Chihuahua licking their lips.

My Dog Keeps Licking and Swallowing

Have you ever wondered why your dog licks and swallows? There are numerous reasons, many of which indicate a serious health problem.

Some dogs tend to lick their lips more than others and most pet owners worry when the licking becomes excessive or is a new behavior. Dog licking and swallowing can be a symptom of a medical problem, behavioral problem, or a normal behavioral communication tool.

Causes of Licking and Swallowing in Dogs

Behavioral Causes

Medical Causes

What to Do if You See Your Dog Licking and Swallowing

The first thing to do if your dog is licking their lips and swallowing is to look at this relative to the normal behavior and determine if there is an underlying medical problem.

The key is to:

SPECIAL NOTE: If your dog is trying to vomit unsuccessfully – this could be a medical emergency called “bloat.” Please see your veterinarian immediately.

If you’re concerned about costs related to health issues, pet insurance may be able to help. Click here to learn more.