If you’ve noticed that your dog has been drinking more water than usual and licking their lips excessively, it’s important to pay attention.
These behaviors could be signs of a health issue, and it’s important to determine the cause as soon as possible in order to properly care for your dog.
We outline some of the potential causes of increased water intake and lip licking in dogs, and what to do to address it.
Here’s why dog licking lips and drinking lots of water occurs
A dog licking lips and drinking lots of water may occur due to thirst and dehydration, medical conditions, side effects of medication, dental problems, stress, heat stroke or fever, gastrointestinal issues including stomach upset, nausea, and acid reflux.
While some causes of excessive lip licking and increased water intake may be relatively harmless, others may indicate underlying health issues.
Causes of Dog Licking Lips And Drinking Lots Of Water
Common causes behind a dog licking lips and drinking lots of water include:
Thirst and Dehydration
Dogs, like humans, need water to stay hydrated. Increased water consumption and lip licking can be a natural response to quench their thirst.
Thirst and dehydration occurs when the body doesn’t have enough fluids to function properly.
Symptoms of dehydration in dogs includes lethargy, dry mouth and gums, sunken eyes, and a decrease in skin elasticity.
If your dog is dehydrated, they may drink more water in an effort to replenish the fluids they are missing.
Factors such as hot weather, physical activity, or a dry environment can contribute to a dog’s increased water intake.
Medical conditions
Certain medical conditions can cause increased water intake and lip licking in dogs. Some of these conditions include diabetes, kidney disease, and Cushing’s disease.
Side effects of medication
Some medications or treatments may cause dogs to feel thirsty and subsequently drink more water. This is due to a variety of factors, including the way the medication affects a dog’s fluid balance and the potential side effects of the medication.
For example, some medications, such as diuretics, can increase urine production and lead to increased thirst and water intake.
Other medications, such as those that affect the way the body metabolizes glucose, can lead to increased thirst and urination, leading to increased water intake and licking of lips.
Dental Issues
Dental problems, such as gum disease, tooth decay, or oral infections, can lead to discomfort or pain while eating.
Dogs may lick their lips excessively and increase water consumption as a way to soothe their mouths.
Stress
Dogs may lick their lips as a calming signal when they feel stressed, anxious, or uncomfortable in their surroundings.
Excessive panting and increased water intake can also be signs of emotional distress in dogs.
Dental Issues
Dental problems, such as gum disease, tooth decay, or oral infections, can lead to discomfort or pain while eating. Dogs may lick their lips excessively and increase water consumption as a way to soothe their mouths.
Heatstroke or Fever
Heatstroke or a fever can cause dogs to pant excessively, lick their lips, and drink more water.
These symptoms are their bodies’ way of trying to regulate their body temperature and cool down.
Gastrointestinal problems
Digestive issues, such as upset stomach, nausea, or acid reflux, can cause dogs to lick their lips in an attempt to alleviate discomfort. Drinking more water may also help to ease these symptoms or dilute stomach acids.
What to do if your dog is licking lips and drinking lots of water
Monitor your dog’s water intake
Keep track of how much water your dog is drinking and how frequently they are drinking. This will help you determine if their water intake is normal for them or if there has been a significant increase.
Look for any obvious causes of your dog’s increased water intake and lip licking, such as thirst due to a lack of access to clean, fresh water or an increase in heat exposure.
Make sure your dog has access to clean, fresh water at all times, especially during hot weather or if they are taking certain medications.
Increased water intake and lip licking can be normal side effect of some medications and may not necessarily indicate a problem. However, if you notice an unusual increase in your dog’s water intake and lip licking while they are taking a new medication, consult with your veterinarian.
Also, if your dog has recently started a new medication regimen, discuss the possibility of increased water intake with your veterinarian.
Consult with your veterinarian
If you are unable to identify the potential cause of your dog’s licking lips and excessive drinking of water or if the behavior persists, consult with your veterinarian. This is because the behavior can be due to an underlying health condition.
The veterinarian will conduct a full examination, determine the underlying cause and develop a more comprehensive plan to address your dog’s behavior.
A veterinarian should also be consulted regarding your dog’s lip licking and drinking of a lot of water when:
Persistent or severe symptoms: If your dog’s increased water intake and lip licking persists or is severe, it is important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible.
These behaviors could be signs of a more serious health issue that needs to be addressed.
Other concerning symptoms: If you notice any other concerning symptoms in addition to increased water intake and lip licking, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea, seek veterinary care as soon as possible.
Dehydration: If your dog is showing signs of dehydration, such as a dry mouth and gums, sunken eyes, or a decrease in skin elasticity, consult your veterinarian.
Dehydration is a serious condition that requires immediate treatment.
Difficulty drinking or swallowing: If you notice that your dog is having difficulty drinking or swallowing, seek veterinary care. This could be a sign of a more serious issue, such as an obstruction in the throat or esophagus.
Takeaway
Dogs may lick their lips and drink excessive amounts of water due to various factors, including natural physiological responses and potential health concerns.
It is important to pay attention to these behaviors and consult with your veterinarian if you notice any changes in your dog’s behavior.
Your veterinarian will be able to perform a physical examination and run any necessary tests to determine the cause of your dog’s increased water intake and lip licking and recommend the appropriate treatment.
