Staffie with dry mouth.

[HotCrossPun]

Our 14 y/o Staffie has recently started licking his lips constantly, it's as if he has a dry mouth. He does seem to be drinking a lot more as well.

Does anybody have any idea what this could be? Should I take him to the vet?

I would tAke him to the vets if he's drinking a lot it could be related to his kidney function and at that age you don't want to put it off. They might want to do a few blood tests

i would take him to the vet.

our staffie is nearly 13 and a while ago we noticed he was drinking a lot more than normal. we took him to the vets and they did blood tests to check his kidney function, checked for diabetes etc. came back fine so no explanation but at least we know he is ok.

Thank you both. I was scared it might be something to do with his kidneys. Aside from the dry mouth he is in good nick for an old boy :) I'll take him to the vet. Do either of you know if kidney issues are easily treatable with medication?

Probably not given he's an older boy, but has anything changed or happened at home that might have spooked him? Excessive thirst and lip licking can also be signs of anxiety so just worth mentionig in case.

hopefully it will turn out to be nothing to worry about. our boy hasn't been licking his lips but he does seem to have a drier mouth now he is getting older - his lips stick to his teeth sometimes which makes for some comical expressions!

It depends what it is, it could be nothing or something you've picked up on early. Hope it all goes well

hi hotcross - did you take hm to the vet yet? hope all is well.