Are Dogs Kissing When They Lick Each Other?
When two dogs engage in licking behavior, it might appear to be a kiss to human observers. However, in the world of canine communication, licking serves a different purpose entirely. It’s important for dog owners to understand what canine licking behavior truly signifies.
The Real Meaning Behind Licking
Dogs don’t kiss in the human sense. Instead, licking is a form of social communication among dogs. This behavior often demonstrates respect, submission, bonding, and sometimes, even anxiety. For example, a younger dog might lick an older dog’s face as a sign of deference or to reinforce social hierarchies.
Reasons Dogs Lick Each Other
- Submission: Licking can be a way for a subordinate dog to show submission to a dominant one, especially during interactions in group settings.
- Affection and Bonding: Dogs within the same household often lick each other to strengthen their social bonds. This behavior is comforting and familiar.
- Grooming: Licking can be practical, as dogs groom each other to keep clean. Mothers especially lick their puppies for this reason.
- Appeasement Behavior: When one dog is anxious or trying to avoid conflict, licking may be used to defuse tension or signal peaceful intentions.
Licking Is Instinctual
Canine licking comes from innate behaviors developed during early life. Puppies lick their mother’s face to get her to regurgitate food, a common trait in wild canines. This act of licking the muzzle is not kissing but a survival instinct and a learned behavior that continues into adulthood.
Different Types of Licking Among Dogs
- Facial Licking: Usually a social handshake among dogs, often seen when dogs meet or reunite.
- Ear or Body Licking: More relaxed and possibly related to grooming or affection, this is typical among bonded dogs.
- Constant or Excessive Licking: Could signal anxiety, OCD-like behavior, or undetected health problems; a veterinarian should be consulted in these cases.
How to Interpret Your Dogs' Behavior
When observing two dogs licking each other, look for accompanying body language. A relaxed posture, wagging tails, and play bows usually indicate that the licking is friendly. Tense bodies, avoidance cues, or growling may suggest discomfort or assertion of dominance.
Is It Okay to Let Dogs Lick Each Other?
In most cases, it’s perfectly fine. It's part of how dogs maintain relationships and establish social order. However, if licking becomes obsessive, causes irritation or distress, or involves open wounds, it’s best to intervene and possibly consult a vet.
Can Licking Lead to Conflict?
Yes, especially if one dog doesn't welcome the behavior. Just like humans, some dogs have personal boundaries. A dog that enjoys licking might irritate a more reserved canine. Watch for signs of discomfort such as turning the head away, lip licking, or leaving the area. These are polite ways dogs express their boundaries before escalating to growls or aggression.
Is It Similar to Human Kissing?
No, humans kiss to show affection or desire, but dogs lick for different reasons. While it may seem cute and even intimate, interpreting it through a human lens can lead to misunderstandings. Appreciating licking in its canine context ensures a better relationship with your furry friends.
Key Takeaways for Pet Owners:
- Licking is a natural and complex form of communication among dogs—not kissing.
- It's mostly harmless and often beneficial in building social bonds.
- Occasionally, it can signal stress, conflict, or health concerns.
- Understanding the context and body language is essential to interpreting the behavior accurately.
Conclusion
In summary, when dogs lick each other, they are not expressing romantic love like humans do through kissing. Instead, they are participating in instinctual and learned behaviors that foster communication and social cohesion. By observing the nuances of their interactions, pet owners can better understand their dogs’ social dynamics and ensure their emotional well-being.
