Dog Behaviour: Why Do Dogs Lick Each Other's Mouths?

Why do dogs lick inside in each other’s mouths? 👅

If you have a multi dog household, you’ll often see dogs licking the inside of each other’s mouths - but why do they do it?

There are a few reasons that we think dogs might do this - let's take a look:

1 - Puppy feeding response

As young puppies, dogs will lick the inside of their mother’s mouth to trigger regurgitation of food, ready to feed. This behaviour is instinctual and encouraged by feeding.

This behaviour is learned from puppyhood and often carries on as a social interaction into adulthood - it may no longer be essential, but it is remembered!

2 - Appeasement

Dogs may lick each other’s mouths as a sign of submission to another dog, or to ease anxiety and portray the message “I come in peace”. This is often seen in younger dogs toward older group members. I often see my dogs licking the mouth of the oldest dog and is reciprocated by the older dog.

3 - Communication

Dogs may lick the mouth of another to try to initiate play or as a bonding ritual. As it is seen as a friendly behaviour, it is a good way to show another dog that they would like to be friends and then initiate play.

Whatever the reason, licking the inside of another dog's mouth is a common canine behaviour that many dog owners will observe. It is most often a positive behaviour, showing good intention from one dog to another.