A dog that suddenly starts excessively licking its lips can leave any pet owner feeling concerned.
While lip licking can sometimes be a normal behavior, when it happens suddenly and repetitively, it may indicate an underlying medical issue.
We outline the common reasons why a dog may suddenly start excessively licking its lips, what you can do, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Excessively Licking Lips Suddenly — Why It Happens
Sudden, excessive lip licking in dogs is often a sign of nausea, anxiety, or pain. Dogs may do this instinctively when they feel sick to their stomach, when they are experiencing dental pain, or when something is stuck in their mouth or throat.
It can also occur due to gastrointestinal problems, allergies, or even neurological conditions. Sometimes, stress or fear can trigger sudden lip licking episodes as a calming signal. Understanding these potential causes can help determine the next steps.
Dog Excessively Licking Lips Suddenly: Common Causes
Nausea and Upset Stomach
One of the most common reasons a dog may suddenly start licking its lips is nausea. Dogs instinctively lick to cope with feelings of queasiness. Owners may notice this behavior before vomiting or along with drooling and restlessness.
Nausea can be triggered by dietary indiscretion, such as eating something spoiled, or by more serious conditions like pancreatitis or infections. Sudden, repeated lip licking with drooling or attempts to eat grass may strongly suggest nausea.
Read more: Dog Excessively Licking Lips After Eating (What it means)
Something Stuck in the Mouth or Throat
If a dog suddenly begins licking its lips excessively, it may be trying to dislodge something. Small bones, sticks, or foreign objects can get caught between the teeth or stuck in the throat.
Dogs may paw at their mouth, gag, or appear distressed. This situation can be dangerous, especially if the object blocks the airway. Sudden onset lip licking with choking or gagging should be treated as urgent.
Dental Disease or Oral Pain
Dental problems like gum disease, tooth abscesses, or mouth ulcers can cause sudden lip licking as the dog tries to soothe discomfort. Bad breath, pawing at the mouth, or difficulty eating often accompany this behavior.
If untreated, dental infections can spread deeper into the body, making this a serious health concern that requires veterinary care.
Anxiety or Stress
Dogs often use lip licking as a calming signal when they feel anxious or threatened. If a dog suddenly starts licking its lips during a stressful situation — such as a loud noise, car ride, or trip to the vet — it may be a response to fear.
This type of lip licking usually stops once the stressful trigger is removed. However, chronic stress and anxiety can affect overall health if not addressed.
Allergies or Irritations
Sudden lip licking can also be triggered by allergic reactions. Environmental allergens like pollen, household cleaners, or even certain foods can cause itching, irritation, or swelling in and around the mouth.
A dog may lick excessively to try to soothe this irritation. In more severe cases, facial swelling or difficulty breathing may occur, which requires immediate veterinary care.
Neurological Conditions
Though less common, sudden repetitive lip licking can sometimes indicate a neurological issue, such as seizures or compulsive behavior disorders. Dogs experiencing a partial seizure may smack their lips, lick excessively, or show other odd repetitive behaviors.
If lip licking episodes are prolonged, occur in clusters, or are accompanied by disorientation, veterinary evaluation is essential.
Read more: Dog Excessively Licking Lips and Drooling (Here’s Why)
What to Do If Your Dog Is Excessively Licking Their Lips Suddenly
If a dog suddenly starts excessively licking its lips, first observe the situation carefully. Check for foreign objects in the mouth if it is safe to do so. Remove potential toxins or irritants the dog may have ingested.
Provide access to fresh water and allow the dog to rest in a calm environment. If the behavior seems linked to stress, reduce the source of anxiety and comfort the dog.
Monitor for accompanying signs such as vomiting, drooling, pawing at the mouth, or swelling. If the lip licking passes quickly and the dog seems otherwise normal, it may not be serious. However, if it continues or worsens, veterinary attention is needed.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Seek veterinary help immediately if the sudden lip licking is accompanied by signs of distress such as choking, gagging, drooling, or trouble breathing. These may indicate a blockage or allergic reaction.
Persistent or repetitive lip licking paired with vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy should also be evaluated, as these can signal gastrointestinal disease or nausea.
If a dog shows oral pain, bleeding gums, or foul breath alongside lip licking, a dental problem is likely and requires professional care.
Neurological signs such as seizures, confusion, or odd repetitive behaviors combined with lip licking also warrant prompt veterinary examination.
Read more: Dog licking lips excessively (Possible causes explained)
Key Takeaway
When a dog suddenly starts excessively licking its lips, it is often a signal that something is wrong — whether it’s nausea, dental pain, anxiety, or even something stuck in the mouth. While some cases may be mild and temporary, others can point to more serious health problems.
Monitoring your dog closely, providing comfort, and knowing when to call the vet are the best steps to ensure their safety. Trust your instincts — if the behavior seems unusual or is paired with other concerning signs, it’s always safest to seek veterinary guidance.