Help! My Dog Doesn’t Stop Lip Licking! (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Veterinarian & Animal Behaviorist
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Paola brings hands-on experience across multiple species. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara, she specializes in preventive care, animal welfare, and positive reinforcement training.
The Question
“Dear Dr. Paola,
My dog Pip is licking her lips for several minutes at a time. It even wakes her up. She does it if we are out walking, she’s lying in her bed, etc. It happens approximately every hour. Had she got something wrong with her?” – Shelley
Quick Info about Pip
Hi Shelley,
It’s great that you are so observant of Pip’s behavior. Frequent lip licking, especially when it disrupts Pip’s sleep or happens as often as every hour, is usually a sign that something isn’t quite right. While occasional lip-licking can be normal, like when a dog is tasting something or feeling a bit anxious, persistent episodes like you’re describing could indicate nausea, acid reflux, dental discomfort, or even an issue affecting her throat. Some dogs also lick their lips excessively when they have an underlying gastrointestinal problem, such as an upset stomach or inflammation. If she’s swallowing a lot alongside the licking, it might suggest regurgitation or reflux.
Since this is happening so frequently and is even waking her up, it would be best to have Pip checked by a veterinarian. A thorough oral exam, along with checking for any signs of nausea, could help pinpoint the cause. If this started recently and is progressively worsening, or if you notice other changes like decreased appetite, gulping, or drooling, those would be important details to share with your vet. In the meantime, keeping a close eye on when it happens, like whether it’s before or after meals, during certain activities, or after drinking, could help in identifying any patterns that might give clues to the underlying issue.
Sincerely,
Dr. Paola