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My dog is foaming at the mouth and licking his lips. Is it serious?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Male | neutered | 2 years and 4 months old

My dog Tucky has foam around lip and keeps licking around his mouth with his tongue is this normal?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on September 6th, 2016

No, this isn't normal. Foaming around the mouth can be a sign of nausea, poisoning, difficulty swallowing, poor dental hygiene, and even rabies. If Tucky is vaccinated for rabies, then it is extremely unlikely that would be a cause of the hyper salivation. Licking the lips is also a sign of nausea. I recommend withholding food for 12-24 hours, then feed a bland diet of boiled white meat chicken (no bones) and white rice in small amounts several times a day for a couple of days. Then slowly add back in his normal diet. If he continues to foam at the mouth in the absence of food, on the bland diet, or becomes lethargic he will need to see a vet.

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