X-ray video of lapping in a dog

Contrary to published accounts, dogs do not simply scoop liquids into their mouths with the spoon-shaped cavity that forms in the ventral surface of their backwardly directed tongue tip. As in cats, an aliquot of liquid adheres to the dorsal surface of the tongue tip and is transported into the oral cavity as the tongue is rapidly withdrawn. Video-fluoroscopy recordings indicate that at least three lapping cycles are needed to transport liquid to and through the oral cavity.