When you see a dog licking his lips, you might think he is eating something or drooling over something. But what if there’s no food around? what does lip licking mean then? Lip licking is a form of canine communication. A dog who licks his lips is using his body language to let you know how he is feeling.

What Is Lip Licking in Dogs?

Lip licking is exactly what you think it is, a dog licking his lips. If you see that your dog is licking it’s lips when there's no food around, he's probably trying to send you a message.

What It Means When Dogs Lick Their Lips

lip licking and similar dog behaviors can be considered a “calming signal”. Lip licking is also often referred to as an “appeasement gesture”. In short, a dog who is licking it’s lips may feel stressed or uncomfortable about something happening in their environment that they perceive as a threat.

Dogs lick their lips to appease a person or animal they perceive as a threat in order to ward off aggression. As an example, a dog who is scolded when you return home to find the dog has had an accident in the house. Your dog might not connect the scolding to that fact that he went to the bathroom indoors. Instead, he sees you as a threat. You may be yelling and looming over him. So, the dog offers an appeasement gesture by licking his lips and averting his gaze. This is your dog's way of saying that he isn't a threat to you or to another animal behaving in an aggressive manner. During dog training, obedience classes, or during off leash K9 training, a dog may exhibit appeasement gestures like lip licking and yawning if they are frustrated or confused with the dog training lesson he is being taught.
Another possible reason for excessive lip licking may be a health-related issue, such as nausea, dental disease, or mouth pain. You should look for any other signs of a health issue and keep a close eye on your dog.

What to Do If Your Dog is Licking His Lips

Lip licking can often be considered a submissive gesture to prevent aggression from escalating, but it is often a sign that your dog is stressed and/or uncomfortable with the current situation. This gesture of may be your dog's first attempt to stop aggressive behaviour. This does not however mean that the dog won't become defensive if the aggressive behavior continues. If you see a dog licking his lips it is always best back off. This gives the dog some space to get more comfortable. At the same time, it may save you from a bite from a dog who feels the need to defend itself.

If your dog is lip-licking at the vet or somewhere else that makes him nervous, try to redirect him in a positive manner. Get him to do a trick and then reward him for it. It’s difficult but try not to comfort your dog when she is uneasy as this may reinforce her fear or anxiety.

If your dog is lip-licking during a dog training session, it's usually best to find a way to quickly end on a positive note (ask your dog to complete an easy command and then wrap up the session). During your next dog training class or private dog training, break down the action or behavior into smaller segments so it's easier for your dog to learn.

If you find your dog is lip licking when there is no clear threat and no food around, you should take time to investigate further. There may be something in your dog's environment that is making him uneasy. Always keep in mind that there may be a health problem to consider like nausea or oral discomfort. When in doubt, take your dog to the vet as soon as possible.

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