My Dog Keeps Licking His Lips And Swallowing. Why and What to do.

This behavior can have many causes, ranging from something as simple as a dry mouth to something more serious such as an underlying health issue.

In this blog post, we will explore the possible causes of a dog licking his lips and swallowing, as well as ways to help manage the behavior.

Why My Dog Keeps Licking His Lips And Swallowing.

Normal Behavior

My dog keeps licking his lips and swallowing frequently, and this is a normal behavior for dogs. It is often a sign that he is trying to clean something off his face or simply just keeping his face clean.

Swallowing is also a normal behavior for dogs and is often a sign that he is trying to self-soothe or that he is feeling anxious or stressed.

Additionally, dogs will often lick their lips and swallow when they are hungry, so it is important to make sure that your dog is getting enough food and water throughout the day.

If your dog is displaying this behavior more frequently than usual, it may be a sign of an underlying medical issue, so it is important to consult your veterinarian for further advice.

Behavioral Issues

My dog has been licking his lips and swallowing excessively lately. This behavior is often a sign of anxiety or stress, so I’m monitoring him closely. I’m trying to identify any potential triggers or anxiety-inducing situations he may be exposed to.

I’m also making sure that he has plenty of opportunities to relax and stay calm, such as taking daily walks and providing plenty of mental stimulation. If the behavior persists, I may need to take him to the vet to rule out any medical issues.

Medical Causes

My dog keeps licking his lips and swallowing, which can be a sign of a medical issue. He may be experiencing abdominal pain, nausea, or an allergy.

He might have a sore throat or an infection of his gums. If the licking and swallowing are accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, coughing, or a decrease in appetite, it could be a sign of a more serious medical problem and he should be seen by a vet.

It is important to get medical attention right away if the licking and swallowing persist or worsen, as it could be a sign of an underlying medical condition.

1. Your Dog Has Dental Problems

If your dog keeps licking his lips and swallowing, it may be due to dental problems. Dental disease is very common in dogs, and it can cause discomfort in the mouth that your pet may try to alleviate by licking and swallowing.

Poor dental hygiene can also lead to other health problems, so it is important to have your pet examined by a veterinarian to determine the cause of the issue.

Your vet can provide advice on proper dental care and can also assess if any further treatment is necessary.

2. Your Dog is Suffering from Nausea

If your dog is constantly licking his lips and swallowing, it is likely that he is suffering from nausea. Nausea can be caused by a variety of things, such as motion sickness, stress, a reaction to a medication, or an underlying medical condition.

If your dog is exhibiting this behavior, it is important to have him examined by a veterinarian to make sure there is not a serious underlying medical condition. Your vet may prescribe medications to help ease the nausea, as well as suggest dietary changes to help your pup feel better.

If your dog is still exhibiting these symptoms after seeing the vet, try to find out what is causing the nausea and take steps to help alleviate it.

3. Your Dog Has Ptyalism

Your dog has ptyalism, a condition in which excessive saliva production causes them to continuously lick their lips and swallow. This is often a sign of stress or anxiety, so it’s important to pay attention to your dog’s behavior.

If your dog is licking their lips and swallowing more than usual, it could be a sign that they are feeling overwhelmed or anxious. To help ease their stress, try taking them for a walk, playing with them, or providing them with a calming toy.

If their licking persists, it may be a sign of an underlying medical issue and you should contact your veterinarian.

What To Do If You See Your Dog Licking and Swallowing

When you see your dog licking and swallowing excessively, here are some steps you can take to figure out the cause and address it:

1. Observe and Assess:
   • Frequency and Duration: Is this a new behavior or something they’ve done occasionally? How long does the licking and swallowing last?
   • Other Symptoms: Are there any accompanying signs like vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, loss of appetite, or lethargy?
   • Context: Did your dog eat recently? Are they around mealtime? Have they been outside or ingested something unusual? Consider any recent changes in their environment or routine.
2. Check Their Mouth:
   • With gentleness, take a peek inside your dog’s mouth (if they’ll allow it) for any signs of irritation, redness, swelling, or foreign objects lodged between teeth.
3. Water Availability:
   • Make sure your dog has easy access to fresh, clean water. Dehydration can cause excessive lip licking.
4. Calming Cues:
   • If you suspect anxiety, offer calming reassurance and familiar routines. Is there a recent change that might be stressing them out?
5. Seek Veterinary Attention:
   • If the lip licking is persistent (lasting several hours), accompanied by other concerning symptoms, or you’re worried about the cause, err on the side of caution and schedule a checkup with your veterinarian.
   • The vet can perform a thorough examination, diagnose the underlying issue, and recommend the appropriate treatment plan.

When to See a Vet

If my dog keeps licking his lips and swallowing excessively, it is important that I take him to the vet right away. This could be a sign of dental disease, an obstruction in the mouth, or even a neurological disorder.

The vet can take a look and determine the cause of the problem, as well as provide the appropriate treatment. If left untreated, any of these conditions could become more serious, so it is important to take my dog to the vet as soon as possible.

Conclusion

While some lip licking is normal behavior, especially around mealtimes, excessive licking and swallowing can indicate an underlying health concern. By observing your dog’s behavior and seeking professional help if needed, you can ensure their comfort and well-being.