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Why is my dog licking everything, stressed, and trying to eat grass?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 3 years and 1 month old | 45 lbs

My dog is suddenly licking everything around her, licking her lips, and jerking slightly like she has hiccups. I opened her mouth and didn't see anything, but she's clearly stressed, can't sit still, and is licking everything in sight. She keeps wanting to go out, to eat grass I assume, but there isn't any, so she eats the snow. Does she just have something stuck? Are there other causes of this?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By C. Rathjens, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 25th, 2018

This actually sounds like nausea. Look around for anything she might have eaten that could be toxic (plants, chemicals, etc). If you don't find anything, skip dinner tonight (if you haven't given it already) and monitor her for the evening. If she's still doing all this tomorrow, she should go to the vet. I hope she feels better soon!

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3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 27th, 2017

    I suspect in her case it is probably just a case of an upset stomach or gastrointestinal infection, this is usually the case when it starts this suddenly. other possibilities are mineral deficiency or kidney failure, but this is less likely. withhold food for 12 hours then offer her boiled boneless chicken and rice every 6 hours in small portions. if she is eating and not vomiting, continue with this diet for 2 days. After 2 days, you can put her back gradually on her normal food. If the problem carries on, take her to the vet to get treatment.

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