When an old dog suddenly starts licking and swallowing excessively, it can be worrying to watch.
The behavior often appears out of nowhere — your dog may lick the air, their lips, the floor, or nearby objects while repeatedly swallowing like they’re trying to clear their throat or settle their stomach.
In this guide, we explain the most common reasons why an old dog may lick and swallow excessively suddenly, what you can do at home, and when it’s best to involve your veterinarian.
Old Dog Licking and Swallowing Excessively Suddenly: Why It Happens
An old dog licking and swallowing excessively suddenly is often experiencing nausea, reflux, anxiety, pain, dental disease, or something physically stuck or irritating the mouth or throat.
Dogs often lick and swallow more when they feel nauseous or have excess saliva. They may also do it when their mouth is painful, their throat feels irritated, or they are anxious or distressed.
Because senior dogs tend to hide discomfort, this sudden repetitive behavior can be one of the first clues that something is wrong.
Old Dog Licking and Swallowing Excessively Suddenly: Common Causes
Nausea and Digestive Upset
Nausea is one of the most common reasons an old dog suddenly begins licking and swallowing excessively. When dogs feel queasy, their body produces extra saliva, and swallowing helps them manage it.
They may lick the air, their lips, the floor, or your hands as a way to cope with the sensation. You might also notice drooling, restlessness, or attempts to eat grass.
In senior dogs, nausea can develop from many causes — including gastritis, pancreatitis, liver disease, kidney disease, intestinal irritation, food sensitivity, or side effects from medication.
Acid reflux is especially common in older dogs and can make them lick and swallow repeatedly, often worse at night or after meals.
Sometimes nausea is mild and passes quickly, but if the behavior repeats or is accompanied by vomiting, appetite loss, diarrhea, or lethargy, it usually means a vet visit is needed to uncover the underlying cause.
Related: Dog excessively licking lips and swallowing (Here’s why)
Something Stuck or Irritating the Mouth or Throat
Another important reason for old dogs suddenly licking and swallowing excessively is the presence of something physically irritating the mouth or throat.
This can include small pieces of food lodged between teeth, hair caught in the mouth, a foreign object stuck in the gums or throat, or even a grass seed or plant material.
Dogs may lick repeatedly to try to dislodge the object while swallowing constantly to clear the sensation.
You may notice pawing at the face, gagging, coughing, or retching without producing vomit. Occasionally, this behavior is also linked to throat or tonsil inflammation.
Because older dogs can accidentally swallow objects more easily — especially if their dental health is poor — this possibility should always be taken seriously, particularly if the onset was sudden and severe.
Dental Disease or Oral Pain
Dental disease is extremely common in senior dogs and can absolutely cause excessive licking and swallowing.
Inflamed gums, infected teeth, tooth root abscesses, mouth ulcers, or oral tumors create ongoing discomfort that leads dogs to lick instinctively. The extra saliva that accompanies oral pain also makes swallowing more frequent.
You may notice bad breath, drooling, reluctance to eat hard kibble, bleeding gums, or facial swelling — though many dogs hide the pain incredibly well. Some continue eating normally while silently struggling.
Because mouth infections can spread to other organs over time, dental disease is more than just uncomfortable — it can affect overall health. That means any new licking and swallowing behavior in an older dog deserves a dental check-up.
Acid Reflux and Esophagitis
Older dogs frequently develop acid reflux and inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis). When stomach acid moves upward, it burns the lining of the esophagus and mouth, triggering lip-licking, floor-licking, and repeated swallowing as your dog tries to soothe the irritation.
This behavior is often worse after meals, overnight, or when your dog lies down. They may also burp, gulp, drool, or show reduced appetite. Some dogs even regurgitate small amounts of food shortly after eating.
Because senior dogs experience natural digestive changes — along with possible medication side effects — reflux becomes more likely with age. Fortunately, it is treatable once identified.
Anxiety, Stress, or Cognitive Decline
Licking and swallowing also appear in dogs experiencing anxiety or stress. Licking releases calming endorphins, so when senior dogs feel unsettled or confused, they may suddenly begin licking the air or swallowing repetitively as a coping response.
This behavior becomes especially significant when paired with canine cognitive dysfunction, a condition similar to dementia in elderly dogs.
Dogs may appear restless, wandering, pacing at night, staring into space, or forgetting familiar routines. Licking becomes repetitive and soothing when their world feels unfamiliar.
If your old dog suddenly develops new, repetitive behaviors alongside confusion or personality changes, cognitive decline may be playing a role — and supportive veterinary care can make life much easier for them.
Neurological Conditions or Focal Seizures
In some cases, excessive licking and swallowing can be linked to neurological issues — particularly focal seizures. These do not look like full-body seizures.
Instead, they may cause repeated lip-smacking, licking, gulping, or swallowing, sometimes paired with a blank stare or sudden stillness.
The dog may seem unaware of surroundings during the episode, and the behavior may be difficult to interrupt. Events often last seconds to minutes but can repeat throughout the day.
Because neurological signs always warrant medical attention, any sudden onset of unexplained repetitive licking or swallowing — especially if your dog seems “out of it” — should be checked promptly.
Nausea from Systemic Illness in Senior Dogs
Senior dogs are more prone to conditions such as kidney disease, liver disease, pancreatitis, diabetes, and metabolic disorders.
These illnesses commonly cause nausea and excess saliva, which leads to repeated swallowing and licking behavior.
Sometimes the behavior appears before obvious symptoms like weight loss or appetite changes, making it an early warning sign.
That’s why sudden new symptoms in older dogs should never be brushed off as “just old age.” Early diagnosis makes a big difference in comfort and outcome.
Related: Old dog constant diarrhea (Why it happens)
What to Do If Your Old Dog Is Licking and Swallowing Excessively Suddenly
If your old dog begins licking and swallowing excessively out of nowhere, try to stay calm and observe carefully.
Notice when the behavior happens, how long it lasts, whether it’s worse after meals, and whether it breaks easily when you distract your dog. These details help your veterinarian identify the cause more quickly.
Check your dog’s mouth gently if they allow it. Look for redness, swelling, obvious infection, or objects stuck between teeth. Avoid forcing the mouth open, especially if your dog seems painful.
Offer water to help with dry mouth or reflux and keep your dog in a calm, quiet space. Avoid giving table scraps, rich foods, or new treats until the cause is known — as these can worsen nausea or reflux.
Resist the urge to punish or scold. Your dog isn’t misbehaving. They are telling you something feels wrong.
If the behavior continues longer than a short episode, keeps returning, or is accompanied by other symptoms, a veterinary visit is the safest next step — especially for senior dogs.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Contact your veterinarian promptly if your old dog:
• Keeps licking and swallowing excessively.
• Seems nauseous, drooly, or restless.
• Refuses food or vomits.
• Has diarrhea or weight loss.
• Shows bad breath, mouth swelling, or dental pain.
• Appears confused, weak, or disoriented.
• Collapses or shows seizure-like behavior.
Seek urgent care if you suspect poisoning, choking, a severe allergic reaction, or an object stuck in the mouth or throat.
Your vet may recommend blood work, dental evaluation, abdominal scans, or neurological assessment depending on the symptoms. The goal is always to find the source of your dog’s discomfort and restore their quality of life as quickly as possible.
Read more: Old Dog Breathing Heavy and Not Eating (Here’s why)
Key Takeaway
When an old dog is licking and swallowing excessively suddenly, it is usually a signal that something isn’t right — whether that’s nausea, dental pain, reflux, anxiety, cognitive changes, or illness.
While some causes are minor and temporary, others require veterinary attention, so observing closely and acting early is the best way to protect your dog’s health.
Your senior dog depends on you to notice when something changes. With patience, compassion, and prompt care when needed, you can help ensure your beloved old friend stays as comfortable, happy, and healthy as possible in their golden years.