Is a dog eating grass and licking lips normal or does it mean something wrong?
While it may appear harmless, a dog eating grass and licking lips could be due to an underlying health or emotional problem.
We outline what it means when your dog eats grass and licks their lips, when you should worry, and what you can do to help your pup feel better.
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Here’s Why Your Dog Is Eating Grass and Licking Lips
When your dog is eating grass and licking their lips, it often signals nausea, an upset stomach, or even anxiety. Lip licking is a common sign of queasiness in dogs, and some instinctively eat grass to soothe their stomach or induce vomiting.
In other cases, it could be due to boredom, a dietary deficiency, or something stuck in their mouth.
While it’s usually not serious, frequent episodes should be evaluated by a vet to rule out underlying health issues like acid reflux, GI distress, or anxiety disorders.
Is It Normal for Dogs to Eat Grass?
Yes, it’s normal for dogs to eat grass. Many dogs occasionally munch on grass as a natural behavior, and it’s generally not a cause for concern.
Some do it out of boredom, curiosity, or instinct, while others may be trying to relieve stomach discomfort or add fiber to their diet.
As long as your dog isn’t vomiting frequently, showing signs of illness, or eating grass obsessively, this behavior is typically harmless.
However, consistent grass eating may warrant a vet visit to rule out underlying issues.
Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?
Here are a few of the main reasons why dogs eat grass:
Boredom or Curiosity – Especially in young dogs or puppies, eating grass can be a way to entertain themselves.
Nutritional Deficiency – Some dogs might seek grass if they’re low in fiber or other nutrients.
Stomach Upset – A popular theory suggests dogs eat grass to make themselves vomit if they’re feeling nauseous.
Instinctual Behavior – Dogs may eat grass simply because it’s part of their ancestral foraging behavior.
However, when dog eating grass is followed by licking lips repeatedly, it may hint at something more than just boredom.
What Does It Mean When a Dog Is Licking Lips?
Licking lips in dogs is typically a sign of one of the following:
Nausea or upset stomach
Anxiety or stress
Thirst or dry mouth
Something stuck in the mouth or throat
Dental issues or mouth pain
When you combine dog eating grass and licking lips, you’re getting a bigger behavioral puzzle. Let’s look closer at what this combination could mean.
Dog Eating Grass and Licking Lips: 5 Common Reasons
1. Nausea or Upset Stomach
The most common cause behind a dog eating grass and licking lips is nausea. Dogs may feel queasy and instinctively turn to grass to try and induce vomiting.
Right before or after this, they might start licking their lips—a classic sign of nausea in dogs.
You might also notice:
Gulping or excessive swallowing
Drooling
Restlessness or pacing
If your dog vomits yellow bile after eating grass and licking their lips, that’s a strong indicator that nausea was indeed the trigger.
Monitor how frequently this behavior occurs. If it’s a one-off event, it’s likely nothing to worry about.
But if your dog is eating grass and licking lips often, consult your vet.
Related: Dog eating grass and licking everything (Here’s why)
2. Foreign Object in Mouth or Throat
Sometimes a dog may lick their lips excessively after eating grass because something is stuck in their mouth or throat.
Grass blades can be irritating or get lodged between teeth or in the throat, prompting lip licking and head shaking.
Check your dog’s mouth gently and look for:
Grass stuck in the gums
Cuts or sores
Swollen tonsils or gums
A dog eating grass and licking lips repeatedly after may be trying to dislodge something uncomfortable.
3. Acid Reflux or Empty Stomach
Another common culprit is acid reflux or hunger pangs. When a dog’s stomach is empty, bile can build up and cause discomfort.
Dogs will often lick their lips and seek out grass as a way to soothe the discomfort or induce vomiting.
If your dog regularly exhibits this behavior in the morning or before meals, it may be related to an empty stomach.
To help:
Feed smaller, more frequent meals
Offer a snack before bedtime
Talk to your vet about antacids or GI protectants
Many dog owners notice that their dog licks lips and eats grass early in the day. This could be a signal that their tummy is too empty.
4. Anxiety or Stress
Lip licking is a common calming signal in dogs—basically a way they self-soothe during stress.
If your dog is licking lips and eating grass, especially during thunderstorms, car rides, or when left alone, anxiety might be the cause.
Signs to watch for:
Pacing or whining
Panting
Hiding or clinging behavior
Anxious dogs may munch on grass and lick their lips compulsively to cope.
If this behavior aligns with stressful triggers, it may be time to consider behavioral training, calming supplements, or speaking with your vet about anxiety solutions.
Related: Dog eating grass and vomiting yellow bile (Here’s why)
5. Dental or Mouth Pain
Sometimes the combination of dog eating grass and licking lips is linked to discomfort in the mouth.
Chewing grass can feel soothing on inflamed gums, and licking lips may be your dog’s way of trying to deal with the irritation.
Check for:
Bad breath
Swollen gums or bleeding
Loose or broken teeth
Dental problems often go unnoticed until your dog starts showing subtle signs like licking lips and avoiding food.
Regular dental checkups are crucial to catch these early.
Related: Dog eating grass and not eating (Here’s why)
When to Be Concerned
While dog eating grass and licking lips can be harmless in many cases, there are times you should definitely take action. Contact your vet if:
The behavior is sudden and intense
Your dog vomits repeatedly
You see blood in vomit or stool
Your dog refuses food or water
The behavior is chronic or worsening
Recurrent episodes may point to underlying issues like gastrointestinal disease, parasites, or even pancreatitis.
How to Help a Dog That Eats Grass and Licks Lips
1. Observe Closely
Note the time of day, your dog’s mood, and what happened before and after the behavior.
A pattern may emerge—whether it’s related to hunger, stress, or boredom.
2. Rule Out Health Problems
Your vet may recommend:
Blood work
X-rays or ultrasound
Fecal exam
Dietary evaluation
These tests can rule out medical causes like GI disorders or nutrient deficiencies.
3. Try a High-Fiber Diet
If your dog is eating grass due to a fiber craving, switching to a high-fiber dog food or adding fiber-rich treats like canned pumpkin may help curb the urge.
4. Address Anxiety
If stress is behind the lip licking and grass eating, consider:
Providing a safe, quiet space
Using pheromone diffusers
Enrichment toys to distract and calm
Talking to your vet about anxiety medications
Key Takeaway
Seeing your dog eat grass and lick lips can be puzzling or even worrying. In most cases, it’s not an emergency—but it’s always worth observing and understanding the triggers.
Whether it’s nausea, anxiety, or something lodged in their mouth, your dog is communicating the best way they know how.
By being proactive, keeping an eye on patterns, and talking to your vet when needed, you can help your furry friend stay happy and healthy—and maybe keep them from turning your lawn into a salad bar!
FAQs
Q: Should I stop my dog from eating grass?
A: Occasionally eating grass is normal, but if it becomes frequent or causes vomiting, speak to your vet.
Q: Is lip licking always a sign of nausea?
A: No—dogs also lick their lips when anxious, stressed, or if something’s stuck in their mouth.
Q: My dog licks lips and eats grass every morning—why?
A: This may be due to an empty stomach or acid reflux. Feeding a small snack before bed might help.