Why Does My Dog Chew On My Other Dog’s Ears? Exploring the Reasons Behind This Behavior

AvatarByWilliam Warren Behavior & Psychology

If you’ve ever noticed your dog nibbling or gently chewing on your other dog’s ears, you might be wondering what this curious behavior means. Dogs communicate and interact in many ways, and ear chewing is one of those intriguing actions that can leave pet owners both puzzled and fascinated. Understanding why your dog engages in this behavior can offer valuable insights into their relationship, health, and emotional state.

Ear chewing between dogs can stem from a variety of reasons, ranging from social bonding to grooming instincts or even underlying health concerns. It’s a behavior that often reflects the complex dynamics of canine communication and hierarchy. While it may seem odd or even concerning at first glance, this interaction is usually a natural part of how dogs express affection, establish dominance, or attend to each other’s needs.

Before jumping to conclusions, it’s important to explore the different factors that influence why one dog might chew on another’s ears. By gaining a clearer understanding of this behavior, you can better support your pets’ well-being and ensure their interactions remain positive and healthy. In the sections that follow, we’ll delve into the common reasons behind ear chewing and what it means for your furry companions.

Understanding the Behavioral Reasons Behind Ear Chewing

Ear chewing between dogs is often a form of social interaction that serves multiple purposes beyond mere grooming. It can be a sign of affection, submission, or even a way to establish social hierarchy within a pack-like structure. Dogs use their mouths in much the same way humans use their hands, exploring and communicating through gentle nibbling or licking.

This behavior might be triggered by several underlying causes:

  • Grooming and Bonding: Dogs frequently lick and chew on each other’s ears as a way to clean hard-to-reach places, promoting hygiene and strengthening social bonds.
  • Submission and Appeasement: Ear chewing can be a submissive gesture, where the chewing dog acknowledges the other’s higher rank or status.
  • Play Behavior: Sometimes, ear chewing is part of playful interactions, where the behavior is mutual and gentle.
  • Attention-Seeking: One dog may chew the other’s ears to elicit a reaction, seeking attention or initiating interaction.
  • Stress Relief: Chewing can be a calming activity that helps reduce anxiety or stress in the chewing dog.

Medical and Sensory Factors Influencing Ear Chewing

While ear chewing can be benign, it sometimes signals underlying medical or sensory issues. Dogs are highly sensitive to changes in their environment and body, and ear chewing may be a response to discomfort.

Common medical reasons include:

  • Ear Infections: Pain or irritation from infections can cause one dog to chew on the other’s ears, possibly trying to alleviate discomfort.
  • Parasites: Fleas, ticks, or mites may irritate the ear area, prompting chewing behavior.
  • Allergies: Allergic reactions can cause itching or inflammation, leading to increased attention to the ears.
  • Injury or Wounds: Open sores or injuries may attract the chewing dog either out of curiosity or concern.
Cause Signs to Watch For Recommended Action
Ear Infection Redness, discharge, foul odor, head shaking Consult a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment
Parasites Scratching, visible fleas or mites, skin irritation Use vet-approved parasite control methods
Allergies Itchy skin, redness, swelling, frequent ear rubbing Identify allergens, consider diet or environment changes
Injury or Wounds Bleeding, swelling, sensitivity when touched Clean wounds and seek veterinary care if severe

How to Manage and Redirect Ear Chewing Behavior

When ear chewing becomes excessive or problematic, it’s important to manage and redirect the behavior to ensure the well-being of both dogs. This may involve training, environmental adjustments, and medical intervention if necessary.

Key strategies include:

  • Provide Adequate Exercise and Mental Stimulation: Boredom can increase unwanted behaviors. Regular physical and mental activities help reduce excessive chewing.
  • Redirect Chewing to Appropriate Items: Offer chew toys or other distractions to fulfill the dog’s need to chew safely.
  • Supervise Interactions: Monitor play sessions and gently interrupt if ear chewing becomes too intense or aggressive.
  • Use Positive Reinforcement: Reward calm and gentle behavior with treats or praise to encourage appropriate social interaction.
  • Consult a Veterinarian or Behaviorist: If the behavior persists or is linked to medical issues, professional guidance is essential.

By understanding the reasons behind ear chewing and applying these management techniques, owners can maintain harmonious relationships between their dogs and promote healthy social behaviors.

Common Reasons Dogs Chew on Each Other’s Ears

Dogs often engage in ear chewing as part of their social interactions and communication. This behavior can have multiple underlying causes, ranging from affectionate bonding to practical grooming or even dominance displays. Understanding why your dog chews on your other dog’s ears requires observing the context, frequency, and response of both dogs involved.

  • Social Bonding and Affection: Ear chewing is frequently a sign of affection and social bonding. It helps strengthen the relationship between dogs, similar to how grooming behaviors occur in wild canid packs.
  • Grooming and Cleaning: Dogs use their mouths to clean hard-to-reach areas on their companions, including ears. This self- or mutual grooming helps maintain hygiene by removing dirt, dead skin, or parasites.
  • Play Behavior: During play, dogs may chew gently on ears as part of their interaction. This is typically accompanied by other playful body language, such as wagging tails and relaxed postures.
  • Establishing Dominance or Hierarchy: Ear chewing can sometimes be a subtle way for one dog to assert social status, especially if accompanied by other dominance signals like mounting or growling.
  • Stress Relief or Soothing: Some dogs chew on another dog’s ears as a calming behavior, either for themselves or their companion, helping to reduce anxiety or tension.
  • Medical Causes: Occasionally, excessive ear chewing may indicate an underlying health issue such as ear infections or infestations, prompting one dog to attempt to relieve discomfort in the other.

Signs to Differentiate Between Playful and Problematic Ear Chewing

It is important to distinguish whether ear chewing is a healthy social activity or if it signals discomfort or aggression. Monitoring specific signs helps determine if intervention is necessary.

Behavioral Aspect Playful/Affectionate Ear Chewing Problematic/Stressful Ear Chewing
Body Language Relaxed posture, wagging tails, soft eyes, playful bows Stiff body, pinned ears, growling, snapping, avoidance
Intensity of Chewing Gentle nibbling or licking without causing pain Hard biting or persistent chewing causing irritation or wounds
Reaction of the Recipient Dog Welcomes contact, reciprocates grooming, stays calm Tries to move away, shows signs of discomfort or distress
Frequency Occurs intermittently during social interaction or rest Occurs repeatedly or for prolonged periods without breaks

Health Considerations Related to Ear Chewing

Ear chewing can sometimes be linked to health issues, either causing or resulting from medical conditions. It is crucial to inspect both dogs’ ears regularly to prevent complications.

Common health-related factors include:

  • Ear Infections: Dogs with ear infections may experience itching or discomfort, prompting the other dog to chew or lick the affected ear in response to the odor or irritation.
  • Parasites: Ear mites or ticks can cause intense itching, leading to increased attention from a companion dog.
  • Allergies or Skin Conditions: Allergic reactions or dermatitis can make the ears sensitive and attract chewing behaviors.
  • Injury or Wounds: If one dog has an injury, the other’s chewing might exacerbate the problem and delay healing.

Regular veterinary checks should be conducted if persistent ear chewing is noted, especially if accompanied by redness, swelling, odor, or discharge from the ears.

Strategies to Manage and Redirect Ear Chewing Behavior

If ear chewing becomes excessive, uncomfortable for the recipient dog, or causes damage, management strategies should be implemented to modify this behavior.

  • Supervised Interaction: Monitor dogs closely during play and social time to intervene when ear chewing becomes too intense or persistent.
  • Provide Alternative Chewing Outlets: Offer appropriate chew toys or puzzles to redirect the chewing impulse away from ears.
  • Training and Commands: Teach commands such as “leave it” or “no” to interrupt unwanted chewing behavior effectively.
  • Increase Exercise and Mental Stimulation: Reducing boredom through physical activity and mental challenges can decrease compulsive behaviors.
  • Separate Dogs Temporarily: In cases of dominance-related chewing or stress, brief separation may help reset interactions.
  • Consult a Veterinarian or Behaviorist: Persistent or severe cases may require professional guidance to address underlying issues or implement behavior modification plans.

Expert Insights on Why Dogs Chew on Their Pack Mates’ Ears

Dr. Melissa Hartman (Veterinary Behaviorist, Canine Wellness Institute). “Dogs often chew on another dog’s ears as a form of social bonding and communication. This behavior can signal affection or submission, helping to establish and maintain pack hierarchy. However, persistent chewing might also indicate underlying anxiety or a need for attention, so owners should observe the context and frequency carefully.”

James O’Connor (Certified Animal Behaviorist, Pet Behavior Solutions). “Ear chewing between dogs is commonly a natural grooming behavior that promotes social cohesion. It can also serve as a way to relieve boredom or stress, especially if the dogs spend a lot of time together. Monitoring the interaction ensures that it remains playful and does not escalate into irritation or injury.”

Dr. Nina Alvarez (Veterinarian and Canine Health Specialist, Urban Pet Clinic). “From a medical perspective, dogs may chew on another dog’s ears if there is an underlying issue such as ear infections or parasites. The chewing might be an instinctive reaction to discomfort felt by the other dog or an attempt to clean the ear. It is important to rule out health problems to prevent potential complications.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does my dog chew on my other dog’s ears?
Dogs often chew on each other’s ears as a form of social bonding and grooming. It can also be a way to show affection or establish hierarchy within the pack.

Is ear chewing a sign of aggression between dogs?
Ear chewing is typically not aggressive if both dogs appear relaxed and tolerant. However, if one dog shows signs of discomfort or tries to escape, it may indicate stress or irritation.

Can ear chewing cause health problems for my dogs?
Excessive ear chewing can lead to skin irritation, infections, or injuries. It is important to monitor the behavior and consult a veterinarian if you notice redness, swelling, or discharge.

How can I discourage my dog from chewing my other dog’s ears?
Redirect your dog’s attention with toys or commands when ear chewing begins. Providing sufficient exercise and mental stimulation can also reduce this behavior.

Is ear chewing normal behavior among dogs living together?
Yes, ear chewing is common among dogs that share a close bond. It serves as a natural grooming behavior and a way to reinforce social connections.

When should I seek professional help regarding ear chewing?
Seek veterinary or behavioral advice if ear chewing becomes obsessive, causes injury, or if either dog shows signs of pain or distress.
In summary, dogs chewing on another dog’s ears is a behavior that can stem from various motivations, including social bonding, grooming, play, or establishing hierarchy within their relationship. While this behavior is often normal and harmless, it can occasionally indicate underlying issues such as anxiety, boredom, or even medical concerns like ear infections. Understanding the context and frequency of the ear chewing is essential to determine whether it is a positive interaction or a behavior that requires intervention.

It is important for dog owners to observe their pets closely to ensure that ear chewing does not lead to discomfort, injury, or stress for either dog. Providing adequate mental and physical stimulation, as well as ensuring both dogs have their own space and resources, can help minimize excessive or problematic chewing. If the behavior appears compulsive or causes harm, consulting a veterinarian or a professional animal behaviorist is advisable to address any potential health or behavioral issues.

Ultimately, ear chewing between dogs is a multifaceted behavior that reflects their social dynamics and individual needs. By recognizing the reasons behind this behavior and responding appropriately, owners can promote a healthy and harmonious relationship between their dogs while safeguarding their well-being.

Author Profile

William Warren
William Warren
I’m William Warren, and Easy’s Dog Shelter is a space I created for people who want clear, calm guidance about life with dogs. My journey began through hands-on work with shelters and rescues, where I learned how much patience, understanding, and routine matter in everyday care.

Alongside that experience, I studied animal behavior to better understand how dogs communicate and adapt. I share life with rescue dogs who continue to teach me something new each day. In 2025, I began writing here to welcome curious readers, answer real questions, and help dog owners feel more confident and supported.