10 Surprising Reasons Your Dog Licks the Air - Canine Campus Dog Daycare & Boarding

Dog owners often find themselves puzzled by some of their pets’ quirky behaviors. One such behavior that can cause both amusement and concern is when a dog licks the air. Observing your furry friend seemingly licking at nothing can leave you wondering about the reasons behind this action. Understanding why your dog licks the air is essential for ensuring their health and happiness. In this post, we will explore various reasons behind this behavior, shedding light on the factors that may prompt your dog to engage in air licking and how you can respond to ensure their well-being.

Seeking Attention

One of the simplest explanations for why a dog licks the air is to seek attention. Dogs are intelligent creatures that quickly learn how to communicate their needs and desires to their human companions. If your dog notices that licking the air gets your attention, whether it’s positive or negative, they may repeat the behavior as a way to interact with you. This form of communication can be their playful way to say, “Look at me!”

Sign of Nausea

When a dog licks the air, it could be a sign of nausea or feeling unwell. Just like humans, dogs can feel nauseated for various reasons, including eating something that doesn’t agree with them or experiencing motion sickness. Licking the air can be a pre-vomit behavior, indicating that your dog might throw up. It’s crucial to observe other symptoms like lethargy, loss of appetite, or diarrhea, and consult a veterinarian if the behavior persists.

Oral Discomfort

Oral discomfort or dental issues may lead to scenarios where your dog licks the air. This behavior can be a response to something stuck in their teeth, gum disease, or tooth decay. Dogs cannot express their pain as humans do, so air licking combined with other signs of discomfort such as drooling or pawing at their mouth should prompt a visit to the vet to check for oral health issues.

Compulsive Behavior

For some dogs, licking the air can become a compulsive behavior. This might stem from anxiety, stress, or boredom. Compulsive behaviors are repetitive actions that the dog feels compelled to perform, which can be difficult to interrupt. If your dog licks the air excessively and seems unable to stop, it might be a sign of an underlying psychological issue that requires professional help from a veterinarian or a canine behaviorist.

Sensory Stimulation

Dogs have a highly developed sense of smell, and licking the air can be a way for them to better sense their environment. This behavior allows them to pick up on scents that are too faint to detect otherwise. Licking the air helps them to “taste” the smell, giving them more information about their surroundings or signaling the presence of interesting or appetizing scents nearby.

Gastrointestinal Issues

Sometimes, when a dog licks the air, it indicates gastrointestinal discomfort or issues. Conditions such as acid reflux, inflammatory bowel disease, or even intestinal blockages can cause your dog to lick the air due to the discomfort they are experiencing. These medical conditions require a veterinarian’s diagnosis and treatment. Ignoring these signs can lead to more severe health problems.

Hunger or Thirst

A dog licks the air sometimes simply because they are hungry or thirsty. This action can be their way of signaling that they need food or water. It’s essential to monitor your dog’s eating and drinking habits and ensure they are receiving adequate nutrition and hydration. Regular, balanced meals and access to fresh water can help mitigate this behavior.

Enjoyment

In some cases, a dog licks the air because they find pleasure in the action itself. It could be a soothing or enjoyable activity for them, much like how some dogs enjoy chewing on toys or bones. As long as this behavior is not excessive or accompanied by signs of distress, it’s generally harmless.

Reaction to Medications

Certain medications can cause side effects in dogs, including increased licking behavior. If your dog starts licking the air after beginning a new medication, it could be a reaction to the drug. Consulting with your veterinarian can help determine if the medication is the cause and whether an alternative treatment is available.

Neurological Disorders

In rare cases, when a dog licks the air, it could be due to a neurological disorder. Seizures, cognitive dysfunction, or other neurological conditions might manifest through unusual behaviors, including air licking. It’s critical to have these conditions properly diagnosed and managed by a veterinary professional.

Final Thoughts

When your dog licks the air, it’s a behavior that can have a wide range of causes, from simple attention-seeking to more serious health issues. Observing when and how often your dog exhibits this behavior, along with other accompanying symptoms, is crucial for determining the underlying cause. Always consult with a veterinarian if you’re concerned about your dog’s health or if the behavior becomes excessive. Understanding why your dog licks the air can help you better care for your furry friend, ensuring they lead a happy and healthy life.

This exploration of the reasons behind why a dog licks the air emphasizes the complexity and sensitivity of canine behavior. As pet owners, it’s our responsibility to pay close attention to our dogs’ behaviors and seek professional advice when necessary. By doing so, we strengthen the bond with our pets and ensure their well-being.

Does your dog lick the air? If so, have you been able to identify why this behavior is happening? Please share your experience in the comments below…