Why Are Dogs’ Lips Bumpy? [ANSWERED]

There is hardly any reliable scientific answer behind dog’s bumpy lips. But most people believe that it helps dogs protect their teeth, to bite or catch things with their mouth. Some pet experts believe that the bumps also help dogs keep their teeth cleaner.

Have you noticed that dogs have some kind of bumps on their lips and mouth? They sometimes look funny if you look closely. For anyone who never noticed that before, it could be pretty concerning. But why are dogs’ lips bumpy?

Whatever the reason is, it might have both good and bad sides, right? Recently, this thing has been bugging me a lot. So I did some research looking for answers. And today’s article is about everything I have found out so far.

Related Reading: How to Brush Small Dog’s Teeth [THE RIGHT WAY]

Why Are Dogs’ Lips Bumpy?

So what are the bumps on dogs’ lips for? Here are some of the common things experienced people and experts believe dog lip bumps are for.

To Protect Their Teeth

One of the most common things everyone says is that dogs have serrated lips or bumps on lips because it helps them protect their teeth. Dogs are not exactly the calmest animals. They go through wild behaviors and need to adapt to various environments to survive. Having bumpy lips keeps their teeth safe even if their mouth crashes into something hard.

Another theory says that it works in the opposite way as well. The bumps prevent dog teeth from injuring their lips and causing bleeding. Thus, it also ensures protection against bacterial attacks.

To Grab And Hold Things

Dogs grab onto food and other things like toys or balls with their mouth. And the bumps help them get a better grip and ensure nothing falls off their mouth unless they want to. That’s why we often notice that even the food our dogs are chewing seems to be hanging in its mouth but does not fall.

And let’s not forget mamma dogs carry around her puppies or move them from one place to another by grabbing the puppies by their necks with her lips. Using light pressures with their teeth and mouth, the dogs hold the babies without even hurting them.

To Keep Teeth Clean

Have you noticed that dogs can clean their teeth out without much difficulty if something sticks to them? Well, that magic trick lies in their lip bumps. Experts also believe that the lip bumps and dog teeth are entwined so that they can keep their teeth clean easily.

Thanks to that because it reduces the frequency of bad breath in dogs.

Prevents The Risk Of Self-Injury

If dogs did not have bumps in their lips, they would not be able to close their mouth slowly or safely. Their jaws would shut suddenly, which can cause injury.

You will notice how their mouth works when they drink, eat or bark. If they did not have lips like that, they would have ended up with cuts on gums with their teeth.

Helps Open Their Mouth Wider

The bumps we see on dog lips are actually a kind of folds of skin. So, when dogs open their mouth, the skins expand from the folds and help them open their mouth wider. It helps dogs with their crazy and loud barkings to yawn and grab oversized items with their mouth.

When Are Bumps On Dog Lips Abnormal?

Yes, the bumps on a dog’s lips seem pretty normal and have many advantages. But we cannot rule out the health issue or diseases that make the dog’s lips appear bumpier or more serrated than they are. 

Here are the issues that may cause unusual bumps on dog lips.

Canine Acne

It is the most common reason why a dog’s lips appear bumpy. Canine acne looks more like human acne and can be treated easily. Vets usually prescribe acne creams or serum. If ignored, the acne can cause severe infection.

Cancerous Tumors

Do certain bumps or bumpy areas appear bigger than other areas? If so, consult a vet immediately, as it could be a sign of cancerous tumors growing in your dog’s lips.

Oral Papillomas or Canine Warts

These are like lumps growing on your dogs’ mouth or lips. Usually, warts go away on their own after some time. But if they don’t, you need to take your dog to a vet. In the meantime, keep your dog away from other pets around the house, as warts are highly contagious.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why do dogs have black lips?

Like humans, dog lips also have the effect of melanin. If a dog has darker lips, it means the dog’s lips have more melanin. It is not very unusual, and nothing is to be concerned about. But make sure to check the lips to ensure they are not injured.

Q. What are dog lips called? 

Dogs have two lips: flew or upper lips and lower lips. Flew lip size is responsible for the amount of drool or saliva a dog has. Dogs with bigger flew lips tend to have more drools, such as the Bulldogs.

On the other hand, dogs have smaller lower lips than upper lips. And they help to push food into the mouth and chew.

Q. Why do dogs lick their lips?

Dogs lick their lips for plenty of reasons. If you notice your dogs licking their lips after eating, it means they clean their lips and mouth after eating.

Dogs also lick their lips after running or walking if they get tired. It is not a thing of worry unless you notice them doing it all the time. Then it would mean something is bothering your dog or there is an issue with the lips.

Continue Reading: Why Do My Dog’s Teeth Chatter?

Final Thoughts

Before I finish, let me say one more time that there is no scientific answer that explains the bumps on dogs’ lips well. However, experienced people, vets, and canine experts think that the bumps are natural for dog lips and help them eat, hunt, and do many other things.

Nevertheless, it is best to observe your dog’s behavior and physical changes so that you can tell the difference between normal and abnormal bumps. Make sure to consult a vet immediately if you notice anything concerning.