Dog licking lips
#1
12-03-10, 05:26 PM
Dog licking lips
Hi all,
This is a strange one. I've noticed that when my 14 year-old black lab/border collie mix is in her crate (she was crate trained from almost birth), she will not look directly at me, but rather look down & constantly lick her lips. Why is she doing this?
She is still in good health, and is quite active.
Thanks,
Andy
This is a strange one. I've noticed that when my 14 year-old black lab/border collie mix is in her crate (she was crate trained from almost birth), she will not look directly at me, but rather look down & constantly lick her lips. Why is she doing this?
She is still in good health, and is quite active.
Thanks,
Andy
#2
12-04-10, 08:34 AM
Forum Topic Moderator
Andy,
This is not as strange as you may think. You don't say if this only started recently, but I am going to assume it did, or you wouldn't be asking now.
Usually dogs who act this way are feeling stressed. Even though she has been crate trained from a young age, it seems that she isn't able to cope as well with being in her crate now. If there is anything you can do to help her relax when you put her in her crate, it would be helpful for her. Perhaps a good long walk before, to tire her out, or some active playtime would be in order.
If this continues, you might also talk with your vet about the situation. Certain medical issues can cause a dog to be more stressed/anxious and you should probably rule these out as well.
Do keep us posted and let us know how she does.
This is not as strange as you may think. You don't say if this only started recently, but I am going to assume it did, or you wouldn't be asking now.
Usually dogs who act this way are feeling stressed. Even though she has been crate trained from a young age, it seems that she isn't able to cope as well with being in her crate now. If there is anything you can do to help her relax when you put her in her crate, it would be helpful for her. Perhaps a good long walk before, to tire her out, or some active playtime would be in order.
If this continues, you might also talk with your vet about the situation. Certain medical issues can cause a dog to be more stressed/anxious and you should probably rule these out as well.
Do keep us posted and let us know how she does.
#3
12-10-10, 04:10 PM
Thank you, RhainyC, I will try to give her more playtime. Hopefully that will do the trick.
Andy
Andy
#4
12-11-10, 01:09 AM
Forum Topic Moderator
Andy,
Hopefully the extra time with her is all that is needed. Dogs tend to feel anxious and stressed when we are, so playing can relieve a lot of that stress.
Do keep us posted on how she does.
Hopefully the extra time with her is all that is needed. Dogs tend to feel anxious and stressed when we are, so playing can relieve a lot of that stress.
Do keep us posted on how she does.
#5
12-17-10, 04:19 AM
I noticed my adpoted shepherd mix does the same thing, but it is when I am praising him and rubbing his head. Sort of the opposite scenario. His first 3 years was spent in a 3x3 cage. He had never negotiated steps, nor had he run, I mean really run, until he got to our place. I think, in my case, it is an appreciation thingy.
