We all know dogs have an amazing sense of smell, but what you might not know is that they have a specialized smelling organ called the vomeronasal organ. The vomeronasal organ.
Dogs can start licking air when they anticipate food is coming or as a sign of hunger.
Some dogs lick air when scratched in areas where they cannot reach as a mimicry act of the scratching itself.
When dogs have irritation of the skin or feel itchy in areas where they can’t reach, some dogs will lick air to mimic the scratching of these areas.
Air licking and licking of their own lips have been overserved as a display behavior for submission in dogs in scenarios such as when a more dominant dog approaches.
Animals suffering from stress or anxiety, such as when suddenly moved into a new environment, can lick the air and their lips as a way of self-soothing.
Behaviors that develop as a way of dealing with stress can develop until turning into aberrant behavior.
Sometimes dogs lick air when they feel nauseous, this is a common behavior to observe in a dog just a few moments just before vomiting.