People who can't stand smacking usually suffer from misophonia. For people who eat, it is almost unbearable when others smacking their lips. We can easily tell our friends about it, but we are pretty powerless when it comes to our dogs. Most of the time it is just annoying, but while it is harmless for us humans, in some cases it can indicate health problems for dogs.
Content: Smacking in dogs
- Why dogs smack their lips
- Satisfied smacking
- Oral care
- Smacking your lips when hungry
- The worrying smacking
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Why dogs smack their lips
As with humans, it is usually completely harmless. Dogs use this method to show that they are thirsty, want attention or need to go to the bathroom. They can also express happiness or uncertainty by smacking their lips.
This happens to young dogs and puppies , for example, when they feel inferior to older dogs . It is a displacement activity with which they try to reduce stress and signal that they are submissive. This also applies to encounters with people. They often smack their lips when they are unsure, because they have been reprimanded or are afraid of being punished. So there are a lot of things that can be done wrong or right in training.
There are actually different types of smacking. In order to distinguish between harmless smacking and potentially worrying smacking, we need to take a closer look at the different forms.
Satisfied smacking
Smacking can also express well-being. When they are being petted or are about to fall asleep, dogs sometimes smacking slowly and contentedly. Dreams can also trigger such smacking. It is a good sign and means nothing other than that the dog feels comfortable in the situation. Even if it seems strange or even annoying, there is hardly a nicer compliment! In this case, you definitely don't have to worry.
Oral care
When dogs have food leftovers between their teeth or something stuck to the roof of their mouth, they try to remove it by smacking their lips. This produces more saliva, which makes it easier to remove the leftovers. However, if they don't stop eating for a long time after eating, you may be able to help them by giving them specific dental care. The sooner the dog gets used to it, the more likely they are to put up with this procedure.
In principle, it is not a bad idea to deal with this topic, because the dental health of your four-legged friend is a really important issue!
You can find out more here: Brushing your dog’s teeth.
Things like small sticks can also get stuck in a way that he can't get rid of on his own. This can be helped quickly and easily and there is no reason to worry. You can perhaps rethink your choice of food - perhaps it won't happen again with a different dog food .
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Smacking your lips when hungry
When dogs smack their lips just before they eat, the explanation is very simple. Our mouths also water when we just think about a tasty meal after a hard day. It's the same with dogs and there's absolutely no reason to worry!
The worrying smacking
If the smacking becomes excessive and lasts for several days or weeks, it may indicate health problems, such as pain in the mouth and throat, gastrointestinal problems or metabolic diseases.
Pain in the mouth and throat
Smacking can also be an expression of pain in dogs of various kinds. It can be toothache or other diseases in the throat or pharynx. Causes can be tartar or periodontitis or inflammation of the gums. A cold or tonsillitis and sore throat can also cause dogs to smacking. Fortunately, these are not life-threatening diseases, but action should be taken in any case! Healthy chews or a newly developed dog snack with cheese from can help prevent tartar or plaque!
Gastrointestinal problems
The stomach can cause a number of problems. Gastritis, heartburn or a gastrointestinal infection are sometimes the reason for smacking, but a very dangerous gastric torsion is also one of the triggers. However, there are additional signs such as diarrhea, bad breath, flatulence, stomach pain or vomiting and noticeably frequent grass eating . In this case, a vet or animal clinic should be consulted urgently, as there is a risk to life! In an emergency, a few hours can mean the difference between life and death for the dog.
Metabolic diseases
A very serious illness such as diabetes or Cushing's syndrome can be the reason for smacking your lips. But to be clear - this is relatively rare and is always accompanied by other symptoms. These include tiredness, lethargy, weight loss despite sufficient food or excessive thirst and drooling. If all of these signs occur together, action should be taken. A veterinarian can provide clarity and initiate appropriate treatment.
Conclusion
If you watch your dog closely, you will quickly develop a good feeling for whether something is not normal. Generally speaking, when it comes to smacking, it is usually completely normal and there is no reason to panic. This hardly helps anyway and is passed on to the dog and those around you. Observe calmly, but if you are unsure, it is better to go to the vet once too often. No other advisor can give you better advice than the vet - neither we nor other dog lovers. Diagnosis from a distance is also difficult and if you are afraid of the cost of a visit to the doctor, perhaps dog health insurance is something for you and your four-legged friend.
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