Photo by James Barker on Unsplash
Ever noticed your dog licking the air? Perhaps it’s after a meal, during a walk or when they’re simply relaxing at home. Well, there are a few possible reasons they might exhibit this quirky habit, from savouring the scrumptious flavour of their food or amplifying a smell, to stomach discomfort. It’s usually nothing to worry about, but it’s worth keeping an eye on your dog’s body language and other factors to figure out the reason behind it.
Is it normal for dogs to lick the air?
Licking the air is a common behaviour among dogs and is usually completely normal. However, there are also some cases where this behaviour might indicate an underlying issue that needs further investigation.
Why do dogs lick the air?
Amplifying their smell
One of the reasons dogs will lick the air is to amplify their sense of smell. A dog's sense of smell is much more powerful than a human, and when they lick the air, they are collecting scent particles on their tongue. This helps them to get a better understanding of their environment and identify scents more accurately.
A sign of enjoyment
We've all seen our dogs happily licking the air after receiving their favourite treat or having a delicious meal. In these cases, this is simply a sign of enjoyment, and is their way of savouring the lingering taste of their favourite food for as long as they can.
Can my dog licking the air be a sign of a problem?
While it's normal for dogs to lick the air occasionally, there are situations where it might be a sign that something isn't quite right. Here are some potential issues to watch out for:
Stress or anxiety
When dogs are feeling stressed or anxious, they may lick the air as a self-soothing behaviour. Other body language signs like yawning, panting, or tucking their tail might indicate that this habit is related to stress or anxiety. Keep an eye on them to get a better understanding if this could be the issue.
Thirsty or overheated
Air licking could also be a sign that your dog is thirsty or overheated. Dogs are far more sensitive to heat than humans as they can’t sweat to cool down, so it’s important to keep them hydrated and as cool as possible. Watch out for excessive panting and make sure they have access to fresh water around the home - especially on hot days.
Stomach issues
If your dog is licking the air frequently, it could be a sign that they're experiencing nausea or stomach discomfort. Keep a close eye on their body language and behaviour (such as excessive panting, lethargy, and loss of appetite) and be prepared to consult your vet if their condition worsens or continues.
A foreign object in the mouth
A dog may lick the air if they have a foreign object caught in their mouth or stuck between their teeth. Check their mouth carefully to rule out this possibility, but if you can’t safely look in their mouth, a vet will be able to help.
Cognitive issues
In older dogs, frequent air licking may be a sign of cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), a condition similar to Alzheimer's in humans. If you notice other symptoms like confusion or disorientation, contact your vet for advice.
What you should do when your dog licks the air
If your dog's air licking is occasional and doesn't seem to indicate any problems, there's no need to worry about it. However, if you do notice potential symptoms of an underlying issue, or if the air licking becomes excessive, constant, or sudden, make an appointment to see your vet. They can help identify any potential health concerns and provide advice on how to manage and treat the issue.While air licking is usually a normal behaviour for our canine companions, it's important to keep an eye on any changes or possible symptoms that something might be amiss. After all, a happy and healthy dog is a family's greatest joy! To learn more about caring for your pooch, check out the [PEDIGREE Help Hub].
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