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My dog suddenly licks air and objects. What could be the cause?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | spayed | 1 year and 4 months old | 18 lbs

My dog Ivy suddenly started licking the air, sometimes she'll lick the carpet while she's walking or anything that is near. She has never done this before and everything else is normal about her behavior so I'm wondering what this could be related to.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

Veterinarian

Published on August 24th, 2017

Hi and thanks for your question. Licking the air could be a sign of nausea or a self soothing behavior. It's unclear what it could be exactly since it just began, but I would be sure to rule out causes of nausea with your vet first.

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