Dog Keeps Licking Lips: Why Does My Dog Keep Licking His Lips?

The average dog likely has several quirks that make it unique from other dogs. Some may bark excessively, while others may whine or howl often. Still, others may engage in repetitive behavior, like licking their lips.

This behavior in dogs can have a few meanings depending on the context in which it is happening. For example, if your dog starts lip licking after you give him a treat, he could be trying to savor the taste or get every last crumb. On the other hand, if your pet starts lip-licking while you’re scolding him, he could be trying to placate you and show that he’s sorry.

Sometimes, it may also be a sign of anxiety or stress. Knowing when to be concerned about your pet’s behavior is essential for his overall health and well-being.

In this post, we want to examine some of the main reasons dogs lick their lips and how you can change the behavior if it is problematic.

What is dog licking?

A dog will start to do it shortly after they are born. Puppies will often lick their mother’s face to request food. Once they start eating solid food, puppies lick their lips and muzzle to clean themselves.

It is likely going to be very common to see your dog do it for grooming or after you have fed them, but when you can’t think of a reason for your pet to be licking, it may be a sign of something more.

You may notice your pet wet its paws, face, or lips more often than usual. Excessive behavior can signify boredom, stress, or anxiety, and it can also signify an underlying health condition, such as allergies or gastrointestinal problems.

RELATED: Dogs Seasonal Allergies: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention (Vet Advice)

Why does my dog keep licking his lips?

As dog’s age, they may continue to lick their lips as part of their grooming routine. Dogs have very sensitive taste buds and may also lick their lips to identify what they are smelling or tasting. Being able to distinguish odors can be a big part of a pet’s survival instincts. Some pets also enjoy the sensation of licking and may do it alone.

Licking can perhaps be a sign of anxiety or stress. If your pet regularly licks his lips when you approach him, it could be a sign of feeling nervous or intimidated. Dogs also often do this as a sign of submission when they are being scolded or reprimanded.

Your pet’s excessive behavior could also indicate a seizure condition. Some dogs will get minor facial seizures that may appear to be wetting their lips excessively. If you notice your pet shaking or having seizures, you must speak with your veterinarian immediately.

If your pet is dehydrated or experiencing a medical issue with their mouth, they may lick their lips excessively. If your pet do it is accompanied by other symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or trouble eating, you should take them to the vet immediately.

Medical Reasons

There are several medical reasons that your dog might continue this behavior long after they have been groomed or had food. Here are some of the top medical reasons that could be a cause for this behavior:

Dermatitis

If your pet has a slight rash or some form of dermatitis, it may be trying to soothe the itch by this behavior. This is especially common if the rash is around their muzzle or face. You would generally see licking elsewhere, including paws and armpits.

Allergies

Dogs can be allergic to several things in their environment, from pollen to certain cleaners. If your pet is allergic to a stimulus in the environment, it may start to do it to relieve the itchiness and discomfort. Again, this is generally licking of places like the paws, legs, and belly.

Gastrointestinal Issues

If your pet is experiencing nausea or indigestion, it may start wetting its lips to relieve the discomfort. One of the most common signs of sickness is drooling and lip licking.

Mouth Pain

If your pet is experiencing mouth pain, it may start wetting its lips excessively to soothe the pain as a distraction.

Pain along the body

A pet may also lick as a way to self-medicate if it is experiencing pain somewhere along its body that it cannot reach.

Bloat

If your pet has eaten too quickly, it may use wet lips to try and control nausea that comes with bloating. An enlarged stomach may cause upset stomach issues leading to this behavior. If your pet is bloated, there will be obvious assitional signs, including a large, tense abdomen and persistent non-productive gagging.

READ MORE: 7 Reasons Why Do Dogs Lick Your Feet

Behavioral Reasons

Most of the time, when pets start to perform regular wet lips, it can be a result of some sort of behavioral issue. Here are some reasons that your pet may start do it excessively:

Anxiety or Nervousness

If your pet is feeling symptoms of anxiety, it may start to lick its lips as a way to calm down. This is often seen in dogs that have some type of external stress, and it can be expected in shelter or rescue animals.

Boredom

Bored pets may start do it as a way to relieve boredom. This is often seen in pets that do not have enough mental stimulation or physical activity.

Loneliness

Dogs that are lonely may start wet their lips excessively as a way to find some sort of comfort. This is often seen in pets that do not have enough social interaction.

Attention-Seeking Behavior

Dogs may start licking their lips to get attention from their owners. This is often seen in dogs that are left alone for long periods or do not receive enough attention from their owner.

READ MORE: Why Does My Dog Lick My Hands?

Compulsive Disorder

Some dogs may start licking their lips to perform compulsive behavior. This is often seen in pets trained to perform a specific behavior and may have somehow had the licking behavior reinforced.

How to Stop Your Dog From Lip Licking

One of the most critical steps, as you are trying to stop your dog from excessive lip licking, is to determine the root cause of the behavior. If there is a medical reason for this behavior , it will need to be treated by a veterinarian. If the licking is behavioral, you will need to work on changing the behavior. A pet’s body language may show you why they are constantly do it. You might notice your dog licking lips due to oral discomfort or your dog’s mouth may have other behaviors like eating grass. Oral discomfort like dental disease or dental problems like broken teeth may also lead to this behavior . Identifying the cause of it will help you start to determine why pet keeps wet lips.

Here are some top tips for how to stop your dog from excessive lip licking:

• If your dog is licking its lips due to a medical condition, the first step is to talk to your veterinarian and develop a treatment plan. If you notice any wounds, rashes, or other skin irritations, be sure to clean them and apply any prescribed ointments. The behavior will not stop until the underlying condition is resolved. Pet owners need to find out why a pet licks lips frequently and determine the medical cause with a vet.
• If the licking is behavioral, you will need to work on changing the behavior. One way to do this is by providing more mental and physical stimulation for your dog. This can include things like increased exercise, training, and interactive toys.
• It is also essential to ensure your dog is not getting attention for the behavior. This means that you should not punish your dog when it licks its lips, as this will only reinforce the behavior. Instead, ignore this and provide attention to other behaviors that you want to see. Give them treats when they have stopped it for several minutes or sitting quietly.
• If the licking behavior is severe, you may need to consult a professional trainer or behaviorist to help you change the behavior.
• If gas build up and flatulence cause of it, consider getting a puzzle bowl to slow down the speed your dog eats at, or be more generous with placing more water bowls around the house. Giving your pet a safe way to eat and plenty of hydration will ensure their need to lick lessens.
• Finally, patience is important when working on stopping your dog from excessive lip licking. This behavior will likely take some time to change, so be patient and consistent with your approach.

Dogs lick their lips for a variety of reasons, both medical and behavioral. If your dog is licking its lips excessively, it is crucial to determine the root cause of the behavior and take steps to change it. You can stop your dog’s excessive lip licking with patience and consistency.

READ MORE: Why Does My Dog Lick The Air? 

When it’s time to see a Vet?

It may be time for you to seek veterinary care if you cannot determine why your dog is licking through behavior or find a way to curb it. If you quickly check your dog and the environments they spend the most time in, and you can’t come up with a reason for the licking, make an appointment with your veterinarian.

A visit to the vet will help rule out any possible health concerns and get you on the path to stopping this behavior.

A veterinarian will also be able to determine more about the nature of your dog’s allergies or if they potentially have some form of medical condition that could cause their excessive licking. Conditions such as mild seizures and allergies will need to be medically diagnosed to prevent your dog from excessively licking in the future. Allergies can cause everything from upset stomachs to rashes and more. A vet and a behaviorist may be able to help you find a way to stop your dog’s excessive behavior .

Conclusions on why dogs lick:

Dogs lick their lips for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it’s medical, sometimes behavioral. If you can’t determine the root cause of the licking, make an appointment with your veterinarian. A vet can rule out any possible health concerns and get you on the path to stopping this behavior. You can stop your dog’s excessive lip licking with patience and consistency.

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