If a dog keeps licking their lips and then vomiting, it can be distressing for owners to watch and concerning for the dog’s health.
This unusual combination of behaviors often signals an underlying issue that shouldn’t be ignored.
We outline the common reasons why a dog keeps licking their lips and throws up, what you can do, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Keeps Licking Lips and Throwing Up — Why It Happens
When a dog licks their lips excessively and vomits, it usually points to nausea, discomfort, or an underlying health issue. This can stem from digestive problems, dietary indiscretion, acid reflux, ingestion of toxins, or systemic illnesses. Dogs may lick their lips as a subconscious response to nausea, and vomiting follows when their body attempts to expel what’s causing distress.
Some cases are mild, but others can be dangerous, especially if vomiting persists.
Dog Keeps Licking Lips and Throwing Up: Common Causes
Dietary Indiscretion
Dogs are notorious for eating things they shouldn’t—leftovers, spoiled food, or even non-food items. When this happens, their stomach becomes upset.
Excessive lip licking often appears before vomiting as the dog feels queasy. Owners may also notice drooling, restlessness, or attempts to eat grass.
While a mild case might pass, eating toxic or spoiled substances can become life-threatening.
Read more: Dog Excessively Licking Lips at Night (What it could mean)
Acid Reflux
Just like humans, dogs can suffer from acid reflux. This occurs when stomach acid flows upward into the esophagus, irritating the lining.
The discomfort leads to frequent lip licking as a way of coping, followed by vomiting bile or partially digested food.
Over time, acid reflux can cause weight loss and chronic irritation, so recurring symptoms shouldn’t be overlooked.
Gastrointestinal Obstruction
If a dog swallows a toy, bone, or other object, it can block the intestines. This often leads to nausea, lip licking, and repeated attempts to vomit.
The vomit may contain food, bile, or foam, and the dog may appear lethargic or in pain. Obstructions are medical emergencies and require immediate veterinary care.
Toxin Ingestion
Dogs may ingest toxic plants, household chemicals, or human medications. Many of these substances irritate the digestive tract, triggering nausea, excessive lip licking, and vomiting.
Depending on the toxin, other symptoms may include tremors, diarrhea, or seizures. If poisoning is suspected, emergency treatment is crucial.
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed, often after eating fatty foods.
Dogs with pancreatitis typically drool, lick their lips constantly, and vomit repeatedly.
They may also have abdominal pain, diarrhea, or a hunched posture. This condition is serious and needs veterinary intervention for pain relief and fluid therapy.
Motion Sickness or Anxiety
Not all causes are severe—some dogs lick their lips and vomit when experiencing motion sickness during car rides or intense anxiety.
Stress activates the digestive system in unusual ways, leading to nausea. While these causes may seem less dangerous, repeated vomiting can still dehydrate a dog quickly.
Read more: Dog Excessively Licking Chops (Why it happens and when to worry)
What to Do If Your Dog Licks Its Lips and Throws Up
If your dog vomits once but seems fine afterward, you can monitor them at home. Withhold food for several hours to rest the stomach, but ensure fresh water is available.
When reintroducing food, offer a bland diet like boiled chicken and rice in small portions. Keep them calm and prevent access to trash or unsafe items.
If the issue seems linked to car rides, consider short trips with breaks to reduce motion sickness.
For mild cases of acid reflux, adjusting feeding schedules to smaller, more frequent meals may help. However, ongoing or repeated symptoms always require veterinary advice.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
You should contact your veterinarian if your dog vomits multiple times in a day or if vomiting continues beyond 24 hours.
Immediate veterinary care is needed if vomit contains blood, if the dog is lethargic, shaking, or in visible pain, or if they stop drinking water.
Signs of dehydration such as dry gums, sunken eyes, or skin that doesn’t quickly return to place after being lifted are also red flags.
Puppies, senior dogs, and those with preexisting health issues should always be checked quickly, as they are more vulnerable to complications.
Read more: Dog licking lips excessively (Here’s why)
Key Takeaway
When a dog keeps licking their lips and throwing up, it’s usually a sign of nausea or a deeper health problem.
Some causes are mild and pass quickly, while others demand urgent medical care. Owners should monitor closely, offer supportive care at home for mild cases, and never hesitate to seek veterinary help when symptoms persist.
Acting quickly ensures your dog gets the right treatment and prevents small issues from becoming life-threatening.