Why your dog may be drooling or licking their lips a lot

Dogs licking their lips or drooling a lot can be quite normal, but if you notice this behaviour becoming persistent or unusual, it might signal an underlying issue that warrants attention. In this article, we explore common reasons behind excessive lip licking and drooling in dogs and offer guidance on how to respond responsibly to keep your pet healthy and comfortable.

1. Normal Reasons for Lip Licking and Drooling

Some dogs naturally drool more than others depending on their breed, such as Bloodhounds or Basset Hounds, who have looser jowls. Lip licking may simply be a sign of anticipation, such as when your dog expects food or a treat. Additionally, dogs use lip licking as a calming signal or appeasement gesture during social interactions to show they are not a threat.

It’s important to recognise when this behaviour aligns with normal, healthy communication and when it could indicate discomfort or health issues.

2. Nausea or Upset Stomach

A common cause of increased drooling or lip licking is nausea. If your dog has an unsettled stomach due to minor indigestion, eating something inappropriate, or a mild infection, they may drool excessively or lick their lips repeatedly. This happens because nausea often causes excessive saliva production.

If vomiting occurs, your dog might settle afterward. Occasional episodes are usually not severe, but persistent or severe nausea should be assessed by your vet to rule out parasites, allergies, poisoning, or gastrointestinal infections.

3. Dental Pain or Oral Problems

Issues with teeth or gums are frequent causes behind drooling and licking the lips. Dental disease such as tartar buildup, gingivitis, or broken teeth can cause significant pain. Mouth ulcers, growths, or infections may also irritate your dog, prompting them to lick the area more often.

Regular dental check-ups and hygiene care, including professional cleaning by your vet, are vital to prevent long-term problems. If you notice bad breath, red or swollen gums, or your dog is reluctant to eat, arrange a veterinary examination promptly.

4. Foreign Bodies or Irritation

Dogs may pick up small objects outside such as grass seeds, burrs, or small sticks which can lodge in their mouth, throat, or nasal passages. This causes noticeable discomfort, increased drooling, lip licking, pawing at the face, coughing, or sneezing.

If you suspect a foreign object, carefully check your dog’s mouth if safe to do so and seek veterinary assistance to remove the item to avoid injury or infection.

5. Canine Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus)

Bloat is a medical emergency and can quickly become life-threatening. It is characterised by excessive drooling and lip licking combined with attempts to vomit unsuccessfully, restlessness, pacing, and abdominal bloating.

If you observe these symptoms, especially in large, deep-chested breeds like Great Danes or German Shepherds, seek urgent veterinary care immediately. Early intervention greatly improves the chances of a positive outcome.

6. Neurological Conditions: Focal Partial Seizures

Occasionally, dogs may experience focal partial seizures, which can cause temporary trance-like states or baffling behaviours including lip licking, drooling, twitching, or snapping.

These episodes usually last only a few seconds but require a veterinary diagnosis to manage appropriately. If your dog shows any seizure-like activity, keep a record of the behaviour and consult your vet for examination and possible referral to a specialist.

7. Stress and Anxiety

Stressful situations such as vet visits, car journeys, new environments, or separation from owners can cause your dog to drool excessively or lick their lips as a calming or displacement behaviour.

Recognising anxiety triggers and providing a calm, reassuring environment can help reduce this behaviour. In some cases, anxiety management techniques or medication prescribed by your vet may be needed for the dog's welfare.

When to See Your Vet

While occasional lip licking and drooling can be normal, persistent or severe symptoms, especially accompanied by vomiting, lethargy, swelling, pain, or behavioural changes, require prompt veterinary evaluation.

Your vet can perform a thorough oral examination, assess for systemic illness, check for foreign bodies, and recommend treatment tailored to your dog's needs. Early professional advice helps avoid complications and ensures your dog's comfort and health.

Remember, responsible pet ownership includes monitoring your dog's behaviour and seeking help when something seems unusual. Your attentive care can make all the difference to your dog’s wellbeing.

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