Why Does My Dog Keep Licking My New Puppy?
Most dog owners have experienced the bad habit of their dog licking their other dog or puppy, and it’s usually not pretty.
Dogs have a few different reasons for this behavior, so let’s take a look at the main reasons why your dog might be licking your new puppy and what you can do about it.
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Why do dogs like to lick? The scientific explanation
Why Does My Dog Keep Licking My New Puppy?
Dogs often lick other dogs’ faces, usually on their muzzles and cheeks. According to a study published in Animal Behavior, researchers believe they do it to bond with one another and share important biological information through smell.
In addition, some scientists believe that dogs have scent glands around their mouths that secrete pheromones, chemical signals used for communication between animals of the same species, which explains why your pup may be attracted to licking your face.
When you pet him or her, those pheromones are transferred from your hands onto your dog’s body which is why they may want to return the favor by licking you back.
So, in essence, dogs like to lick because it helps them communicate with one another and feel more comfortable around other dogs and people.
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What do I do if my dog keeps licking my new puppy?
First of all, don’t panic. Even though it might seem like your pup has a serious problem on his or her paws (pun intended), there’s nothing wrong with that kind of behavior; it just means that they have a strong desire to bond with their new sibling.
The best thing you can do to stop your dog from locking your puppy is to separate them until they get used to each other.
If possible, try putting them in different rooms so they can see and smell each other but not touch.
It may take a few days for them to settle down and feel comfortable enough around one another for playtime and cuddle time, but eventually, they will get along great.
If you’re not able to separate them right away, try putting your dog on a leash when they are near your puppy so that you can pull them away if things start getting too intense.
The licking is just an indication of how much they want to be with each other, so give it some time and don’t worry.
How to make your dog stop licking
If your dog keeps licking, you may have to take preventative measures. Provide a favorite toy for your dog to chew on instead of his paws. Also, avoid giving your dog human food because he may think that it’s okay to eat off of people as well.
If you aren’t already doing so, make sure to feed him in a separate room from where you eat and only give him his own food bowls.
It can also help distract your dog with a game or activity when he starts licking. For example, if you notice that your dog is starting to lick his paws excessively after dinner, try getting up and playing fetch with him until he stops.
You could also give him an extra-long walk before bedtime or play hide-and-seek under blankets with him before going to sleep. This can help tire your dog out and keep his mind off of licking.
Finally, you can buy a bitter apple spray that you can use on your dog’s paws to deter him from licking them. If you’re using a collar, make sure it fits properly so that it doesn’t choke your dog when he tries to lick himself clean.
Bitter apple sprays should be used sparingly because they taste bad and may cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large amounts by your dog.
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Why does my dog always lick my other dog’s bum?
Dogs always lick their owners as a means of showing affection. However, they will also lick others of their species.
One dog licking another dog’s behind could be an indication that the licker is interested in breeding. For example, if you want to breed your female dog with a male dog and your male dog isn’t available for some reason, it might be time to find him a friend.
There’s more to licking you than what meets the eye: when your dog sniffs at your feet, he or she sees far more than you can.
Dogs have hundreds of millions of scent receptors in their noses, while humans only have five million.
They can even smell things we can’t. Some breeds are really good at detecting a few specific odors like cancer cells or drugs.
Why does my dog lick my other dog’s eyes and ears?
They’re sharing their scent, marking your dog as a member of their pack. It may even be playful and feel like a comforting gesture.
However, it can also be a sign of dominance or even stress. If you notice your dog licking another dog excessively, take it as an opportunity to learn more about their relationship and better understand your pet’s behavior.
A puppy is vulnerable when they are born; sometimes, puppies who have been licked excessively by dogs that they were raised with will react differently to them later in life.
So, while it may seem cute at first, excessive licking should be monitored closely. Just because your dog might not seem bothered by excessive licking doesn’t mean he isn’t feeling some discomfort.
Conclusion on Why Does My Dog Keep Licking My New Puppy?
The licking is not a sign of aggression but a doggie gesture of love.
Dogs greet each other with their mouths open and tongues out, so it’s hard for them to resist giving new puppies little licks when they are brought into a new home.
While some might find it annoying, owners should realize that their dogs’ instincts are telling them that their new puppy is something special to be treasured.
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