Dog persistantly licking other dog's ears. Help!

[unique78]

My male dog constantly licks my female dog's ears and I think it's maybe causing a bacterial problem. She shakes her ears and scratches them a lot. We've been using bacterial ear drops for the last couple of days but our male dog just won't leave her ears alone.

We've tried everything, physically moving him, telling him to stop, trying to distract him, treats, you name it, but after a few seconds he back to the licking.

She seems to enjoy it, they're very close, but what can I do to stop him?

Is there anything I can safely put on her ears that will make them taste unpleasant? I was thinking of vaseline, but a quick google says they shouldn't really ingest it. I can't find any real answers online, so wondered if anyone else has any experience of this?

If your other dog is scratching and shaking her head she might have an infection and that's why he's licking them?

Have you taken her to a vet?

It could also be an an allergy that's making her uncomfortable.

I'd be thinking something is causing her ears to be an issue and your dog is licking them due to that, rather than the licking being a cause of anything.

I assume your female dog has seen a vet to rule out pain or any physical issues like infections?

My male dog constantly licks my female dog's ears and I think it's maybe causing a bacterial problem. She shakes her ears and scratches them a lot

I’d say, from exactly the same experience, it’s the other way ruined and he’s just alerted you to the fact she has an ear infection. This was the early warning system device our boy used to perform for our old girl who was prone to ear infections. Trip to the vet recommended 😁

Round not ruined 🙄 stupid autocorrect

Thanks everyone. She's not shaking her head as much now since I've been using the drops, our male had an ear infection with the same symptoms in March, so we've used the drops he was given (bottle kept in the fridge).

I haven't taken her to the vet yet, no, but will do if symptoms don't subside (currently she seems a little better). Interesting (and amazing) that he could be trying to fix her ears, I never thought of that.

How is itchy dog now OP? Hope she's better. I agree with other posters that your other dog was interested in her ears because of an infection in her ears. Sometimes a change in a dog's behaviour towards another dog can indicate a health issue and that's why they're acting differently around them.

She's much better now thanks, our male has reduced his licking to normal levels! I will bear in mind that he has spotted an infection if it happens again. Thanks again to everybody.

I expect the fenale has an ear infection and that's why the other dog is licking it

Get a water spray bottle. Then set it to produce a jet of water and spray his head every time he does the undesirable behaviour. If he doesn't like the water jet he may learn to associate it with the ear licking and stop.

Please don’t do this, it is terrible advice, it’s cruel and ineffective. Dogs respond to positive reinforcement, not punishment.

Worst advice ever.

I hope you don't have pets.