Understanding Excessive Lip-Licking in Pets
Pet owners often observe their dogs or cats licking their lips, which can be completely normal behavior. However, excessive lip-licking may signal that something is wrong. It can be a subtle indicator of physical discomfort, emotional stress, or a behavioral issue that warrants attention.
What Is Lip-Licking?
Lip-licking refers to the behavior where a pet repeatedly licks its lips or flicks its tongue out. In dogs and cats, this can happen quickly, often unnoticed unless closely observed. While occasional lip-licking is normal during grooming or after eating, doing it too frequently is a red flag.
Common Causes of Excessive Lip-Licking
- Stress or Anxiety: Pets often lip-lick around stressful situations such as vet visits, loud noises, or unfamiliar environments. It’s a self-soothing signal to calm themselves.
- Nausea or Gastrointestinal Issues: Dogs and cats experiencing stomach discomfort or nausea may lick their lips more often as a symptom of queasiness.
- Mouth or Dental Problems: Oral discomfort due to dental disease, loose teeth, or gum inflammation can cause a pet to lick its lips frequently.
- Foreign Objects: If something is stuck in the pet’s mouth or throat—like a piece of a toy or stick—it might engage in repetitive lip-licking.
- Skin Allergies: Allergic reactions around the face or muzzle can lead to irritation severe enough to cause lip-licking.
- Attention-Seeking Behavior: Some pets learn that this behavior results in attention from their owners and may continue to do it more often.
Behavioral Reasons Behind Lip-Licking
Pets communicate largely through body language. Dogs, in particular, use lip-licking as a calming signal—a way to show they’re not a threat and to defuse tense situations.
When introduced to new people or animals, or during training sessions, dogs might lick their lips to signal their unease or submission. If a dog is being scolded or feels threatened, this could also result in excessive tongue flicking.
When to See a Veterinarian
- The lip-licking is persistent and not linked to mealtimes or grooming.
- It’s accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, drooling, or lack of appetite.
- There’s visible discomfort, head shaking, or pawing at the face.
- Your pet resists having its mouth checked or shows oral sensitivity.
In such scenarios, it’s important to consult your veterinarian. A physical exam, possible dental check, or imaging might be necessary to rule out underlying medical causes.
How to Address Excessive Lip-Licking at Home
- Monitor Their Environment: Reduce or eliminate stressors. If your pet dislikes visitors or loud music, provide a quiet space to retreat to.
- Review Their Diet: Ensure the food is not causing allergies or gastrointestinal upset.
- Provide Mental Stimulation: Boredom or anxiety can often be alleviated with more interactive play, puzzles, or exercise.
- Build Positive Associations: Work on desensitizing feared situations through gradual exposure and positive rewards.
Is Lip-Licking Ever Normal?
Yes, not all lip-licking is problematic. It’s normal to see this behavior after your pet eats, drinks, or grooms themselves. Dogs may also lick their lips when anticipating food or treats, which can be linked to excitement rather than distress.
Breed-Specific Tendencies
Certain breeds may lip-lick more often due to their facial structure or predisposition to anxiety. For example, Brachycephalic breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs may experience oral discomfort due to their compact facial anatomy, leading to frequent lip-licking.
Conclusion
Excessive lip-licking should never be ignored. While it might seem like a minor behavioral quirk, it frequently points to deeper issues—both physical and emotional. Proactive pet owners can recognize, interpret, and appropriately respond to such signs, ensuring their furry friends are healthy and comfortable.
If you notice persistent or concerning lip-licking in your pet, it is wise to consult a veterinarian or a qualified animal behaviorist to get to the root of the issue.
