If your dog is experiencing hiccups and is licking their lips excessively, this could be a signal of various underlying conditions. While both behaviors can occur occasionally without concern, persistent or repeated episodes should be investigated.
We outline why dog hiccups and licking lips happen, the possible causes, what it could mean, and when you should be concerned.
Dog Hiccups and Licking Lips
Dog hiccups are involuntary contractions of the diaphragm, often followed by a quick closure of the vocal cords, producing a distinctive “hic” sound. While hiccups in dogs can be harmless and typically short-lived, frequent hiccups may indicate something more serious.
Licking lips in dogs, on the other hand, can be a normal part of behavior. Dogs often lick their lips after eating, drinking, or smelling something unfamiliar. However, when lip licking becomes excessive or repetitive, especially without an obvious cause, it may indicate nausea, anxiety, pain, or another underlying issue.
When dog hiccups and licking lips occur together, it’s worth understanding what may be triggering these behaviors, especially if they happen frequently or alongside other symptoms.
Here’s Why Dog Hiccups and Licking Lips Happens
There are various reasons a dog might exhibit both hiccups and lip licking at the same time. These symptoms often indicate that something is bothering your dog’s body, either physically or emotionally.
In many cases, dog hiccups and licking lips are symptoms of:
Gastrointestinal irritation or nausea
Anxiety or stress
Acid reflux or indigestion
Ingestion of foreign substances or toxins
Pain or discomfort
Respiratory irritation
Side effects of medication
Let’s look deeper into each of these causes and how they relate to hiccups and lip licking in dogs.
Why Dog Hiccups and Licking Lips Happens
1. Nausea or Gastrointestinal Upset
One of the most common causes of both dog hiccups and licking lips is nausea.
Dogs experiencing nausea may start to lick their lips as a soothing behavior to help deal with the uncomfortable sensation.
At the same time, nausea can irritate the diaphragm, triggering hiccups in dogs. If your dog has an upset stomach, you may also notice signs such as:
Drooling
Eating grass
Vomiting
Gulping or swallowing frequently
Restlessness or pacing
Dogs may develop nausea from eating spoiled food, experiencing motion sickness, or developing gastrointestinal conditions like gastritis or pancreatitis.
If your dog’s hiccups and lip licking are accompanied by vomiting or loss of appetite, it’s a clear sign that veterinary attention is needed.
Related: Dog hiccups and licking (Explained)
2. Stress and Anxiety
Stress is another common cause of both hiccups and lip licking in dogs.
A stressed dog may exhibit physical symptoms such as shallow breathing, muscle tension, and gastrointestinal upset—all of which can lead to hiccups.
Lip licking is often a calming signal or a displacement behavior in dogs.
When a dog feels anxious, they may start to lick their lips, yawn excessively, or pace.
Triggers for stress in dogs can include:
Changes in routine or environment
Loud noises (e.g., fireworks, thunderstorms)
Separation anxiety
Visits to the vet
Introduction of new pets or people
In these cases, dog licking lips and hiccups are not necessarily signs of a physical illness, but rather an emotional response. However, chronic stress can lead to health problems over time, so it’s important to address the root cause.
3. Acid Reflux or Indigestion
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux is a condition in dogs where stomach acid moves up into the esophagus, causing discomfort, hiccups, and lip licking.
The irritation caused by acid reflux can stimulate the diaphragm, leading to hiccups.
Additionally, dogs with acid reflux often lick their lips to deal with the unpleasant taste or sensation in their throat and mouth.
Symptoms that may accompany dog hiccups and lip licking due to acid reflux include:
Gagging or coughing
Swallowing excessively
Lack of interest in food
Regurgitation
Bad breath
If you suspect your dog is dealing with acid reflux, a vet visit is recommended.
Diet changes, antacids, or feeding smaller meals more frequently can often help manage the condition.
4. Ingestion of Toxins or Irritants
If your dog has licked or eaten something irritating or toxic, they may exhibit both hiccups and excessive lip licking.
Certain household cleaners, plants, or human medications can be toxic to dogs and cause a variety of symptoms.
Lip licking is the dog’s way of responding to a strange taste or irritation in the mouth. Hiccups can also result as the gastrointestinal tract reacts to the ingested substance.
Other signs of poisoning may include:
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Tremors
Seizures
Lethargy
If you suspect your dog has ingested something toxic, contact a veterinarian immediately.
5. Respiratory Irritation or Infections
Mild respiratory irritation or infections can cause hiccups in dogs due to the inflammation around the diaphragm or lungs.
If your dog is licking their lips along with hiccups, they may be experiencing post-nasal drip or throat discomfort.
Respiratory issues may present with symptoms like:
Coughing or sneezing
Runny nose
Wheezing
Lethargy
These symptoms should not be ignored, as untreated respiratory infections can worsen quickly.
6. Pain or Discomfort
Sometimes, dogs will start licking their lips and having hiccups as a response to pain. This could be due to abdominal pain, dental pain, or even internal injuries.
The body’s response to pain can cause shallow breathing and muscle contractions—leading to hiccups. Lip licking, in this case, is often a self-soothing behavior.
Other signs your dog may be in pain include:
Whimpering or yelping
Reluctance to move
Panting
Changes in posture or gait
If your dog is showing signs of discomfort with no clear cause, it’s best to consult your vet.
7. Side Effects of Medication
Certain medications may cause both lip licking and hiccups in dogs as side effects.
Drugs that affect the gastrointestinal system, such as antibiotics or anti-inflammatories, may cause indigestion or acid reflux.
Additionally, medications that cause drowsiness or sedation may relax the muscles involved in breathing, potentially triggering hiccups.
Always consult your veterinarian about any side effects your dog is experiencing from prescribed medication.
What To Do if Your Dog Has Hiccups and Is Licking Their Lips
If your dog is having occasional hiccups and licking their lips once in a while, it may not be a major concern.
However, if these behaviors become frequent, are accompanied by other symptoms, or if your dog seems distressed, take the following steps:
Observe and Document:
Note how often the symptoms occur
Monitor any additional signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, or loss of appetite
Keep track of any dietary or environmental changes
Home Remedies:
Offer water to help settle the diaphragm
Feed small, slow meals to prevent swallowing excess air
Avoid giving table scraps or unfamiliar foods
When to See a Vet
You should consult a veterinarian immediately if:
Hiccups persist for more than a few hours
Lip licking becomes obsessive or constant
There are additional signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, or lethargy
You suspect your dog has ingested something toxic
Key Takeaway
Dog hiccups and licking lips can be normal behaviors when they occur occasionally.
However, if these symptoms appear frequently or alongside other signs like vomiting, lethargy, or restlessness, they may indicate a more serious underlying issue.
Identifying the underlying cause is the key to helping your dog feel better.
When in doubt, always consult your veterinarian to ensure your dog receives proper care and treatment. Early intervention can prevent minor issues from becoming serious problems.