Why Is My Dog Licking the Air?

Since our furry friends can’t talk, it’s crucial to understand their behaviors to ensure they live a healthy and happy life. If you notice your dog licking the air, it can definitely be an innocent habit, but it can also be an indication that something is wrong. The best thing you can do as an owner is to stay proactive and monitor their behavior. That way you know when to reach out and get help from professionals.

12 Reasons Why Dogs Lick the Air

Dogs lick the air for a variety of reasons, including to better smell things they are interested in, communicate stress or anxiety, combat an upset stomach, and more. Licking the air isn’t always worrisome and can be perfectly normal, which is why it’s key to identify whether your own dog’s licking is something to worry about.

Dental Disease

A painful or loose tooth can cause dogs to appear to lick the air when they’re trying to move the tooth or alleviate the pain. Other indications that your dog may be exhibiting signs of dental disease include pawing at the mouth or appetite loss.

Stress or Anxiety

Your dog’s licking could be a sign that they are dealing with underlying stress or anxiety issues. Excessive licking or even biting the air can be a result of them showing you that they are being submissive or that they are actively trying to self-soothe. In addition to licking the air, you may also see them yawn excessively.

Boredom

You will sometimes see dogs licking the air as a sign of boredom. To help avoid this, you’ll just want to make sure that your dog gets enough exercise and provide a stimulating environment for them to engage with.

Nausea

You may notice your dog licking the air if they have an upset stomach or are feeling nauseous. In addition to licking the air, they may also lick their lips or other surfaces before vomiting. In such cases, you will want to make sure your dog didn’t eat something they shouldn’t have.

Enjoyment

Licking the air doesn’t always have to be a bad sign. Some dogs may exhibit licking as a way to express joy, such as if they’re feeling energetic or happy during play. They may also occasionally lick the air for self-soothing reasons as it can have a calming effect.

Amplifying Their Sense of Smell

Dogs have an incredible sense of smell and to further boost this sense they use their tongue. When they smell something interesting, you may see them lick and then start to chatter their teeth. They use their tongue to “push” the scent into the roof of their mouth. If you see this happen, just know that it’s a normal behavior.

Hunger or Thirst

As a response to the scent of food, dogs may lick the air. They may also lick the air when they expect to be fed as they associate mealtimes with excitement. As for thirst, licking the air may be used to find moisture or to indicate discomfort from lack of water.

Gastrointestinal (GI) Issues

If you notice that your dog is licking the air and is exhibiting other behaviors such as a decreased appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea, it could indicate a possible GI problem. Make sure to check with your vet.

Allergies

Allergies are very irritating and can even be painful for your pup. As a result, dogs who have been affected may exhibit air licking in addition to licking or biting of the paws, abdomen, and other areas.

Foreign Object in the Mouth

Just like how you’ll occasionally try to get something from between your teeth, dogs can do the same, so it might appear as though they are licking the air in these cases. For example, if they were chewing on a stick, it may have gotten caught on the roof of their mouth and they’re working it out.

Skin Concerns

If a dog is dealing with itchy skin or issues like fleas they will typically bite, lick or scratch at their skin to relieve the itch. In cases where they can’t reach the spot, they may lick at the air as an attempt to mentally scratch that itch.

Seizures

There are a number of reasons why a dog may have seizures including diabetes, infections, tumors, poisoning, and neurological conditions like epilepsy. Dogs may also lick the air during a partial seizure.

What Should Dog Owners Do About Their Dogs Licking Air?

The most important thing to do when you see your dog licking the air excessively is to contact your veterinarian. As we listed above, there can be many reasons why your dog may be behaving this way, and a vet can conduct a thorough exam to get the root of the cause. One thing you can do is watch your pet’s behavior closely to see if it’s frequent or ongoing. If the licking is more than just a single, short episode, you then might want to take a trip to the vet.

How to Prevent Your Dog From Licking the Air

 While some instances of air licking may not be a cause for concern, it’s necessary to identify and address triggers when possible. If your dog’s behavior doesn’t appear to be an emergency, here are some things that you can do to help minimize or prevent it:

• Ensure that your dog gets enough exercise to avoid boredom
• Make sure vaccinations are up to date
• After implementing new food or a diet, ensure they aren’t experiencing any allergies to the changes
• If they have been chewing sticks, confirm nothing is stuck in their mouth
• Make sure your dog isn’t dealing with stress
• Ensure there is always fresh water and that your dog has quality food
• Schedule regular dental cleanings to rule out oral discomfort

While licking the air can definitely be a harmless behavior, it’s essential to pay attention to your dog’s cues and signs. By better understanding your dog and learning more about what to look for, you can address these issues and help your pup stay healthy.

Categories: Dogs, News/Events, Pet Safety, Tips for Your Pets