Why do dogs lick each others privates?

As someone who has worked with dogs in clinics and behavior consultations, I often get asked about the curious, sometimes embarrassing behavior of dogs licking each other’s genitals or rear ends. It’s a common scene that can unsettle owners, but understanding what’s going on helps you keep dogs healthy, calm household dynamics, and respond effectively when licking becomes excessive or risky.

What owners need to know about dogs licking each other’s genitals

Curiosity about this behavior is natural: it shows up at the park, during introductions, and in multi-dog homes. Normalizing the behavior a little helps owners recognize the difference between routine canine communication and problems that need attention. I typically see owners worry that licking means sexual behavior only, or that it signals illness outright; neither is universally true. Knowing the range of reasons dogs do this helps with social management, training choices, and when to call the veterinarian.

Beyond curiosity, the behavior affects household dynamics. A confident dog who greets others with a polite sniff and moves on is different from one that repeatedly licks a submissive housemate until that animal is stressed or injured. Owners who understand the meaning can set consistent boundaries and prevent escalation of tension or resource guarding.

Finally, monitoring who licks whom, how often, and in which contexts can be part of routine care. Changes in frequency or the appearance of symptoms around the area being licked may be an early sign of medical issues. That makes simple observation a useful tool for keeping pets healthy and socially balanced.

In short — scent, curiosity and social signaling explain it

At a glance, dogs lick another dog’s genitals or anus primarily to gather information through scent. The mouth and nose are powerful tools for chemical communication; dogs may detect health status, reproductive state, and identity through secretions and fecal odor. Licking can also be part of a friendly greeting or a grooming instinct—especially among socially bonded dogs—and in some cases it’s an expression of sexual interest or maternal care.

For other dogs, licking is soothing or exploratory. It may reduce stress in a tense situation or be a way to investigate a new animal or environment. So, while it looks odd to people, it’s often normal canine behavior that combines information-gathering, social bonding, and instinctual grooming.

How scent, hormones and anatomy drive this behavior

Dogs have scent glands around the anus and differences in urine and genital secretions that carry a lot of data. When a dog sniffs or licks these areas, chemical cues reach olfactory receptors and the vomeronasal organ (also called Jacobson’s organ), which is likely linked to detecting pheromones. Those chemical messages may suggest reproductive status (for example, whether a female is in heat), recent diet, health issues, or an individual’s unique scent signature that helps dogs recognize one another.

Information gained this way can influence social behavior. A dog may lick another to learn identity and reinforce pair bonds; mothers lick pups’ genitals and bellies as part of caregiving. Licking can be a submissive or appeasement signal in a tense interaction, where one dog communicates “I am not a threat.” Conversely, in mating contexts, such investigation is likely linked to sexual interest and reproductive cues.

Developmental and hormonal influences matter. Puppies explore the world orally and rely on mouth contact for social learning; that tendency decreases as they mature but can persist. Intact dogs may show more genital-focused investigation during reproductive cycling, while spayed or neutered dogs often show less hormone-driven interest. Stress and anxiety can also increase grooming and investigatory licking, since licking may have a calming effect for some dogs.

When you’re likely to see genital licking: age, sex and social settings

You’ll most often see this behavior during greetings and introductions: dogs meet, circle, sniff, and sometimes one will lick another’s rear or genitals to confirm identity. During mating or courtship, investigation of genital areas is common. In households where dogs are bonded, licking can appear as routine grooming or affection.

Age and sex make a difference. Puppies do this during play and exploration. Intact males and females may lick more frequently during reproductive cycles. Neutered dogs typically show reduced sexual investigation, but not always; social licking may remain. Novel or stressful environments—busy dog parks, boarding facilities, or vet clinics—can increase investigatory behaviors as dogs gather as much information as possible about unfamiliar animals and smells.

Contexts differ: in a relaxed home, brief licking might be tolerated and ignored. In a dog park, repeated licking of a nervous or smaller dog can escalate conflict, so supervision and intervention may be necessary. Shelter environments often see more of this behavior due to a high density of unfamiliar scents and animals.

Potential health issues and warning signs to watch for

Occasional, brief licking between healthy dogs is usually low risk, but there are medical red flags to watch for. Look for redness, swelling, sores, bleeding, unusual discharge, foul odor, or visible pain when the area is touched—these may suggest anal sac disease, urinary tract infection, prostatitis, a skin infection, or parasites and need veterinary evaluation.

Excessive or compulsive licking is another concern. When a dog repeatedly licks another dog’s genitals or a dog obsessively licks itself to the point of hair loss or skin damage, the behavior may indicate medical pain or a behavioral disorder that is likely linked to stress, anxiety, or neurological factors. Parasites and fecal-oral transmission of intestinal worms or bacteria are also possible, especially in multi-dog settings; while sexually transmitted infections in dogs are less commonly spread by licking alone, some pathogens can transmit through close contact.

Seek immediate veterinary attention if licking is accompanied by systemic signs—fever, lethargy, loss of appetite—or if there’s visible injury or acute swelling. Persistent behavioral change along with physical signs warrants prompt assessment to rule out underlying disease.

If it’s happening now: immediate steps owners should take

First, take calm, objective notes: how often does the licking happen, which dogs are involved, and what was happening just before it began. A short video or photos can be very helpful for your veterinarian or behaviorist. Observe whether one dog seems stressed, retreats, or shows other avoidance signals such as tucked tail, pinned ears, or growling.

If the interaction looks likely to escalate—yawning, stiff body, snapping—temporarily separate the dogs and give them space to relax. Avoid scolding or physically punishing the licking dog; instead, redirect the behavior. Offer a toy, call the dog away using a trained recall, or ask for a sit and reward calm attention to you.

Quickly inspect the licked areas for any signs of redness, wounds, or discharge. Use pet-safe wipes if the area looks dirty, and wear gloves if you’re concerned about hygiene. Document what you find and bring photos or videos to a veterinarian if you’re unsure. If the behavior is unusual for your dog or persists despite redirection, schedule a veterinary exam to rule out medical triggers and consider a behavior consultation for persistent patterns.

Practical training methods to reduce unwanted licking

Long-term, the most effective approach combines simple obedience skills with management and socialization. Teach a reliable recall and a “leave it” or “enough” cue in low-distraction settings before expecting them to work in high-energy greetings. I typically recommend practicing brief, rewarded breaks during walk-by greetings so dogs learn that attention from people or a toy is more reinforcing than persistent licking.

Polite greeting behaviors can be taught: ask for a sit and calm attention before allowing a greeting, and reward dogs that remain composed. During introductions, keep dogs on short leashes so you have control, step in between if one dog becomes overwhelmed, and allow brief, calm sniffing sessions rather than prolonged contact. Redirect with high-value treats or interactive toys when a dog starts to focus on another dog’s genitals or rear.

Supervised socialization is useful: arrange controlled meetings with calm, well-mannered dogs and gradually increase duration. If a dog’s licking seems driven by anxiety or obsession, counter-conditioning and desensitization techniques with a certified trainer or behaviorist are often necessary. Consistency is key—everyone in the household should respond the same way and reward the same alternative behaviors.

Helpful tools and supplies — wipes, collars and deterrents

Useful items can make management and redirection easier and cleaner:

• Secure leashes and front-clip harnesses or head halters for better control during greetings and walks
• High-value training treats and interactive toys to redirect attention and reward calm behavior
• Pet-safe wipes, a gentle cleanser, and disposable gloves for quick inspection and cleaning
• Soft wraps or cone options only if recommended by your veterinarian for a dog with wounds or infection

References and further reading

• Merck Veterinary Manual: Anal Sac Disease — https://www.merckvetmanual.com/generalized-conditions/anal-sac-disease
• Overall, K.L., Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Small Animals (textbook), 2nd ed., 2013
• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): Recognizing and Treating Canine Behavioral Problems — https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners
• American College of Veterinary Behaviorists: Resources for Finding a Diplomate and Behavior Guidance — https://www.dacvb.org
• Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research — select articles on social sniffing and investigatory behaviors in canids