What It Means When Dogs Lick Their Lips

There are many reasons why a dog may lick their lips – it can be a way of communicating to people and other dogs, a habit or learned behaviour, a sign of pain or discomfort, or an indicator of an underlying health problem.

Sometimes it is normal for a dog to lick their lips, such as after eating or when waiting for a tasty treat, but if there is no obvious explanation for this behaviour, or if they are licking excessively, then there may be cause for concern.

Read on to find out some of the common causes of lip licking in dogs, how to identify them, and what you should do in these situations.

Health Problems

If your dog is licking their lips when you touch them on a certain part of their body, this could be because they are experiencing pain or discomfort.

If your pet is not licking their lips when you touch other parts of their body, but then licks their lips whenever you go back to a particular part of their body, then this could be a sign something is wrong, and you should consult a vet.

Abnormal lip licking can also be a sign of oral discomfort or that they have ingested something irritable or toxic. Other causes of excessive or unusual lip licking include cognitive dysfunction, a metabolic disease, or a neurological disease.

It is important that you consult a vet whenever you spot that your pet is licking their lips more than usual or without an obvious cause.

Fear / Anxiety

Another one of the most common reasons why a dog continuously licks their lips is out of fear. Many dogs lick their lips when they feel uncomfortable, nervous, anxious, or threatened.

In these instances, the licking of the lips serves as an appeasement gesture – to show others that they are submissive, do not want confrontation, and wish to interact in a friendly way.

So, if this is happening when your dog is around people or dogs it does not know so well or is in an unfamiliar environment or at the vets or groomers, then this is likely to be the cause.

Try to reduce the stress of the situation as best you can. Click here to find out more about identifying fear in dogs and what to do to reduce fear.

For behavioural issues, such as lip licking due to fear or habit, your vet may suggest anti-anxiety medication and/or seeking advice from a dog trainer or behaviourist.

For professional and tailored advice and training, WitsEnd is here to help. We have a team of professionals who will help you and your dog, through positive reinforcement training and expert advice.

Working with people from all over the country, we have had over 2000 success stories! To book an appointment or for more information, please call us on 0116 244 2455.