Dogs use their mouths to explore the world, so some licking and drooling are normal. But when a dog is excessively licking lips and drooling, it can be alarming for dog owners because it may signal discomfort or an underlying health issue.
We outline the common reasons why a dog may excessively lick their lips and drool, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Excessively Licking Lips and Drooling — Why It Happens
Excessive lip licking and drooling in dogs usually mean that something is irritating or unsettling a their mouth, throat, or digestive system. It may be caused by nausea, dental problems, oral injuries, heatstroke, or ingestion of something toxic.
Anxiety and stress can also trigger the behavior. While some causes are minor, others can be life-threatening, so understanding the possible reasons is important.
Dog Excessively Licking Lips and Drooling: Common Causes
Nausea and Gastrointestinal Upset
When a dog feels nauseous, excessive licking and drooling are common responses. The behavior may accompany vomiting, stomach gurgling, or loss of appetite.
This often happens if a dog eats something unusual, has motion sickness, or is dealing with underlying conditions like pancreatitis.
Nausea-related drooling tends to happen suddenly and may improve once the stomach settles, but persistent symptoms should not be ignored.
Read more: Dog Excessively Licking Lips After Eating (What it could mean)
Dental Disease and Oral Pain
Dental disease is a very common reason for dogs to lick their lips and drool. Plaque buildup, gum infections, broken teeth, or oral tumors can all cause pain that leads to excessive saliva and licking.
Owners may also notice bad breath, difficulty chewing, or blood in the saliva. Left untreated, dental issues can progress into severe infections that spread beyond the mouth.
Foreign Object Stuck in the Mouth or Throat
A small stick, bone fragment, or toy piece can get lodged in a dog’s mouth or throat, leading to frantic licking and drooling as the dog tries to dislodge it. This can become dangerous if the object blocks the airway.
You may notice pawing at the mouth, gagging, or sudden distress. This situation is urgent and requires immediate veterinary attention.
Heatstroke
When dogs overheat, they pant heavily and drool excessively in an effort to cool down. Lip licking often appears alongside drooling because the dog feels uncomfortable.
Heatstroke can happen quickly in hot weather or if a dog is exercised too much without water. Other signs include weakness, red gums, vomiting, and collapse. Heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency.
Anxiety or Stress
Some dogs excessively lick their lips and drool when they are anxious. This may happen during thunderstorms, fireworks, car rides, or vet visits. Stress-induced drooling is usually temporary and resolves once the dog calms down.
However, frequent episodes of anxiety can impact overall health and may need management through training or medication.
Toxicity or Poisoning
If a dog ingests something toxic, such as household cleaners, certain plants, or human medications, drooling and lip licking are often early signs. Other symptoms may include vomiting, tremors, or seizures.
Toxin ingestion is always a veterinary emergency and requires immediate treatment.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Excessively Licking Their Lips and Drooling
If the behavior happens occasionally and resolves quickly, it may not be serious. But if it persists, there are steps you can take at home to help.
First, check the dog’s mouth for visible injuries or stuck objects, but only if it is safe to do so. Offer fresh water and remove access to potential toxins. Keep the dog in a cool, calm environment if heat or stress seems to be the cause.
If nausea is suspected, withholding food for a short period (but not water) may help the stomach settle, but long-term refusal to eat should be evaluated by a vet. For anxious dogs, providing comfort, quiet space, or calming aids can reduce stress.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Persistent drooling and lip licking always warrant veterinary attention, especially if paired with other symptoms. Seek immediate help if your dog is gagging, pawing at the mouth, or showing signs of choking. Vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, or collapse also indicate urgent care is needed.
If your dog has bad breath, swollen gums, or visible oral pain, schedule a dental exam. For suspected poisoning, rush to a vet or emergency clinic right away. Heatstroke signs should never be ignored, as they can quickly become fatal.
Read more: Dog licking lips excessively (Possible causes explained)
Key Takeaway
Excessive lip licking and drooling in dogs may seem minor, but it is often a sign of discomfort or illness. From dental disease and nausea to anxiety, toxins, and heatstroke, the causes range from manageable to life-threatening.
The best approach is to monitor closely, provide comfort, and seek veterinary guidance when symptoms persist or worsen. Acting early helps ensure that your dog gets relief and stays healthy.