why does my dog keep licking his lips

It can be puzzling when your dog suddenly starts licking his lips more than usual. At first glance, it might not seem like anything serious—it could just be that he’s had a tasty treat or found something interesting on the floor. But if this behaviour becomes frequent or persistent, it might be your dog’s way of telling you something important.

Communication and Stress Signals

Dogs often lick their lips as a subtle way of communicating discomfort. It's part of a broader range of body language dogs use to show unease, such as yawning, looking away or flattening their ears. Lip licking in this context is usually brief and occurs during stressful situations—like being around unfamiliar people, loud noises or sudden changes in the environment. It’s your dog’s way of self-soothing or showing submission.

This behaviour is especially common in dogs that are feeling anxious or overwhelmed. If you notice it happening during walks, while being groomed or even just around the house, it could be a sign your dog is stressed. Helping them feel more secure and creating a calm environment can often reduce this kind of lip licking.

Anticipation or Hunger

Sometimes, dogs lick their lips when they’re anticipating food. If you open a treat cupboard or rattle a food bowl, it’s not unusual for your dog to start licking in anticipation. This is usually harmless and simply means they’re excited and ready for a snack. If this is the only time your dog does it, there’s probably nothing to worry about.

Dental or Oral Discomfort

Excessive lip licking can also point to discomfort in your dog’s mouth. Issues like a sore tooth, gum disease, or even something stuck in their mouth could cause them to lick in an attempt to ease the irritation. This kind of licking tends to be persistent and not necessarily tied to mealtimes or stress. Checking their mouth or getting a vet to examine them is a good idea if you suspect something is wrong.

Nausea and Digestive Upset

Dogs will often lick their lips when they feel nauseous. This may be accompanied by other symptoms like drooling, eating grass, or even vomiting. It’s a common sign they’re not feeling well, especially if the licking is sudden and occurs alongside a lack of appetite. Gastrointestinal issues, motion sickness or reactions to food can all be causes. If your dog continues to lick his lips and seems out of sorts, it’s worth speaking with your vet.

Allergies or Skin Irritation

Dogs can suffer from allergies that affect their skin, including the areas around the mouth. If your dog is licking his lips and also scratching his face, ears or body, it could be due to an allergic reaction or irritation. Environmental allergens, certain foods or even cleaning products might be the culprit. Identifying and removing the source often helps, but a vet can offer tests or treatments if needed.

Something Stuck or Unpleasant Taste

Occasionally, a dog may lick his lips simply because something’s stuck—like a bit of food, a blade of grass, or something they've tried to chew. Likewise, they might have tasted something unpleasant or spicy and are trying to get rid of the flavour. This kind of lip licking usually passes quickly once the sensation is gone.

Behavioural Conditioning

Dogs are incredibly observant. If they've licked their lips in the past and received a certain reaction—maybe you gave them attention, treats, or reassurance—they may repeat the behaviour, even subconsciously. This is especially true in dogs that have learned to "perform" certain behaviours for a reaction. Over time, what started as a sign of stress or anticipation might become a habit, reinforced by routine or attention.

Neurological Causes

In some rare cases, lip licking could be linked to neurological issues. Seizure activity, particularly partial or focal seizures, can cause dogs to smack or lick their lips repetitively. These episodes might be brief and easy to miss, especially if your dog seems otherwise normal before and after. If the lip licking seems to come on suddenly, lasts for a while, and your dog seems out of it or confused, it’s worth discussing with a vet.

Compulsive Behaviour

Just like people, some dogs develop compulsive behaviours. Lip licking can become a repetitive, obsessive action that they perform even when there’s no clear reason. This can develop due to chronic stress, boredom, or lack of mental stimulation. It may start as a normal reaction to something—like stress or nausea—but if not addressed, it can spiral into a compulsive routine.

Creating a more enriching environment, with toys, brain games, exercise and consistent routines, can sometimes help break this pattern. However, in more severe cases, behavioural therapy or medications might be needed.

Reaction to Medication

If your dog has recently started a new medication, it’s possible the lip licking is a side effect. Some drugs can cause nausea, dry mouth or other side effects that prompt this behaviour. If it coincides with a change in your dog’s treatment plan, check the leaflet or consult your vet.

Dental Abscess or Foreign Object

Not all oral issues are immediately visible. A dog could have a dental abscess or a small foreign object, like a splinter or piece of bone, lodged in the mouth. These issues can be uncomfortable or even painful, leading the dog to lick repeatedly as a coping mechanism. A vet exam may be needed to spot the problem—especially if your dog is reluctant to eat or lets out small whines or grunts when chewing.

Eye Irritation or Facial Discomfort

Sometimes the issue isn’t in the mouth at all. Dogs will occasionally lick their lips if they’re experiencing irritation around the eyes, nose or jaw. This is particularly true for flat-faced breeds or those with sensitive skin folds. Eye infections, dry eyes, or blocked tear ducts can all lead to sensations that cause facial licking or lip-licking as a side response.

Summary

Lip licking in dogs can have several meanings, from normal behaviour to a sign that something’s not quite right. It might be related to stress, hunger, dental issues, nausea or even allergies. Observing when and how often your dog does it can give you clues about what’s going on. If the licking becomes frequent, persistent or seems to be paired with other unusual behaviours, it’s always a good idea to consult your vet for peace of mind.