Dogs never lack behavioral quirks, so why a dog licks the air has likely crossed your mind. Some reasons are adorable, while others are a cause for alarm. Short-term air licking is a natural behavior that normally occurs in pets, particularly dogs, and shouldn’t worry you at all.
However, when they do it repetitively, it’s a sign your pup has some medical concerns like stomach issues or anxiety. Sometimes dogs licking air may be caused by dental issues, so always keep their water spruced up with a touch of canine dental rinse.
This article will help you discern between worrisome air licking in dogs and normal doggo behavior.
10 Reasons Dogs Lick the Air
Dogs lick air for many reasons, from improving their smell to communicating anxiety and an upset stomach. Increased frequency may mean medical conditions like nausea or dental issues, while suddenly licking or biting the air can be seizure.
Let’s look at the main reasons for this behavior.
1. Excitement
The good news is that dogs licking the air is often a happy sign. Your dog will lick the air when they are excited, especially when they are about to experience something they’ve been anticipating. Think of the frenzied nose-licking and lip-smacking your dog does before their favorite meal.
Going for a walk is another exciting experience, so they get all riled up every time they see you holding a leash. Licking the air along with adorable wags shows you a dog’s delight.
2. Enhancing Their Already Powerful Smell
Dogs have a ridiculously powerful sense of smell, which is why they’re used as sniffer dogs and to detect diseases. A study of three sniffer dogs found that two of three dogs positively identified Parkinson’s disease in patients.
A dog’s potent smell is due to the millions of olfactory receptors and a large vomeronasal organ. Canines keep their mouths open to let in as much air as possible when hunting for a scent.
Bloodhounds are especially known for their prowess in scent work. Their long ears guide air into open mouths to gather the most information possible.
A dog with a closed mouth that previously licked the air has locked into a scent. Powerful noses allow dogs to identify one another, explaining all the butt sniffing that goes down when dogs meet.
3. Communicating Anxiety and Boredom
Air licking is a non-verbal form of communication used by canines to communicate. Dogs will air lick to deal with anxiety or panic due to recent moving, thunder, fireworks, or separation anxiety. Bored dogs will also lick their privates, paws, or the air to give themselves some stimulation.
Dogs also lick the air or their lips to show submissive body language to a more dominant dog or the owner. Air or nose licking shows a more dominant dog that the submissive one doesn’t want a fight.
4. Foreign Objects
Dogs that just had a sticky meal will appear to lick the air as they try to eliminate the stickiness. A foreign object may have been lodged in between teeth or at the roof of the mouth. Excessive licking is the dog’s way of trying to remove the object, even if it looks like they are licking the air.
5. Hunger and Thirst
Dehydrated dogs will try to lick the air and nose to combat a dry nose. Licking the air due to thirst is mainly observed on hot days and occurs with excessive panting. Hungry dogs also display this behavior as they look for or anticipate food.
6. Compulsive disorders
Dogs with compulsive behavior perform one activity repeatedly until it interferes with their everyday lifestyle. Breeds like Golden Retrievers, Doberman Pinscher, and Labrador are more prone to licking disorders than other dog breeds.
Other neurological disorders like canine cognitive dysfunction due to age cause air licking and general confusion.
7. Dental Disease, Injuries and other health problems
Pups suffering from dental problems are more likely to lick the air as they try to soothe the pain. If your dog has a loose tooth, it may appear to lick at the air when they are trying to remove it. Trouble picking up food, halitosis, tartar build-up on the teeth, red gums and obvious pain are signs that warrant an oral exam.
8. Skin Issues
Skin problems like flea allergy dermatitis, seasonal allergies, external parasites, and food allergies cause itchiness. They may make your pup lick in the air as they try to cope with the itchiness. Dogs will lick the air as a mimicry act of scratching around areas they can’t reach.
9. Gastrointestinal Disorder and Nausea
Gastrointestinal issues interfere with a dog’s food absorption and are more prominent in dogs with sensitive tummies. Dogs with GI issues lick and gulp the air to grapple with nausea that presents as a symptom.
Other Signs of GI problems are:
- Bloating
- Bleeding
- Lack of appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
10. Seizures
Finally, if a dog begins to lick or bite the air suddenly for a spell it can be caused by a seizure. Abnormal activity and electrical impulses in the brain can cause this kind of partial seizure. You can see this video as an example:
My Dog is Licking the Air All of a Sudden; why?
Pups will lick the air suddenly when they are gathering a scent in their environment. They will also show this behavior due to anxiety, nausea, or as a compulsive disorder. Sometimes, it may indicate a seizure and need veterinary attention.
Most times, dogs licking the air suddenly is nothing to worry about as it’s natural canine behavior. The licking means they’re excited or have picked up a new scent, like their favorite snack.
Why Do Small Dogs Lick The Air?
Small dogs are more susceptible to health conditions like tracheal collapse and dental issues that may cause more air licking. Small brachycephalic dogs (shortened snout) are even more likely to experience these breathing difficulties.
Small dogs have crowded mouths that raise the risk of dental issues like periodontitis. A canine suffering from dental conditions instinctively licks the air and mouth, especially if bleeding and in pain.
Dog Licking Air With Head Up; why?
Your pup will raise their heads up to expose their vomeronasal organs. Doing this maximizes their sense of smell, especially when they detect a new scent. However, it can also mean your dog has trouble breathing due to foreign objects stuck in their respiratory lining.
Dogs also lick the air and then chatter their teeth in what’s known as a flehmen response. This is when dogs curl their lips to direct chemical signals to the Jacobson (vomeronasal) organ at the roof of the mouth.
Why Does My Dog Lick the Air When I Talk to Him?
Your dog can be anxious around you and try to calm themselves by licking the air, even if you’re not harsh. Dogs will also air lick to show submission as if to say, “Yes, human, you’re the boss around here.”
Your dog will also lick the air when around you to show that they’re hungry or thirsty. You’ll see this, especially when what you’re cooking smells nice.
How to Stop My Dog from Licking The Air
Once you find out the reason for licking the air in your dog, you can effectively stop the behavior. These are the most common ways to discourage dogs from licking air.
1. Change Their Food
Consider looking into their food if your dog started to lick air after a new dog food. Allergies are accompanied by itchy skin, and the dog wouldn’t help but lick the air to cope with the itchiness.
3. Brush Their Teeth At Least Twice a Week
Dental issues like periodontal disease can affect your dog’s health enormously if you ignore their oral health.
4. Remove Stressors
Watch out for signs of anxiety and find ways to keep your dog more comfortable. This is especially true when you introduce a new pet or if your dog has bouts of separation anxiety.
5. Keep Your Dog Entertained
Boredom causes your dog to lick air and parts of their body and can be reduced by stimulating your dog. Mental stimulation in puzzles and physical stimulation through dogs will eradicate boredom.
Why Do Dogs Lick the Air When You Scratch Them?
Scratching your pooch where they can’t reach can activate a reflex to simulate scratching and licking themselves. It can also be a sign of pleasure. Have you ever wondered why they kicked their hind limb every time you scratched your dog? As if they were running? They’re enjoying a scratch of their favorite sweet spot.
Why is My Dog Licking the Air and Gulping?
Gulping air, called aerophagia, occurs when your pet tries to swallow something in large amounts. It also happens when a dog can’t get enough oxygen either because of an obstruction or a disease that prevents oxygen from getting to the blood. If you notice blue, pale or white gums, your dog is not getting enough oxygen, and you need to act fast.
Gulping in dogs occurs mostly during and after eating and can also occur if your dog is allergic to an ingredient.
Pups with this behavior tend to eat in a frenzied manner, resulting in serious health issues like bloat. The risk of bloat or GDV is particularly common in large, giant dogs like Great Danes.
Gulping and licking the air often can also mean your dog has difficulty breathing. These include Rhinitis and sinusitis, which are sinus inflammations, kennel cough, and throat inflammations. Nausea is another common reason for gulping and licking the air in canines.
Final Thoughts
Dog air licking is a normal and natural behavior that helps dogs keep up with what is happening around them. Consider taking your dog to the vet if licking the air is accompanied by other abnormalities like gulping, coughing, or sneezing.
Meet Your Experts
Author
Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs.