Calvin (dog on left) recently started to lick Ralph’s (dog on right) ear. Just the right ear. The first time he did, it was at night. It was just after we went on a long walk. Both dogs were lying down on their pads/bed and both were in their post-walk panting/smiling mode — you know, the excitement stage after the walk, followed by the inevitable crash and sleep phase.
Then, out of nowhere, Calvin started to lick Ralph’s ear. He did it mostly on the outside but a little inside. He did it for awhile, for a few minutes or so. Ralph seemed to like it. He certainly didn’t move away. Calvin kept panting as he did it so he seemed to enjoy it, too. Calvin had never done this before. At first I thought, well, they’re brothers and they’re older now and maybe this is a sign of long overdue affection?
I did some research and ear-licking business is not uncommon. Some say it’s from wolf pack days when wolves who had a low position in the pack would lick the ears of those in higher positions as a sign of deference.
Others confirmed my theory-that it’s a way to express affection. I read accounts of not only dogs licking other dogs ears but dogs licking cats ears, etc.
A theory less espoused was that the licking could be a sign of ear mites. A trip to the vet was advised.
All I know is that Calvin has licked Ralph’s ear a couple of times since the first time. Calvin pants and smiles as he does it and so does Ralph. My only conclusion is that they don’t express affection for each other much and this is the way they do it when they do.
