This blog post will talk about the reasoning behind why dogs love livking other dogs’ mouths. Topics like whether or not dogs licking another dog’s mouth means comfortability will also be covered.
Dogs Licking Other Dogs’ Mouth
When a dog licks another dog’s mouth, some think this is an absolutely gross sight, while some, especially the experts, think this is cute. Why? Because they know what exactly this licking means, and most likely, this means that the dog who does the licking is affectionate toward the licked dog.
It can also be a sign that the licker dog wants to play. But what we actually know is when a dog licks, this is the opposite of aggressive behavior, which means this is a positive sight rather than a gross, negative sight.
Why do dogs lick other dogs’ mouths?
When dogs lick other dogs’ mouths, the meaning of the licks could be categorized into any of these things:
- Play Time
- I’m Sorry
- Submission
- Hunger
Play Time
Regardless of when two dogs have only met for the first time or are already best buddies of each other, licking each other’s mouth is often a sign that they are ready to play and are asking the other dog to play with them.
Licking for play time can be combined with a wiggly booty and tail, lowered front legs, and signifying a desperate need to engage in something fun. However, if the dog being licked is not in the mood for play, you can move the dog doing the licking away because the licking can become obsessive and can possibly prompt an infection in the other dog’s body. Non-stop licking can be annoying for dogs.
I’m Sorry
When dogs get frustrated with each other, the offending dog can say it is sorry with a gentle face lick to the offended dog. This comes in from below and licks the other dog’s mouth. It can also raise a paw slightly. When the offended dog licks back, this means that both of them are back to being best buddies because all is already forgiven.
Submission
Social order is significant in the canine world, just as much as it is in the human world. Licking in the canine world can mean submission. A dog lower down the chain of dog hierarchy may greet another dog in the higher part of the hierarchy by licking its mouth. It may accompany this licking by rolling over onto her back to express its submissiveness.
However, you should need to keep an eye on dogs when one is submissively licking as dominant dogs might get overexuberant and annoyed, which will make them growl or snap at the submissive one.
Hunger
Because puppies grow so fast, they need lots of nourishment from food so they tend to stay hungry a lot of times. Licking grown dogs is one way to tell them that the puppy is hungry. But the grown dog will not be feeding the puppy, but the puppy does not know it is your role to feed them so they run to their mama dog and tell them about their hunger.
Sometimes, the licking will even be done to you by the puppy, especially if it already knows that you are the one who does the feeding. Although licking for hunger may be a possible reason, licking to give you love is also not an impossible cause.
Does a dog licking another dog’s mouth mean they are comfortable with each other?
Yes! When your dog licks another dog’s mouth, this could tell you that those two dogs are relaxed and comfortable enough with each other’s relationship with each other so they allow their business ends to be that close to each other without biting.
In other words, licking is a good indicator of a good dog relationship.
More about this can be read in this Quora query.
Conclusion
This blog post talked about the reasoning behind why dogs love livking other dogs’ mouths. Topics like whether or not dogs licking another dog’s mouth means comfortability were also covered.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Dogs Licking other Dogs’ Mouth
Can dogs sense when other dogs are sick?
Yes! They are able to sniff out illness in humans and dogs, and maybe other animals. They have an incredible sense of smell that, for example, if the other dog has a tumor, the dog may sniff around that area all the time and may even lick that area of the other dog.
Is a submissive dog bad?
This is perfectly normal but if the dog is overly submissive and fearful, you will want it to exert its dominance a little so you can ask your vet about how you can do this.
What does it mean when a dog licks you?
Dogs lick people to show affection, a greeting, or simply to get our attention and feed it with food.
Is dog licking a sign of dominance?
It can be! When a dog licks another dog, this is a deliberate act of respect for the licked dog. This means that it defers and submits to the other dog.
How do I know if my dog is trying to dominate me?
Most dogs are neutral and submissive toward other people but some dogs can try to show their dominance by staring, barking, growling, snapping, or even biting these people, especially when you give it a command or ask him to give up a toy, a treat, or a resting place.
References
- Agadoni, Laura. “How to Punish a Dog for Biting.” Pets, 19 Nov. 2020, pets.thenest.com/punish-dog-biting-4240.html.
- “Why Is My Dog Licking Other Dog’s Mouth?” Quora, www.quora.com/Why-is-my-dog-licking-other-dogs-mouth.
