If you’ve noticed your dog licking his lips a lot, you’re probably wondering what’s going on. Lip licking can be a simple sign of hunger or a way for your dog to calm down when feeling stressed.

But sometimes, it could mean there’s a health issue that needs attention.

Dogs often lick their lips when they’re about to eat or when they want your food. If this behaviour happens too much, it might signal problems like dental pain, nausea, or anxiety.

Paying attention to when and how often your dog licks his lips can help you figure out if it’s normal or something to worry about.

• Dogs lick their lips for many normal reasons, including hunger and stress.
• Excessive lip licking may point to health or emotional issues.
• Watching your dog closely helps you know when to get veterinary advice.

When Is Lip Licking in Dogs Normal?

Lip licking in dogs can happen for several simple and natural reasons. Often, it’s just how your dog responds to everyday feelings and needs.

Anticipation and Hunger

You’ve probably seen your dog lick their lips when you’re about to feed them or even when you’re eating nearby. This lip licking is a clear sign of anticipation or hunger.

Your dog’s mouth starts to water, and licking helps them get ready for food. If your dog licks their lips at mealtimes or when you open treats, it’s just their way of saying they want some.

It’s really not much different from humans getting hungry and thinking about food.

After Eating or Drinking

Sometimes your dog licks their lips after eating or drinking. This helps them clean their mouth and get rid of leftover food or water.

You might see this more if they’ve eaten something messy or have water around their lips. It’s just a normal way your dog keeps themselves tidy after mealtime.

Grooming-Related Licking

Dogs also lick their lips as part of their grooming routine. It helps keep their mouths moist and clean.

Lip licking can be a calming action, especially if your dog is settling down or feeling relaxed. Puppies especially use licking as a way to soothe themselves.

If you see your dog licking their lips quietly while resting, they’re probably just grooming or calming themselves. Perfectly normal.

For more details on common reasons for lip licking, you can check this article on why dogs lick their lips.

When to Worry: Signs of Excessive Lip Licking

Sometimes, your dog’s lip licking is just a small habit linked to hunger or excitement. But if the licking turns frequent or is paired with other changes in behaviour or health, it could mean something more serious.

What Constitutes Excessive Lip Licking

Excessive lip licking means your dog is doing it much more than usual, often without a clear reason. If you notice your dog licking its lips constantly throughout the day, or doing so in a way that seems obsessive, this is a red flag.

Normal lip licking happens around mealtimes or after eating. Persistent licking outside those times may mean discomfort or stress.

Watch for licking that interrupts your dog’s normal activities, like playing or sleeping. This kind of repetitive action can hint at pain, nausea, or even an irritation inside the mouth.

Associated Warning Symptoms

If your dog is licking its lips excessively, check for other signs too. These can include drooling more than normal, pawing at the mouth, or shaking the head.

Bad breath or swollen gums points to dental problems. You might also spot discomfort like vomiting, loss of appetite, or diarrhoea alongside the lip licking.

Changes in your dog’s mood—like appearing anxious, pacing, yawning a lot, or showing other signs of stress—can also mean there’s a deeper issue you shouldn’t ignore.

Situational and Sudden Behaviour Changes

Notice if the lip licking shows up suddenly or only in certain situations. A dog might lick its lips when feeling scared, nervous, or stressed, like during loud noises or vet visits.

This behaviour acts as a calming signal for your dog. If your dog starts licking more after a change in routine or environment, they might be unsettled or confused.

When this licking is paired with hiding, trembling, or avoidance, it’s time to offer reassurance and maybe consult your vet to rule out health issues.

For more detailed advice on recognising when your dog’s behaviour is a concern, see this guide on dog lip licking and warning signs.

Medical Causes Behind Lip Licking

If your dog is licking their lips a lot, they might be trying to tell you something is wrong in their mouth or tummy. Sometimes, lip licking points to pain or discomfort from mouth infections or feeling sick.

Let’s look at some common medical reasons your dog may keep licking their lips.

Oral Health Issues

One of the main reasons for frequent lip licking is pain or irritation in your dog’s mouth. Problems like gum disease, tooth decay, or an infected tooth can make their mouth sore.

This discomfort makes them lick their lips to try and ease the feeling. Dental problems often bring other signs too, like bad breath, drooling, or your dog pawing at their mouth.

You can help by brushing their teeth with dog toothpaste and watching for eating changes. Sometimes, your dog might have oral ulcers—small sores inside the mouth that cause pain and make licking worse.

Ulcers can come from injuries, infections, or even certain illnesses. If you spot any sores or swelling, it’s best to check with your vet.

Digestive Upsets and Nausea

Often, lip licking is tied to feeling sick in the stomach. Dogs can lick their lips when they’re nauseous from things like acid reflux, indigestion, or pancreatitis.

If your dog ate something odd or spoiled, they might lick their lips while trying to calm their upset tummy. You might also notice drooling, vomiting, or your dog refusing food.

If frequent lip licking comes with vomiting or lack of appetite, talk to your vet. They can help figure out what’s upsetting your dog’s digestion and suggest the right treatment.

Foreign Bodies and Ulcers

Sometimes, lip licking happens because something is stuck in your dog’s mouth and causing irritation. It could be a small piece of bone, a thorn, or debris lodged between their teeth or gums.

Your dog might also lick their lips if they have tiny cuts or oral ulcers inside the mouth. These can cause pain, making your dog lick or chew on their lips in discomfort.

Watch for pawing at the mouth, excessive drooling, or pain when eating. If you suspect a foreign object or see swelling, get your vet to remove the cause and stop the licking.

Behavioural and Emotional Triggers

When your dog keeps licking their lips, it can be a sign of more than just a physical issue. Sometimes, this behaviour tells you about their emotional state or something going on in their environment.

Understanding why your dog does this can help you support them better.

Dog Anxiety and Stress Signals

Lip licking is a common way dogs show stress or anxiety. If your dog feels nervous, scared, or uncomfortable, they might lick their lips to calm themselves.

You might see this when visitors come over, during thunderstorms, or at the vet. This lip licking is part of what’s called “calming signals.”

It’s their way of saying, “I’m not a threat,” or trying to diffuse tension. If you notice your dog also yawns, avoids eye contact, or tucks their tail, those are more signs of anxiety.

Try giving your dog a quiet space away from the stress. Calming products like diffusers or vests might help, or you can ask your vet about training and advice.

Compulsive Habits and Boredom

Sometimes lip licking turns into a habit when your dog is bored or restless. If they don’t get enough exercise or mental stimulation, they might lick their lips just to keep busy.

This can lead to repeated licking even when there’s no obvious reason. It’s easy to miss at first, but watch if your dog does it during quiet moments or when left alone.

That might mean they need more playtime or puzzle toys to challenge their mind. Breaking this habit takes more activity and attention—regular walks, training sessions, and interactive toys can really help.

Other Underlying Health Concerns

If your dog keeps licking their lips a lot, it might be more than just boredom or hunger. Sometimes this behaviour can signal deeper health issues that need your attention.

Knowing what to look for makes it easier to decide when to get veterinary advice.

Neurological Issues

Lip licking sometimes links to neurological problems. These can affect the nerves controlling your dog’s face and mouth.

Conditions like seizures or nerve damage might cause your dog to lick their lips repeatedly for no clear reason. If your dog shows other signs like confusion, twitching, or sudden behaviour changes, this could point to a neurological problem.

It’s important to watch closely for any unusual movements. Early veterinary assessment can help identify issues like epilepsy or nerve disorders, which need medical care to keep your dog comfortable and safe.

Allergies and Skin Irritation

Lip licking can also be a response to allergies or skin irritation around your dog’s mouth. If your dog is allergic to something in their food, environment, or even something they touched, their skin might feel itchy or sore.

Licking is their way of trying to soothe that discomfort. You might notice redness, swelling, or small bumps around the lips or muzzle.

Allergies can come from pollen, dust, certain foods, or even cleaning products. If you spot these signs, try to take note of possible triggers and talk to your vet.

They might suggest allergy tests or changes to your dog’s diet to ease the irritation.

Dehydration and Dry Mouth

Dry mouth or dehydration can make your dog lick their lips more often. When your dog doesn’t have enough water or is losing fluids through heat or illness, their mouth feels dry and uncomfortable.

This leads to increased licking as they try to moisten their lips. Make sure your dog has easy access to fresh water at all times, especially in hot weather or after exercise.

Watch for signs like sticky gums or lethargy, which might mean your dog is dehydrated. If dry mouth comes from health problems like kidney disease or diabetes, your vet needs to diagnose and treat the condition to stop the lip licking.

Steps to Take and When to Consult Your Vet

If your dog keeps licking their lips, pay close attention and try to figure out what’s behind the behaviour. Sometimes it’s nothing major, but other times you might need a professional’s help.

Assessing the Situation at Home

Watch when and how often your dog licks their lips. Does it happen after eating, during stressful moments, or all the time?

Check for other signs like drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, or loss of appetite. These clues can help you spot urgent issues.

Think about your dog’s environment. Are they nervous about visitors or new places?

Could they have eaten something odd? Notice their mood and energy, too.

If the licking comes with physical symptoms or lasts a long time, don’t wait to get advice.

Veterinary Examination and Diagnosis

Your vet will ask about your dog’s behaviour and examine their mouth and body. They’ll check for dental problems like infected teeth, gum disease, or anything stuck in the mouth.

The vet might also look for signs of nausea or illness affecting your dog’s stomach. Sometimes they’ll run tests like blood work, X-rays, or oral exams to find hidden issues.

Share clear details about the licking pattern and other symptoms. This helps your vet figure things out more quickly.

Treatment and Prevention Strategies

Your vet’s treatment plan depends on the cause. Dental issues might need cleaning, extra care, or removing damaged teeth.

If stress is the reason, your vet could suggest training, calming aids like diffusers, or changes in your dog’s environment. For nausea or digestive problems, medication and diet changes often help.

You can prevent lip licking by keeping harmful items away, providing regular dental care, and making a calm space for your dog. Staying in touch with your vet helps keep your dog comfortable and happy.

For more detailed advice, check out PetMD’s guide on lip licking in dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your dog’s lip-licking can mean a few different things. It might be simple like hunger or something more serious like stress or mouth pain.

Watching for other signs helps you know when to act. Sometimes it’s tough to tell right away, but trust your gut if something seems off.

What could be causing my pup to constantly lick their mouth?

Your dog might lick because they’re hungry or smell something tasty. Sometimes they just clean their lips after eating.

Other times, it could mean they feel sick or have something irritating their mouth. It’s not always obvious, but worth checking.

Is it a sign of discomfort when our furry friends lip-lick so often?

Yes, frequent lip-licking can show discomfort. It might mean your dog has nausea, dental pain, or an itchy mouth.

Look out for clues like pawing at the face or drooling. Those extra signs can point you in the right direction.

Could there be something stuck in my dog’s teeth that’s making them lick excessively?

There could be a foreign object stuck in your dog’s teeth or gums. Even a small piece of food or debris can cause irritation and licking.

Try checking their mouth gently if you can. Sometimes it’s just that simple.

Is frequent lip-licking a signal that my dog is feeling anxious or stressed?

Lip-licking often signals that your dog feels nervous or uneasy. It’s their way of calming themselves when faced with stress.

You might notice this during loud noises, vet visits, or training sessions. It’s pretty common, honestly.

What steps should we take if lip-licking is accompanied by other unusual behaviours?

If you see vomiting, loss of appetite, excessive drooling, or changes in behaviour along with lip-licking, it’s time to take action. Keep your dog comfortable and provide water.

Note all symptoms for your vet. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re worried.

Should we consult a vet about our dog’s continuous lip-licking?

If your dog keeps licking their lips and also seems to be in pain, sick, or anxious, it’s probably time to see a vet. These early visits can catch things like dental issues or allergies before they turn into bigger problems.

Curious about this behavior? Check out this vet-approved guide on why your dog keeps licking their lips for more tips.