Help! My Dog Keeps Licking Her Lips! (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. Has she got something wrong with her? What should I do?” – Shelley
Quick Info about Pip
Hi Shelley, thank you for reaching out about Pip. Lip licking in dogs, especially when it happens frequently and disrupts her sleep, can indicate that something is bothering her. This behavior is often a sign of nausea, discomfort, or even anxiety. In some cases, it can also point to dental issues, oral irritation, or an underlying gastrointestinal problem, such as acid reflux.
Since the behavior occurs both during rest and while you’re out walking, it’s less likely to be situational (like stress or fear) and more likely something physical or medical. Nausea, for instance, can cause dogs to lick their lips repeatedly as a way to manage excess saliva or an unsettled stomach. Similarly, oral pain, like a sore tooth, gum irritation, or even something stuck in her mouth, could lead to this behavior.
To help Pip, it would be best to have her examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible. The vet can perform a thorough oral examination, check for signs of discomfort, and possibly run tests to rule out gastrointestinal issues. If you can, try to record a short video of her lip licking to show the vet; this can be very helpful in diagnosing the cause.
In the meantime, keep an eye on any other signs, such as changes in her appetite, vomiting, or excessive drooling, and try to keep her comfortable. If you’re unsure whether to wait or act urgently, consulting with our veterinarians at PangoVet, our tele-triage online veterinary service can guide the best next steps. I’m confident that with the right care, Pip will feel better soon!