Spotting your dog repeatedly licking their lips and exaggeratedly gulping or swallowing for no clear reason understandably raises alarms that something isn’t right. While occasional swallowing helps move saliva and food down normally, excessive or compulsive motions point to potential underlying issues warranting attention.
Gastroesophageal Reflux
Persistent acid reflux pushes stomach contents back up the esophagus, creating burning irritation and excessive mucus that dogs try clearing by constantly licking and swallowing. This gastroesophageal reflux often results from gastrointestinal disease, overeating or obesity pressing on the stomach. Veterinary exams and treatment curb the root triggers for relief.
Nausea
Feeling sick from infections, parasite infestations, pancreatitis, food reactions, motion sickness or medication side effects makes dogs smack their lips and gulp frequently to avoid vomiting. It’s generally more pronounced after meals. Addressing causative illness or diet factors helps minimize nauseous episodes.
Foreign Objects Lodged in Mouth/Throat
Exaggerated swallowing motions sometimes indicate your dog has something irritating like a bone, stick, or grass seed stuck at the roof of their mouth, behind teeth or deeper in the throat/esophagus. Look for evidence like pawing at the muzzle. Remove items you can reach safely or seek veterinary assistance.
Dental Disease
Untreated gum disease, abscesses, fractured teeth cutting mouth tissues or even just a loose baby tooth irritating your dog’s mouth often leads to constant licking and swallowing. Veterinary dental cleanings and tooth extractions provide lasting relief by resolving oral pain and inflammation.
Allergies
Just as people clear postnasal drip by repeatedly swallowing, dogs try ridding allergy-induced mucus draining down their throat the same way through exaggerated gulping motions. Identifying and managing environmental, food or skin allergies minimizes associated throat irritation.
When to See the Vet
While brief episodes of mouthing foreign items or dietary indiscretion cause temporary lip licking and gagging, chronic excessive swallowing persisting for days paired with lethargy, vomiting or appetite changes suggests something more serious requiring prompt veterinary attention to diagnose and treat appropriately. Don’t delay on unusual throat troubles.
Pay attention to episodes of curiouser compulsive swallowing in dogs – this often indicates an underlying medical issue needing treatment rather than just random behavioral quirks. Talk to your veterinarian to pinpoint the problem and find solutions for relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
Could my dog have something physically stuck in their throat?
It’s possible. Repeated gagging and struggling to swallow could mean an object like a stick or bone fragment requires removal by a vet before causing greater harm. Watch closely rather than assuming it will pass through.
Why does my dog swallow so loudly?
Noisily gulping down air along with water or food points to a potentially dangerous condition called aerophagia, where air gets trapped in the stomach causing bloating, burping, gagging, vomiting and loud swallowing. Veterinary intervention is recommended.
What home remedies soothe sore dog throats?
Try mixing a spoonful of honey into warm water or broth to temporarily coat and soothe minor throat irritation. Chilled foods may provide additional relief. Avoid dairy products that increase mucus though.
Don’t ignore unusual swallowing habits in dogs assuming it’s just an odd quirk – exaggerated lip licking and gagging generally indicates your dog needs some TLC and veterinary troubleshooting to pinpoint the root issue irritating their throat. Catching problems early prevents progresses into dangerous territory.
