Experts: Dogs’ lip licking often signals stress or discomfort, not hunger

Veterinary behaviorists and pet-industry analysts are warning that dogs licking their lips is frequently a sign of stress or discomfort rather than simple hunger, prompting renewed advice for owners to read the wider context of the behaviour.

A Daily Mail report published Sept. 6, 2025, noted a recent spike in searches for phrases such as "why does my dog keep licking his lips," a trend tracked by Matt Cayless of UK pet marketing firm Bubblegum Search. "Pet owners are obsessed with understanding their dogs, and this sudden search surge proves just how much they care," Cayless said, adding that many assume lip licking reflects hunger when it can instead indicate unease.

Animal behaviorists say lip licking is one of the clearer, commonly observed signals dogs use to communicate discomfort. It often occurs in situations that may be stressful for the animal, including visits to the veterinary clinic, noisy or crowded environments and encounters with strangers or unfamiliar dogs. Behaviorists refer to such actions as "calming signals" or, in some frameworks, displacement behaviours that can indicate the animal is trying to reduce tension.

Experts emphasise that lip licking should be interpreted alongside other signs. Persistent or repeated licking accompanied by panting, yawning, avoidance, trembling, changes in appetite or reluctance to be handled can point to anxiety. When lip licking coincides with pawing at the mouth, drooling, bad breath or difficulty eating, veterinarians say dental disease, oral pain or a foreign object should be investigated.

Clinicians advise that owners monitor frequency, context and accompanying behaviours before drawing conclusions. Short, situational lip licking in a clearly stressful moment—such as during an examination—may be a transient stress response. By contrast, chronic licking or licking that occurs during ordinary, relaxed moments may warrant a veterinary check for medical causes.

Behavioral interventions can reduce stress-related licking when no medical cause is found. Techniques recommended by certified trainers and behaviorists include desensitisation and counterconditioning to the stressful stimulus, providing predictable routines, and using positive reinforcement to build confidence. For dogs showing strong or escalating stress reactions, professionals may recommend working with a veterinary behaviorist or a certified applied animal behaviorist to design a tailored plan.

Pet-industry analysts say the recent surge in online queries reflects a growing willingness among owners to seek information rather than assume obvious explanations. The trend underscores experts' calls for owners to observe the whole animal and seek professional advice when behaviours are new, intense, persistent or accompanied by signs of pain.

Veterinary associations and behaviour specialists encourage owners with concerns about their pet's oral health or behaviour to consult their veterinarian first. A clinical examination can rule out dental disease or other medical causes, after which a referral to a behaviour specialist may follow if the issue is judged to be primarily emotional or situational.