and Social Hierarchies in Dog Packs
Dogs live within a social structure that often includes a hierarchy, especially in multi-dog households or pack environments. Grooming can be a sign of submission, with the lower-ranking dog licking the higher-ranking one as a way of showing respect or deference.
This behavior is inherited from their wolf ancestors. In wolf packs, lower-ranking wolves frequently groom higher-ranking ones as a non-threatening gesture that reinforces pack order. Domestic dogs have retained much of this instinctual behavior, even if their lives are very different from wild wolves.
For example, in a household with multiple dogs, you might observe one dog consistently licking the other, while the recipient of the grooming remains calm and nonchalant. This is a clear indication of established roles. The submissive dog may also lick the other’s muzzle, which is a classic appeasement gesture. Understanding these dynamics can help dog owners manage their pets’ interactions and prevent conflicts.
Reference: Mech, L.D. (1999). Alpha status, dominance, and division of labor in wolf packs. Canadian Journal of Zoology, 77(8), 1196-1203. https://doi.org/10.1139/z99-099
Hygiene and Mutual Assistance
Another functional reason dogs groom each other is cleanliness. Just like cats, dogs groom to help remove dirt, parasites, or debris from hard-to-reach areas. While dogs are not as fastidious as felines, grooming can play a role in basic hygiene, especially around the ears, eyes, and neck.
When dogs groom each other in this context, it’s typically a slow, gentle licking focused on specific areas. If one dog has something irritating in its fur or around its eyes, a bonded companion may step in to help. This behavior is most commonly observed between dogs that live together or have a close bond.
Additionally, grooming can help soothe itchy skin or minor irritations. In some cases, dogs may even lick another dog’s wound or hotspot, though this is generally discouraged by veterinarians because it can introduce bacteria. Nevertheless, the instinct to assist a pack mate is deeply ingrained in canine behavior and demonstrates a level of social cooperation.
Reference: Horwitz, D., & Mills, D.S. (2009). BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Behavioural Medicine. British Small Animal Veterinary Association.
Stress Reduction and Calming Signals
Grooming can also serve as a calming signal, helping to reduce tension and anxiety in both the groomer and the recipient. In canine behavior studies, licking and grooming are often associated with stress relief, much like how humans might pace or fidget when anxious.
Dogs may groom each other before or after stressful events, such as a vet visit, fireworks, or after a minor confrontation. The act of licking promotes the release of endorphins, which produce a sense of well-being. It’s not uncommon to see two dogs lying next to each other, with one gently licking the other after a high-energy play session.
This behavior not only helps the dogs calm down but also contributes to emotional regulation within the group. The presence of these calming rituals supports the idea that dogs, like humans, have social tools to cope with emotional highs and lows.
Reference: Rugaas, T. (2005). On Talking Terms With Dogs: Calming Signals. Dogwise Publishing.
When Grooming Becomes Problematic
While grooming is usually harmless and beneficial, there are times when it can become excessive or problematic. Obsessive grooming, also called overgrooming, may signal an underlying medical or behavioral issue.
Sometimes, a dog may repeatedly lick a companion due to anxiety, boredom, or compulsive behavior. In other cases, the grooming dog may be attempting to care for a wound or skin irritation on the other dog, which should be examined by a veterinarian. Persistent licking can also lead to hot spots or skin infections if not addressed promptly.
Additionally, if one dog is always the recipient and seems uncomfortable—showing signs such as growling, walking away, or tensing up—this could indicate an imbalance in the relationship. In such cases, it may be helpful to consult a professional dog behaviorist to assess the situation.
Reference: Overall, K.L. (2013). Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Conclusion: A Window into Canine Social Intelligence
Dogs grooming other dogs is a multifaceted behavior rooted in affection, hierarchy, hygiene, and communication. It is a vital part of how dogs interact socially and provides insight into their emotional world. Whether it’s a sign of love, submission, or simply a way to help a friend clean up, grooming is a testament to the deep social bonds dogs form with one another.
By understanding why dogs groom each other, owners can gain a better appreciation for their pets’ social behavior and take appropriate action if the grooming becomes excessive or one-sided. Ultimately, grooming is one more example of the rich, nuanced language dogs use to navigate their relationships with each other and with us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal for my dog to groom my other dog?
Yes, it’s completely normal. Grooming, or allogrooming, is a common social behavior in dogs. It helps strengthen bonds, show affection, establish hierarchy, and even assist with hygiene. Dogs that live together or are emotionally close often groom each other as a sign of comfort and trust.
Why is my dog licking my other dog all of a sudden?
Sudden grooming may indicate growing affection, submission, or a desire to comfort the other dog. It could also mean the other dog has a wound, irritation, or a new scent that the licking dog is curious about. If the behavior becomes obsessive, monitor for stress or possible health issues.
What does it mean when a dog licks another dog’s eyes and ears?
Licking around the eyes and ears is usually a bonding gesture. Dogs often target these areas because they are hard to reach and can gather scents or debris. It may also signal affection, submission, or concern. However, excessive licking should be monitored for signs of irritation or infection.
Do dogs lick the alpha?
Yes, dogs often lick the alpha or dominant dog as a submissive gesture. This behavior is inherited from their wolf ancestors and helps maintain social hierarchy. It communicates respect and helps reduce tension within the group. It’s typically harmless and part of normal pack dynamics among dogs.
Is it bad for a dog to lick another dog’s ears?
Occasional ear licking is normal and usually harmless, but excessive licking can cause irritation or introduce bacteria, leading to ear infections. If your dog fixates on licking another dog’s ears, it’s best to monitor the behavior and consult a vet if signs of redness, odor, or discomfort appear.
Why do dogs lick other dogs’ private parts?
Dogs often lick each other’s private parts to gather scent-based information, which is a natural form of social interaction. It helps them learn about the other dog’s identity, health, and reproductive status. While normal, excessive licking should be discouraged to avoid irritation or possible infection.
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References:
- Beaver, B.V. (2009). Canine Behavior: Insights and Answers.
- Nagasawa, M., et al. (2015). Science, 348(6232), 333-336.
- Mech, L.D. (1999). Canadian Journal of Zoology, 77(8), 1196-1203.
- Horwitz, D., & Mills, D.S. (2009). BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Behavioural Medicine.
- Rugaas, T. (2005). On Talking Terms With Dogs: Calming Signals.
- Overall, K.L. (2013). Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats.