Why Does My Dog Keep Licking His Lips?

An occasional lip lick is totally normal, but if it's happening a lot, it might be your dog's way of telling you something’s wrong — from an upset tummy to stress, or even a dental problem.

Let’s dive into the most common reasons behind all that lip licking, and when you should be concerned.

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Why Dogs Lick Their Lips

Health Issues

Sometimes frequent lip licking is a sign your dog isn’t feeling their best. Health problems that can cause this include:

• Upset stomach (gastroenteritis)

• Seizures

• Pancreatitis

• Kidney or liver disease

• Allergies

• Aging-related conditions

Often, you'll spot other clues too, like nausea, drooling, tiredness, or even vomiting.

Nausea:
Dogs who feel sick often lick their lips and drool before they actually throw up. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, lip licking might be one of the first signs.

Dehydration:
After a big play session in the sun, your dog might lick their lips just because they’re thirsty — or worse, dehydrated. Make sure they always have fresh water, especially during hot weather.

Dental Problems:
Dental disease is a major reason dogs lick their lips. A buildup of plaque and tartar, or something stuck between their teeth, can cause a lot of discomfort. You might also notice your dog pawing at their mouth.

Brushing your dog's teeth regularly with dog-safe toothpaste is one of the best ways to prevent dental trouble.

Eating Something They Shouldn't:
Dogs love to put everything in their mouths, and if they eat something they shouldn’t, it can lead to stomach upset — and you guessed it — more lip licking.

Emotional Reasons

Lip licking isn’t always about physical health — it can also be an emotional signal.

Stress:
Dogs often lick their lips when they’re anxious or uncomfortable. It’s part of a set of behaviors known as "calming signals" — their way of saying, "I’m not feeling great about this."

Appeasement:
If your dog gets caught doing something naughty, like raiding the trash, you might see them lick their lips as a way of saying, "Please don't be mad!"

Normal Behavior

Not every lip lick is a red flag.

When They Smell Food:
If you open a bag of chips or their favorite treats, expect some enthusiastic lip licking. It’s a normal reaction to yummy smells.

Settling In for Sleep:
Many dogs lick their lips and smack their mouths a bit as they get cozy in bed. It’s a self-soothing behavior, especially common in dogs who were weaned early.

When Should You Worry?

Context is everything.

If your dog licks their lips during a car ride, it’s probably motion sickness. If there’s loud construction nearby, they could just be stressed out.

But if the licking is sudden, persistent, or paired with other symptoms like drooling, vomiting, not eating, or seeming sluggish, it’s time to check in with your vet.

Ask yourself:

• How often is it happening?

• How long does it last?

• Are there other signs something might be wrong?

Trust your gut — you know your dog best.

How to Help Your Dog

First, figure out the cause.

If you suspect a health problem (like dental issues or something stuck in their mouth), get a vet involved right away.

If stress seems to be the cause, help your dog feel more comfortable. This might mean creating a quiet space for them, using calming products, or working with a trainer if needed.

And if it’s just a case of "I smell snacks!" — no worries. That's perfectly normal behavior.

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Quick FAQs

Why is my dog licking and chomping?
It could mean there’s something stuck in their mouth, a dental issue, or even swelling from an injury.

Do dogs lick their lips when they're sick?
Yes, especially if they’re feeling nauseous or have digestive problems.

Why does my dog lick his lips and swallow a lot?
It could be from nausea, mouth pain, dehydration, stress, or even a foreign object stuck somewhere it shouldn't be.

In short: Lip licking can be perfectly normal — but it can also be your dog's way of asking for help. Pay attention to the bigger picture, and don’t hesitate to call your vet if something feels off.