Licking one’s own ears is a common behavior among puppies and young dogs. This instinctual behavior usually goes away as they grow older, although some dogs continue to do it throughout their lives. In fact, some breeds are known for it, such as the German Shepherd. This is because when dogs lick their ears, they are cleaning themselves. They do so by removing debris from inside their ear canal, which helps prevent infection or other related health issues. While some dogs might be doing it on purpose, others will simply do it without realizing they are actually cleaning their ears. The reason behind this behavior is that it feels good to them and makes them feel more comfortable and relaxed. It also serves as a form of grooming, since they are physically touching their ears and taking care of them. As long as your dog doesn’t start licking their ears excessively, there isn’t anything wrong with it. However, if your dog does begin to lick their ears frequently, it could mean something else. In addition to being a normal form of self-grooming, excessive ear-licking can indicate that your dog might be experiencing an issue with their hearing. Your dog could be feeling stressed out or confused, and they may not realize it until they start licking their ears. You should always make sure your dog has a proper diet and adequate exercise, as well as talk to your vet if you notice any changes in your dog’s health. It could be a sign of an underlying health While there are some reasons why a dog might start licking his or her own ears, most of the time, it’s just a matter of your dog being curious about something new. There are times where ear licks are a form of communication between dogs, but in most cases, they’re just harmless fun. However, it’s important to note that if your dog has been licking their ears for a long period of time, it could indicate an underlying health issue. This includes things like skin irritation, infections, allergies, and more. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) notes that “ear licking should always be treated as a symptom of illness or injury since ear cleaning can cause pain.” Another thing to keep in mind is that ear licking can also be a sign of anxiety. Dogs who tend to lick their ears often will also lick other parts of their bodies, including their paws and face. This could be a sign of anxiety due to separation from their owners, which is especially true if your dog is showing other signs of anxiety such as increased barking and panting.