Dog Keeps Swallowing Repeatedly – Causes, When to Worry & What to Do
It’s the middle of the night and your dog keeps gulping, licking their lips, or swallowing over and over. There’s no food in sight. What’s going on?
Swallowing repeatedly can be a minor issue or a sign of something serious, like nausea, anxiety, throat obstruction, acid reflux, or even bloat.
In this article, we break down:
- What’s normal swallowing
- What to watch for
- What you can do at home
- When to speak to a vet
🔍 What’s Normal Swallowing in Dogs?
Dogs swallow naturally:
- After eating or drinking
- When licking their lips
- While yawning or stretching
- During dreaming
Occasional swallowing while sleeping or after drinking is normal. But frequent, repetitive swallowing — especially with other symptoms — may signal an issue.
🚨 Common Causes of Repetitive Swallowing in Dogs
Here’s what might be behind your dog’s sudden gulping or swallowing episodes:
1. Nausea or Acid Reflux
Dogs experiencing nausea often:
- Lick their lips
- Swallow frequently
- Salivate excessively
- Appear restless or uneasy
Nausea might be caused by:
- Eating something they shouldn’t have
- Motion sickness
- Pancreatitis
- Gastritis
- Acid reflux, especially in small breeds
🧪 Check out: Why does my dog throw up white foam?
2. Anxiety or Stress
Dogs who are anxious may:
- Gulp or swallow excessively
- Pace or shake
- Lick their paws or lips
- Show dog anxiety signs like panting or hiding
This can occur during thunderstorms, vet visits, or when left alone.
3. Foreign Object or Obstruction
If your dog swallowed a stick, toy, or bone fragment, it could be lodged in the throat.
Look out for:
- Gagging or retching
- Difficulty eating or drinking
- Pawing at the mouth
- Drooling or coughing
⚠️ If you suspect something’s stuck, seek immediate vet help.
See also: Dog ate glass – what to do
4. Dental or Oral Pain
Dogs may swallow excessively due to:
- Tooth abscesses
- Gum infections
- Mouth ulcers
- Stuck food or fur
Open their mouth gently and inspect, but be cautious — a painful dog may bite.
5. Respiratory Irritation
Breathing issues can lead to:
- Throat irritation
- Excessive swallowing
- Gulping for air
This may be linked to:
- Kennel cough
- Allergies
- Nasal discharge
- Post-nasal drip
Also relevant if your dog is breathing fast while sleeping.
6. Gastrointestinal Blockages or Bloat
⚠️ Bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) is a life-threatening emergency — common in deep-chested breeds.
Symptoms include:
- Repeated swallowing
- Distended stomach
- Unproductive vomiting
- Restlessness and pacing
👉 If in doubt, book a vet consult immediately at Dial A Vet — it’s $49, no appointment needed.
🤢 What Else Might Accompany Excessive Swallowing?
Look for these symptoms:
- Vomiting or dry heaving
- Lip licking or drooling
- Pacing or panting
- Bad breath
- Licking odd things like carpet or walls
Also, monitor their poop. If it’s runny, slimy, or bloody, see:
🧠 Could It Be a Behavioural Issue?
Sometimes dogs develop compulsive behaviours:
- Obsessive licking
- Gulping air (aerophagia)
- Swallowing saliva repeatedly
Causes may include:
- Past trauma
- Anxiety
- Boredom
Redirect them with enrichment toys or a walk, and consult a vet if it persists.
✅ What You Can Do at Home
Try the following:
- Monitor their breathing and belly
- Gently inspect their mouth for foreign objects
- Check gum colour (pale or blue is bad)
- Limit food if nausea is suspected
- Offer a small amount of water
Avoid giving human medications unless advised by a vet. If symptoms persist for more than an hour or get worse, act fast.
🩺 When to Speak to a Vet
Contact a vet if your dog is:
- Gulping or swallowing nonstop
- Showing signs of pain or distress
- Vomiting or gagging
- Struggling to breathe or bloated
- Acting unlike their usual self
You can speak to an Australian-licensed vet now at Dial A Vet for just $49 — no need to leave home.
💬 What an Online Vet Can Help With
During the video consultation, your vet can:
- Ask questions about food, environment, and recent changes
- Rule out choking hazards
- Guide you through a physical check
- Recommend over-the-counter remedies
- Help determine if a clinic visit is needed
We’ve helped hundreds of pet owners get peace of mind — fast.
📚 Related Articles You Might Like:
- Dog licking paws at night
- Dog breathing fast while sleeping
- Dog ear infection
- Dog anxiety signs and treatments
🐾 Final Thoughts: Don’t Ignore Persistent Swallowing
A dog who keeps swallowing repeatedly might just be dreaming — or it might be something more serious. As a pet parent, trust your instincts.
⏱️ If something feels off, don’t wait. Book a vet now. Just $49 and help is minutes away.
Citations:
- Australian Veterinary Association. (2024). Canine Gastrointestinal Disorders.
- VetCompass Australia. (2023). Dog Anxiety & Oral Behaviour.
- RSPCA Australia. (2023). Emergency Signs in Dogs.
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