Puppy Hero

Blog archive

Why Do Dogs Lick the Air?

Dogs love to lick a lot of things – from their private parts (yes, it’s embarrassing if you have company), to each other ears and even your hands. But there’s one quirky doggy behavior that can have even the most seasoned dog parents scratching their heads. Keep reading to find out what makes dogs lick the air.

What can cause a dog to lick the air?

Dogs experience the world primarily through their sense of smell, taste, and sight. Licking the air is one way for your dog to interact with his or her surroundings. Here are some reasons your dog licks the air.

Normal behaviors that can make a dog lick the air

  • Your dog likes to lick the air for comfort or pleasure.
  • Your dog may be hungry and is licking the air out of excitement and anticipation at mealtime.
  • Thirst and a dry mouth are making your dog lick the air.
  • Your dog has just eaten a tasty treat like peanut butter or candy and is licking the air to help swallow it.
  • You’ve scratched your dog in a hard-to-reach place and they are mimicking the scratching action with their tongue.
  • Your dog is not actually licking the air but is curling their upper lip and wrinkling their nose to expose the vomeronasal organ or Jacobson’s organ. This is called the Flehman response and is done to amplify the smell of a particular thing or area. It’s common when dogs smell biological materials like urine, feces, and blood.

Emotional and behavioral reasons why dogs lick the air

Attention seeking behavior

If you have reacted strongly to your dog licking the air in the past, either positively or negatively, your dog may associate the behavior with one that can get your attention. If this seems to be the case, try ignoring it when your dog licks the air. Or use a command like “no” or “stop it” to tell your dog this is not desirable behavior.

Stress and anxiety

Stress, anxiety, and confusion can make a dog lick the air. For example, your pup might lick the air and avoid eye contact when you speak sternly. Or if a more aggressive or dominant dog approaches, your dog might lick the air as an appeasing or submissive action. If the anxiety persists and does not go away with reassurance, talk to your vet who can help you figure out the possible causes.

Compulsive licking of the air by dogs

Some dogs start licking the air out of anxiety but it progresses to become a compulsive behavior that they cannot stop doing. If this is the case, talk to your vet about ways to reduce anxiety and compulsive licking.

Cognitive decline

Senior dogs with cognitive dysfunction might engage in repetitive behaviors like licking the air or biting their paws. The vet might be able to recommend some medications or supplements to help slow the progression of cognitive decline, maintain brain function, and reduce repetitive or compulsive licking of the air.

Medical conditions that can lead to dogs licking the air

Here are some medical conditions that can make your dog lick the air:

Dental disease

Sometimes, dogs lick the air to try and relieve tooth pain. If you suspect a dental issue, get your dog’s mouth checked out by the vet. Make sure you keep up with annual health checks including dental health checks. Other signs and symptoms of dental conditions include halitosis (bad breath) and excessive drooling.

Foreign object in the mouth

If a foreign object is stuck in your dog’s mouth, they might lick the air in an effort to try and dislodge it. If the licking of the air continues, check for a piece of food or a rock in your dog’s mouth. It’s important to remove debris like rocks and sticks because not only can they cause dental damage, if your dog swallows these objects, it can cause serious problems with the gastrointestinal system that may even require surgery.

Digestive issues

Sometimes, dogs who have nausea will lick the air. Look out for other signs and symptoms such as vomiting and decreased appetite that could indicate a digestive issue. Call the vet if your dog has not eaten for more than 2 days. It could be something relative minor like a food intolerance or something more serious like esophagitis, irritable bowel syndrome, or pancreatitis.

Skin problems

Dogs who have flea bites or other parasites, itchy skin due to allergies, or pain from arthritic joints will try to lick their skin to relieve the symptoms but might end up licking the air instead if the area is unreachable. If your dog’s air licking is excessive and persistent, make an appointment with the veterinarian to find out what could be going on.

Seizures

Dogs who are having seizures can exhibit different types of movements and behaviors, including licking the air, licking their lips, and paddling their legs. If your dog has repeated episodes that look worrisome, consult the vet to get to the bottom of it.

Injuries

If a dog has suffered an injury such as a cut or abrasion in the face area, they might try to rub, scratch, or lick at it. If the area is unreachable, the dog might end up licking the air. Look carefully for any wound, scab, bite, or botfly breathing hole on your dog’s facial area if you notice repeated licking of air.

Why does my dog lick the air like a lizard?

Dogs sometimes lick the air like lizards when they’re hungry, thirsty, excited, or have just eaten a tasty snack like peanut butter.

Why do dog slick the air when you pet them?

If your dog licks the air when you pet him or give him a belly rub, it indicates that your dog is enjoying it. You can think of it as a compliment to your belly rubbing skills!

Does a dog licking the air indicate a seizure?

A dog licking the air might indicate a seizure. Look out for other physical movements like lying on the side and paddling the feet or licking the lips. If it happens more than once, make a video of your dog when he licks the air and share it with your veterinarian.

How do I get my dog to stop licking the air?

A single episode of your dog licking the air is probably nothing to worry about and can be safely ignored. However, if your dog licks the air compulsively or repeatedly, it could indicate a behavioral, mental health, or medical issue. Talk to your vet and get your dog the appropriate treatment. For example, if allergies are causing itching and licking the air, your vet might suggest a medication to relieve symptoms during allergy season.

Make sure your dog is getting enough physical exercise and mental stimulation. Some dogs lick the air out of boredom or to get your attention. Compulsive licking can often be controlled with a combination of medications and re-training.

18 January, 2023