It’s a scene many dog owners are familiar with: your canine companion suddenly stops what they’re doing, points their nose skyward, and starts licking at the air. Perhaps it happens after they’ve finished their dinner, enjoyed a tasty treat, or even as you’re giving them a good scratch. This behavior, while sometimes amusing or perplexing to us, is actually a way for dogs to communicate and interact with their world. But what exactly are they trying to tell us when they lick the air, and when should you be concerned?
Is Air Licking Normal Dog Behavior?
Witnessing your dog lick the air might seem odd, but in many instances, it’s a perfectly normal canine behavior. The key is to understand the context and frequency of the licking to determine if it’s something to be concerned about. Dogs lick the air for a variety of reasons, from exploring interesting scents to signaling stress or even responding to physical discomfort. Occasional, brief episodes of air licking are usually not a cause for alarm. However, if you notice your dog licking the air more frequently or for extended periods, it’s important to investigate the potential underlying causes.
Decoding the Lick: Common Reasons for Air Licking in Dogs
The reasons behind air licking in dogs are diverse and can range from simple curiosity to more complex health issues. To understand your dog’s behavior, consider the situation and any other accompanying symptoms. Identifying the root cause is crucial for determining whether treatment is necessary and what steps you should take to help your furry friend.
Here are some of the most common reasons why your dog might be licking the air:
Enhanced Sense of Smell: Tapping into the Vomeronasal Organ
Dogs possess an extraordinary sense of smell, far surpassing our own. In fact, their olfactory capabilities are estimated to be 10,000 to 100,000 times more sensitive than humans. This incredible ability is partly due to the sheer number of olfactory receptors in their noses – a staggering 125-250 million compared to our mere 5-6 million.
This heightened sense of smell is further enhanced by a specialized organ called the vomeronasal organ, also known as Jacobson’s organ. Located within the nasal cavity and opening into the roof of the mouth behind the front teeth, this organ is dedicated to detecting pheromones and other heavy scent molecules. When a dog curls their upper lip and flares their nostrils – a behavior known as flehmen response – they are opening up their vomeronasal organ to get a better “smell” of their environment. Licking the air further facilitates this process by drawing more scent molecules towards this sensitive organ, allowing for a richer and more detailed olfactory experience. They might be picking up on interesting scents carried on the breeze that are imperceptible to us.
Stress and Anxiety: A Canine Calming Signal
In the complex world of canine communication, licking can be a subtle yet significant signal. Dogs use licking as an appeasement behavior, particularly in situations involving social hierarchy. When confronted by a more dominant or potentially aggressive dog, or even when sensing your displeasure, a dog might lick the air as a sign of submission and to de-escalate tension.
If you observe your dog licking the air when you use a stern voice or make direct eye contact, they are likely acknowledging your authority and attempting to diffuse a perceived confrontational situation. If your dog frequently displays air licking as you approach, try softening your approach by avoiding direct eye contact and speaking in a calm, gentle, and higher-pitched tone. Creating a less confrontational environment can significantly reduce their anxiety and, consequently, the air licking. For dogs with more pronounced anxiety, increasing physical activity and incorporating calming aids like supplements or prescribed medications, under veterinary guidance, may be beneficial.
Dental Issues and Oral Pain: Addressing Discomfort
Dental health is paramount for a dog’s overall well-being, and oral discomfort can manifest in unexpected behaviors like air licking. A loose or painful tooth can disrupt a dog’s normal bite pattern, causing them to lick at the air in an attempt to manipulate the tooth, alleviate the pain, or explore the source of discomfort.
Regular veterinary dental check-ups are crucial for preventative care. Just like humans, dogs benefit from professional dental cleanings and at-home dental hygiene practices. If you notice signs like persistent bad breath (halitosis), excessive drooling, difficulty eating, or frequent pawing at their mouth alongside air licking, it’s essential to schedule a comprehensive oral examination with your veterinarian. These symptoms could indicate underlying dental disease requiring prompt attention.
Foreign Objects in the Mouth: Trying to Dislodge Irritants
Similar to how we use our tongues to dislodge food particles stuck in our teeth, dogs may lick at the air when they have something caught in their mouth. A piece of food, a small twig, or any foreign object lodged in their teeth or on the roof of their mouth can cause irritation and trigger air licking as a self-help mechanism.
If your dog starts air licking suddenly, especially while or after chewing on a toy, stick, or bone, it’s worth checking their mouth for any visible obstructions. Carefully examine their teeth and the roof of their mouth. Avoid allowing your dog to chew on items that are prone to splintering or breaking into small pieces, as these can not only get stuck in their mouth but also pose serious risks to their gastrointestinal tract, potentially requiring surgical intervention.
Gastrointestinal (GI) Upset and Nausea: A Sign of Digestive Issues
Air licking can sometimes be a subtle indicator of nausea or gastrointestinal distress. If your dog is experiencing an upset stomach, they might lick the air as a way to cope with feelings of nausea. This could be a symptom of various underlying medical conditions, ranging from dietary sensitivities to more serious gastrointestinal disorders.
If air licking is accompanied by other signs of GI issues, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or a decrease in appetite, it’s important to consult your veterinarian promptly. A change in diet, or specific medications prescribed by your vet, may be necessary to address the underlying cause. Chronic digestive issues could be triggered by something as simple as a food intolerance, but they can also be indicative of more serious conditions like pancreatitis or irritable bowel syndrome.
Skin Irritations and Itchiness: An Attempt to Scratch an Itch
Dogs with itchy skin, whether due to allergies, parasites like fleas, or dry skin, will typically lick, bite, or scratch at the affected areas to relieve the discomfort. However, if a dog has been discouraged from licking themselves, or if they are unable to reach a particular itchy spot due to factors like obesity or arthritis, they might resort to air licking as a sort of phantom scratching. It’s as if they are mentally trying to address the itch even if they can’t physically reach it.
If your dog’s air licking coincides with signs of general itchiness, like excessive scratching, rubbing, or skin redness, a veterinary consultation is recommended. Possible solutions, depending on the diagnosis, could include parasite prevention, dietary adjustments to address potential food allergies, or supplementation with omega fatty acids to improve skin health. In some cases, prescription anti-itch medications may be necessary.
Compulsive Behavior: When Licking Becomes Habitual
In some instances, air licking can evolve into a compulsive behavior. What might have started as a response to anxiety or stress can, over time, become a habitual action that the dog performs even when the initial trigger is no longer present. This compulsive licking can become more frequent and occur in a wider range of situations.
If you suspect your dog’s air licking has become compulsive, it’s crucial to discuss this with your veterinarian. They can help determine if a compulsive disorder is indeed the cause and recommend appropriate management strategies. Behavioral therapy, environmental modifications to reduce stress, and in some cases, medication may be part of the treatment plan.
Cognitive Dysfunction: Age-Related Changes
Canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) is a condition similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans, affecting older dogs. It’s estimated that around 14% of dogs aged 8 and older experience CDS, and the prevalence increases with age. One of the many symptoms of CDS is the emergence of repetitive behaviors, which can include air licking, along with other actions like chewing, pacing, or circling.
If your dog is older and exhibiting air licking along with other signs of cognitive decline, such as disorientation, changes in sleep patterns, or loss of house training, it’s important to discuss these symptoms with your veterinarian. Early diagnosis and management strategies can help improve your dog’s quality of life and slow the progression of CDS.
Air Licking During Petting: A Sign of Pleasure
Sometimes, air licking is simply a positive response! Just as some dogs will reflexively move their back leg when you scratch a certain spot, others will lick the air when they are enjoying being petted. If your dog licks the air while you’re scratching them in a favorite spot and they don’t have any underlying skin issues or general itchiness, you can likely interpret it as a sign of pure enjoyment. Consider it their way of saying, “Thank you, that feels wonderful – keep petting me right there!”
When Air Licking Becomes a Cause for Concern
While occasional air licking is often normal, there are situations where it warrants veterinary attention. If you notice your dog licking the air excessively, obsessively, or for prolonged periods, it’s important to seek professional advice. There might be an underlying medical or behavioral issue that needs to be addressed.
To help your veterinarian assess the situation, try to record videos of your dog exhibiting the air-licking behavior at home. If possible, also capture videos of your dog when you are not present, as this can help determine if the licking is related to your presence or absence.
Be prepared to discuss your dog’s daily routine with your vet, including their exercise levels, mental stimulation, social interactions, and any training techniques you’ve used to try and stop the licking. Compulsive licking often requires a multi-faceted approach to treatment, potentially involving medication, environmental adjustments, stress reduction strategies, and specific behavioral training techniques.
Furthermore, if you observe your dog biting at the air or experiencing facial or body twitches alongside air licking, capturing these episodes on video is crucial. Schedule a veterinary appointment as soon as possible to investigate the possibility of focal seizures. If seizures are suspected, your vet may recommend anti-seizure medication or further diagnostic tests, possibly including a referral to a veterinary neurologist, to determine the best course of action for your dog.
By paying close attention to the context and frequency of your dog’s air licking, and by seeking veterinary advice when needed, you can ensure your furry friend receives the appropriate care and attention to live a happy and healthy life.
