> Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your veterinarian with any questions about your dog's health.
Quick Summary
Dogs paw at their mouth when something bothers them inside or around it—often dental pain, foreign objects, oral injuries, or discomfort from infections or growths. Occasional pawing can be normal; persistent or frantic pawing needs evaluation.
What Does Pawing at Mouth Look Like in Dogs?
Dogs may show different levels of concern:
- Gentle pawing – Occasional rubbing of the muzzle or lips with a paw
- Repeated pawing – Frequent or compulsive rubbing or scraping
- Frantic pawing – Intense pawing, sometimes with whining or distress
- Face rubbing – Rubbing the muzzle along the floor, furniture, or grass
- Lip licking – Frequent, exaggerated lip licks
Common Causes of Pawing at Mouth in Dogs
- Foreign object in the mouth – Sticks, bones, food, or grass stuck between teeth or in the roof of the mouth. Other signs: Gagging, drooling, pawing, head shaking. Breeds: Curious chewers; dogs who eat grass or chew sticks.
- Dental disease – Plaque, gingivitis, broken teeth, or abscesses. Other signs: Bad breath, bleeding gums, difficulty eating. Breeds: Small breeds, brachycephalic dogs, senior dogs.
- Tooth fracture or trauma – Cracked or broken teeth exposing nerves. Other signs: Pain when chewing, favoring one side. Breeds: Aggressive chewers (e.g., Bully breeds, German Shepherds).
- Oral infection or abscess – Infection at tooth root or in oral soft tissue. Other signs: Swelling, foul odor, reluctance to eat. Breeds: Dogs with advanced dental disease.
- Gum disease (periodontitis) – Inflammation and infection of tissues supporting the teeth. Other signs: Red, bleeding gums, loose teeth. Breeds: Small breeds over 3 years old.
- Oral tumors – Growths in the mouth causing discomfort or obstruction. Other signs: Visible mass, weight loss, bleeding. Breeds: Often older dogs.
- Stomatitis – Severe inflammation of the oral mucosa. Other signs: Pain, drooling, reduced appetite. Breeds: Some breeds more susceptible (e.g., Maltese, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels).
- Nausea – Gastrointestinal upset leading to lip licking and pawing at the mouth. Other signs: Drooling, loss of appetite, possible vomiting. Breeds: Any.
- Allergic reaction – Food or environmental allergens affecting the mouth. Other signs: Swelling, itching, hives. Breeds: Allergy-prone breeds.
When Is Pawing at Mouth an Emergency?
Seek immediate veterinary care if your dog:
- Chokes or gags continuously and cannot breathe normally
- Stops eating and drinking for more than 24 hours
- Has heavy bleeding from the mouth
- Shows signs of anaphylaxis – Facial swelling, collapse, difficulty breathing
- Has a stick or bone lodged that you cannot safely remove
- Seems in severe pain – Crying, trembling, avoiding contact
How Veterinarians Diagnose the Cause
Your veterinarian will:
- Take a history – When it started, diet, chewing habits, recent trauma
- Perform a physical exam – Overall health and signs of discomfort
- Examine the mouth – Under sedation if needed; check teeth, gums, palate, tongue
- Order dental X-rays – To evaluate roots, abscesses, and fractures
- Run blood work – If systemic disease or infection is suspected
- Take biopsies – For lumps, masses, or lesions that look suspicious
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the cause:
- Foreign objects: Removal under sedation if needed; antibiotics and pain relief if tissue is injured
- Dental disease: Professional cleaning, extractions, antibiotics
- Tooth fractures: Extraction or root canal
- Abscesses: Antibiotics and extraction or surgical drainage
- Oral tumors: Biopsy first; treatment may include surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy
- Stomatitis: Dental care, immunosuppression, pain management
- Nausea: Address underlying cause; anti-nausea medication if prescribed
- Allergies: Antihistamines, diet change, or other allergy management as recommended
Prevention Tips
- Provide safe chew toys – Avoid very hard objects that can fracture teeth
- Supervise chewing – Watch for sticks, bones, and other risky objects
- Brush teeth regularly – Reduces plaque and periodontal disease
- Schedule annual dental check-ups – Especially for breeds prone to dental issues
- Avoid human foods – Many can cause nausea or allergic reactions
- Check the mouth after outdoor play – Remove grass, foxtails, or debris