Pawscessories is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
Learn more.
Do you ever wonder why your dog is constantly humping things? Or licking their privates? Well, wonder no more! In this post, we will be discussing the topic of dog masturbation in depth. We will cover why dogs do it, how they do it, and tips to help get them to stop. So stay tuned for more information!
Table of Contents
Can Dogs Masturbate?
While there is no clear-cut answer to this question, there is certainly some evidence that dogs can and do masturbate. For example, many dog owners have reported finding their pet with an erect penis.
In addition, some dogs have been known to engage in what is known as “humping,” which often involves thrusting their hips against a stuffed animal or another object. While it is impossible to know for sure what is going through a dog’s mind when they engage in these behaviors, it seems likely that they are experiencing sexual arousal and pleasure.
Thus, it is safe to say that dogs can and do masturbate, even if we may never know for sure what goes through their minds when they do so.
7 Reasons Why Dogs Masturbate
1) Boredom
Sometimes, if a dog has gone for too long without being entertained, they may resort to masturbating. This means their masturbating could be a sign they aren’t receiving enough physical or mental stimulation.
If they’re given more attention in the form of mental challenges like puzzle toys, training, or outdoor activities, they’ll be less likely to do this.
2) Overstimulated
If a dog gets too excited and overstimulated, it may result in them humping or masturbating. In this situation, they were behaving completely normal one minute, then something new came into their environment, got them overly excited, and made them behave this way.
This could be one of their four-legged friends coming over to play or if you came home thrilled to see them and accidentally got them too excited. Regardless, if a dog gets too excited too quickly, it can result in them humping/masturbating.
3) Stress Response
Dogs are creatures of habit and routines. They like to know what is going to happen and when it is going to happen. This gives them a sense of security. However, when their routine is changed or placed in a new environment, they can become stressed out.
One way that dogs deal with this stress is by masturbating. This helps to release the built-up energy and tension. While it may seem strange to us, for dogs, masturbation can be a way of dealing with stress.
So if you notice your dog masturbating more than usual, it may be a sign that they are feeling overly stressed.
4) Being Social/Playing
Sometimes young puppies who haven’t learned how to play appropriately may engage in humping as a form of playing. This also means that they aren’t always aroused if they’re humping when playing. While in some cases they can be, it’s not always the case.
Sometimes they’re simply being social and ‘playing’ in a way that feels right to them until they learn how to be social properly.
5) Frustration
Being frustrated can make a dog want to masturbate. This is because when a dog is frustrated, it may try to relieve its frustration by any means possible, including masturbating.
Masturbation can provide relief for a dog that is feeling frustrated, and it may also help the dog to release some of its pent-up energy. However, it is important to note that masturbation should not be the only outlet for a dog’s frustration.
If a dog is consistently frustrated, it is important to address the root cause of the frustration and to provide the dog with additional outlets for its energy, such as playtime or walks.
6) Showing Dominance
While it may seem odd, there is actually a connection between dogs masturbating and their owners displaying dominance. In the canine hierarchy, dogs who are lower in the pack order will often defer to those above them in terms of mating rights.
This means that if an owner shows dominance towards their dog, the dog may see this as a sign that they are not allowed to mate. As a result, the dog may attempt to relieve sexual frustration by masturbating.
While this behavior is perfectly natural, it is important to be aware of it to avoid inadvertently encouraging it.
Establish rules and boundaries, and be consistent in enforcing them. Doing this will help your dog feel secure and prevent them from acting out in ways they shouldn’t.
7) Need For a Release
When a dog feels the need for sexual release, that overwhelming urge can manifest in different ways. Unfortunately, for some dogs, the only outlet is to resort to self-pleasure by masturbating.
Some experts believe that it’s actually healthy for dogs to masturbate on occasion. It allows them to release all that excess energy and pent-up lust in a safe and non-destructive way.
And as long as they’re not doing it excessively, there’s really no cause for concern.
How Do Dogs Masturbate?
While it may not be the most polite topic of conversation, canine masturbation is a common behavior among dogs. Like humans, dogs have sexual urges that need to be fulfilled, and they will sometimes resort to self-pleasure if they do not have a mate.
Dogs usually masturbate by rubbing their genitals against a surface, such as a toy, piece of furniture, or a person’s leg. Some dogs also lick their genitals as part of the masturbation process.
While it may be considered naughty behavior by some owners, there is no need to scold a dog for masturbating. It is a perfectly natural behavior that helps them to relieve sexual tension.
If you are concerned about your dog’s masturbation habits, you can try providing them with more toys and opportunities to socialize with other dogs.
Do Female Dogs Masturbate As Well?
Female dogs do masturbate. This self-pleasure usually happens when they’re in heat but can also occur when they’re simply feeling particularly frisky.
Many owners report their female dogs humping toys, blankets, or pillows. While this behavior may be a bit embarrassing, it’s perfectly normal.
Female dogs typically masturbate by rubbing their vulvas against something. Humping is also a way for dogs to release energy and pent-up frustration.
So, don’t be alarmed if your female dog is humping a bit more than usual.
How Do Male Dogs Masturbate?
Male dogs have two main ways of doing this: by rubbing their penis on an object or by using their tongue.
Some dogs will even hump people or other animals as a way of masturbation. This can be annoying or even dangerous, so it’s important to train your dog not to do this behavior.
The second way that male dogs masturbate is by using their tongue.
Dogs will often lick their own genitals as a way of providing sexual pleasure. This behavior is perfectly normal and nothing to be concerned about.
However, if your dog seems obsessive about licking his own genitals, it could be a sign of a medical condition, and you should take him to the vet.
How Do Female Dogs Masturbate?
Though the details may vary depending on the female dog’s size, the general process is similar to male dogs.
Usually, they will start by licking her genitals. She may also rub her body against furniture or other surfaces. Some dogs will even use their toys to help them reach climax.
Can Masturbation Be a Sign Of a Health Issue?
While this behavior is generally harmless, it can sometimes indicate an underlying health issue. For instance, if a dog is constantly licking their genital area, it may be a sign of an infection or irritation.
If your dog is overly aggressive when masturbating, they may be suffering from anxiety or stress. Ultimately, if your dog is exhibiting any unusual behavior, it is always best to consult with a veterinarian.
They will be able to determine if the behavior is normal or if there is an underlying health issue that needs to be addressed.
Should You Allow Your Dog To Continue Masturbating?
While most dog owners have probably noticed their pet engaging in some self-pleasure at one point or another, the question of whether or not to allow it is a controversial one.
On the one hand, some believe that masturbation is a perfectly normal and healthy part of a dog’s sexual development. After all, it allows them to release built-up sexual energy without needing to mate.
On the other hand, others believe that masturbation is a sign that a dog is not getting enough exercise or stimulation.
Therefore, they argue that it should be discouraged. But, ultimately, the decision of whether or not to allow your dog to masturbate is a personal one. If you are concerned about it, you can always speak to your veterinarian for guidance.
What Should You Do If Your Dog Masturbates Excessively?
If your dog is masturbating excessively, there are a few things you can do to help.
First, make sure that they are getting enough exercise. A tired dog is less likely to want to engage in self-pleasuring behavior.
Secondly, provide them with plenty of opportunities to socialize with other dogs. This can help to satisfy their natural desire for companionship and reduce their urge to masturbate.
Finally, avoid using punishment as a way to discourage masturbation. This can often have the opposite effect and lead to even more excessive behavior.
In addition, here are 5 other ways to help stop your dog from masturbating.
5 Ways To Stop a Dog From Masturbating
1) Neuter Or Spay Them
One way to stop a dog from masturbating is to neuter or spay them. This eliminates the continued production of hormones in their body that can lead to masturbation and prevents them from reproducing.
Neutering or spaying can have other benefits as well, such as reducing aggression and unwanted territorial behavior. For these reasons, many pet owners choose to have their dogs neutered or spayed.
2) Increase Daily Exercise
One of the best ways to reduce self-stimulatory behavior is to increase daily exercise. For example, a tired dog is much less likely to be interested in masturbating than one with lots of energy.
In addition, exercise provides numerous other benefits for your dog, including improved mental well-being and physical health. So, if you’re looking for a way to stop your dog from masturbating, upping the amount of exercise may be the answer.
3) Distract Them When They Start
If you see your dog about to mount something, do what you can to distract them. You can do this by redirecting their attention to a toy, starting a game of tug-of-war, or getting them to chase after you.
Once you distract them, give them an outlet with some physical or mental stimulation to make them uninterested in mounting again once your distraction is complete.
4) Do Your Best To Avoid Triggers
Try to avoid the things that trigger your dog’s urge to masturbate. For example, if you notice your dog is stimulated by certain things or specific scenarios tend to spark it, such as boredom, anxiety, or over-excitement, try to avoid those situations.
You may also want to provide your dog with an alternative outlet for their energy, such as playing fetch or going for a walk.
5) Get Help From a Professional
Finally, you can always seek professional help if the problem persists. A qualified behaviorist can help you identify the problem’s root cause and develop a customized plan to address it. Then, with some patience and perseverance, you can help your dog to kick the habit for good.
Also, having a vet look at them is a good idea. This way, if it does turn out that their increased interest in their private parts is due to a medical issue, they can get the help they need to start feeling better.
How To Know When You Should Contact a Vet?
Excessive masturbation can signify an underlying medical condition, such as a hormone imbalance or urinary tract infection. It can also be a symptom of anxiety or frustration.
If your dog is suddenly masturbating more than usual, it’s important to take note of other behavior changes.
Is your dog more restless or anxious than usual? Has he started chewing on furniture or urinating inside the house?
These may be signs that something is bothering him, and he’s masturbating as a way to cope. If you’re concerned about your dog’s behavior, contact your vet for guidance.
Only a professional can determine the root of the problem and provide the best course of treatment. In most cases, addressing the underlying problem will resolve the excessive humping behavior.
However, if the problem is medical in nature, your vet will be able to provide medication or other treatment options.
Final Thoughts
Dogs masturbate for many reasons, some of which are quite understandable. If your dog is healthy and happy, there’s probably no need to worry about it.
However, if you’re concerned that your dog may be masturbating too much or experiencing any adverse side effects from it, consult with your veterinarian.
There are ways to stop a dog from masturbating if necessary, but hopefully, these tips will help you keep your furry friend happy and healthy without resorting to such measures.
Other posts you might find interesting:
Can A Dog Get A Cat Pregnant? Can Dogs And Cats Mate?