Have you ever seen your dog licking the air? It may seem strange, but it’s actually quite common for dogs to do this. Air licking is a behavior that can indicate a variety of things, from stress and anxiety to dental pain or even hunger. In this article, we’ll explore why dogs lick the air and what you can do about it.
First, let’s look at some of the possible reasons why your dog may be licking the air. One of the most common causes is stress or anxiety. If your pup is feeling overwhelmed by their environment, they may start licking the air as a way to cope with their emotions. This could be due to loud noises, unfamiliar people or animals, or even changes in routine.
Dental pain can also be a cause of air licking. If your pup has a loose tooth, periodontal disease, or any other kind of infection or pain in their mouth, they may start licking the air as a way to soothe themselves. Similarly, if your dog has an upset stomach due to eating something that doesn’t agree with them, they might start licking the air as an attempt to make themselves feel better.
Hunger can also lead to air licking in dogs. If your pup hasn’t had enough food throughout the day and is feeling hungry, they may start licking the air out of instinctive need for nourishment. Additionally, if your pup has been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), giardiasis (an intestinal parasite), pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), or any other digestive issue that causes them discomfort when eating regular food, they may start licking the air as a way to relieve their symptoms.
Finally, some dogs simply lick the air out of habit or boredom. If there isn’t much else going on in their environment and they don’t have anything else to do with their time, they might just start randomly licking the air out of sheer boredom!
If you notice that your pup is excessively licking the air and it seems like more than just an occasional quirk or habit, it’s important to take them to see a vet right away so that any underlying medical issues can be ruled out and treated accordingly. Your vet will likely conduct tests such as blood work and x-rays in order to determine what might be causing your pup’s behavior and how best to treat it moving forward.
In conclusion, if you notice that your pup is excessively licking the air it could indicate anything from stress and anxiety to dental pain or hunger-related issues – all of which should be taken seriously! Make sure you take them for a checkup at your local vet right away so that any underlying medical issues can be ruled out and treated accordingly.