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5 Surprising Facts About Dog Lips (Flews) That Every Owner Needs To Know

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It is one of the most common—and curious—questions a dog owner asks: do dogs actually have lips like humans? The simple answer, as of late 2025, is a definitive *yes*, but the structures are so functionally and anatomically distinct that they have their own specialized name: flews. These muscular, fibrous folds of skin are a vital part of your dog's oral anatomy, serving far more complex roles than just smiling or pouting. Understanding the unique structure of the canine mouth, particularly the flews and lower lips, is crucial for maintaining your pet's oral health and recognizing early signs of common conditions like lip fold dermatitis. Unlike our thin, sensitive, and highly mobile human lips, a dog's lips are thick, protective, and often obscured by hair and saliva, making their care and inspection a unique challenge for pet parents.

Canine Oral Anatomy: The Role of Flews and Lower Lips

The structures surrounding a dog's mouth are complex, forming the lateral boundaries of the oral vestibule. While the general term "lips" is used, the upper and lower sections have distinct characteristics, especially in purebred dogs.

What Exactly Are Flews?

The term flews is the proper anatomical name for a dog's upper lips. These are not just thin skin; they are thick, muscular, and fibrous folds that hang down over the lower jaw and teeth. The prominence of the flews varies dramatically across different breeds, which directly impacts their function and propensity for certain health issues. * Protective Barrier: The primary function of the flews is to act as a crucial protective barrier for the teeth and gums. They shield the delicate oral cavity from injury during play, chewing, and hunting. * Moisture and Saliva: The flews help contain saliva and keep the mouth moist. In breeds with particularly loose or heavy flews, such as the Saint Bernard or Mastiff, this function is less efficient, leading to the characteristic drooling or "slobber" that owners are familiar with. * Scent Detection: The flews can assist in scent detection. When a dog curls its lips or performs a "flehmen response," it can help trap scent particles, directing them toward the vomeronasal organ for deeper analysis. The lower lip, while also present, is often less prominent and is typically obscured to some degree by the upper flews. Both the upper and lower lips form a continuous, muscular ring around the muzzle.

Breed Differences: Why Some Dogs Drool More Than Others

The appearance and size of a dog's flews are heavily influenced by genetics and breed standards. This anatomical difference is the primary reason why some dogs are tidy eaters while others leave a trail of slobber across the floor. Breeds with tight flews have lips that fit snugly around the jawline, keeping the mouth sealed and minimizing drool. Examples of breeds with tighter lips include the German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, and Doberman Pinscher. Conversely, breeds with loose or pendulous flews have excess skin that hangs down, creating a natural pocket or fold. This design makes it difficult for them to retain saliva, leading to excessive drooling and the need for frequent cleaning.

Breeds Known for Prominent Flews:

  • English Bulldog: Known for deep lip folds and a pronounced underbite.
  • Saint Bernard: Their heavy, loose flews are a major contributor to their reputation as one of the most slobbery breeds.
  • Mastiff: Possessing a large head and heavy muzzle, their flews are thick and pendulous.
  • Basset Hound: Their long, drooping ears and loose jowls contribute to significant flews.
  • French Bulldog: While smaller, they have thick, broad flews that hang over the lower jaw.
  • Shar Pei: Famous for their wrinkles, their facial folds often create deep lip folds.

Common Health Issues Associated with Canine Lips

Because a dog's lips—especially the flews—are often moist and contain deep folds, they are susceptible to several specific health conditions. Regular inspection is a critical part of a dog's overall health routine.

1. Lip Fold Dermatitis

This is perhaps the most common lip-related ailment, particularly in breeds with deep folds, such as the Spaniels, English Bulldogs, and Boxers. Lip fold dermatitis is a chronic skin inflammation that occurs when saliva, food particles, and moisture become trapped in the folds. * Cause: The warm, moist, and airless environment is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and yeast. * Symptoms: Foul odor, redness, irritation, and a greasy discharge within the lip folds. * Treatment: Requires diligent cleaning, keeping the folds dry, and often topical antibiotics or antifungals prescribed by a veterinarian.

2. Oral Warts (Canine Oral Papillomavirus)

Though not strictly a lip issue, the canine oral papillomavirus often causes small, benign tumors (warts) to appear on the lips, gums, and tongue. These usually affect younger dogs and typically regress on their own, but they should always be examined by a vet to rule out other, more serious oral growths.

3. Lip Avulsions and Trauma

Due to their active lifestyles, dogs are prone to orofacial trauma. A lip avulsion is a serious injury where the lip tissue is torn away from the jaw, often resulting from vehicular trauma or severe bite wounds. This requires immediate surgical therapy to reattach the tissue and prevent infection.

4. Dental Disease

While not a lip disease, the flews and lower lips can hide signs of severe dental disease. As a protective barrier, they obscure the teeth and gums. Owners must regularly lift the flews to check for tartar buildup, gingivitis, and broken teeth. The underlying structures, including the dentin and papillae of the tongue, rely on healthy surrounding tissue.

The Takeaway: More Than Just a Smile

The anatomy of a dog's mouth is a marvel of evolutionary design. The structures we refer to as their "lips"—the flews and the lower lip—are far more than just facial features. They are essential tools for protection, eating, and communication. For dog owners, recognizing the difference between a tight-lipped breed and one with loose, pendulous flews is the first step toward proactive care. Whether you own a tidy Labrador or a drooling Mastiff, the key to preventing conditions like lip fold dermatitis is consistent hygiene, regular veterinary check-ups, and a keen eye for any signs of swelling, odor, or discharge in the delicate folds surrounding their powerful muzzle.
5 Surprising Facts About Dog Lips (Flews) That Every Owner Needs to Know
do dogs have lips
do dogs have lips

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