Is lip licking always a sign of stress in puppies?

No. It is one of several calming signals dogs use in mildly stressful or uncertain moments, but the very same behaviour also shows up simply from anticipating food or excitement, and separately from teething discomfort. Context — what is happening around your puppy when they do it — tells you far more than the licking alone.

How long does puppy teething last?

Puppies typically lose their milk teeth and grow their adult set between around three and six months old, with lip licking, drooling and increased chewing common during that window. It generally settles down once the adult teeth are fully through.

Should I worry if my puppy licks their lips before eating?

No, this is a completely normal anticipation response, similar to a dog's mouth watering at the smell or sight of food. It only becomes worth noting if it happens alongside a reluctance to actually eat once the food is offered.

My puppy is licking their lips and drooling a lot — what should I do?

New or excessive drooling alongside lip licking can point to nausea, dental discomfort, or something caught in the mouth, so it is worth a vet visit rather than waiting to see. Mention anything your puppy may have chewed or eaten recently, since that helps your vet narrow down the cause.

Can anxiety cause lip licking in puppies?

Yes, ongoing or frequent lip licking alongside other stress signs such as a tucked tail or reluctance to settle can point to a puppy finding a situation genuinely difficult. If this happens consistently in particular settings, it is worth discussing with your vet, who can advise on management or suggest further support.

Why is my puppy licking their lips?

Lip licking in puppies is usually nothing serious. Most of the time it is a normal communication signal — a puppy showing mild stress, appeasement or excitement — or simple teething discomfort, both of which settle on their own. It becomes worth paying closer attention when it is constant, paired with drooling or vomiting, or your puppy seems unwell alongside it.

Usually not urgent

This is common and often manageable at home — but see a vet if it persists, gets worse, or comes with other changes.

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The common, harmless causes

Lip licking is one of a group of behaviours trainers call calming signals — small, low-key body language dogs use to defuse tension, show they are not a threat, or settle themselves when something feels a bit much. A puppy who licks their lips when a stranger leans in to say hello, during a busy visit to the vet, or when another dog approaches is very likely doing exactly that rather than showing any sign of illness.

Excitement produces the same behaviour in the opposite direction: a puppy who licks their lips while watching you prepare their dinner, or when a treat packet rustles, is simply anticipating food rather than signalling distress. Context matters more than the licking itself here — the same behaviour means something different at feeding time than it does when a puppy is cornered by an enthusiastic toddler.

Teething is the other common, harmless cause. Puppies lose their milk teeth and grow their adult set between roughly three and six months old, and sore gums during that process can lead to more chewing, drooling and lip licking than usual. This settles once the adult teeth are through.

When it can point to something more

Nausea is a genuine cause of repeated lip licking in dogs of any age, often alongside swallowing more than usual, drooling, or a puppy who seems reluctant to eat. This can follow something as simple as a change of food or eating too fast, or it can be a sign of something needing attention, particularly if it is frequent or paired with vomiting.

Dental discomfort beyond ordinary teething — a damaged tooth, something stuck between teeth, or a mouth injury from chewing something unsuitable — can also cause a puppy to lick their lips more than usual, sometimes alongside pawing at their mouth or reluctance to chew on one side.

Anxiety that goes beyond a normal calming signal is worth noticing too. A puppy who licks their lips constantly, alongside other stress signs such as a tucked tail, whale eye, or reluctance to settle, may be finding a particular situation genuinely difficult rather than just processing a passing moment.

Red flags that mean a vet visit

See a vet if lip licking is constant rather than occasional, if it comes with vomiting, drooling that is new or excessive, a swollen or painful-looking mouth, or a puppy who is off their food or seems generally unwell. Any of these together points to something more than a passing calming signal or normal teething.

A puppy who has chewed something they should not have and is now licking their lips, drooling, or pawing at their mouth should also be seen promptly, particularly if you suspect they may have swallowed something or chewed on anything toxic.

What can help day to day

For a teething puppy, appropriate chews give them something safe to work their sore gums against, and a puppy-specific dental chew is sized correctly for a young mouth rather than adapted from an adult product.

For a puppy showing stress-related lip licking in specific situations — vet visits, busy environments, meeting new people — going at their pace and giving them space to retreat if they want to helps more than pushing through it. A calming aid such as a pheromone product can be worth discussing with your vet if a particular puppy seems to find everyday situations consistently stressful.

What can help

Things we stock that owners commonly use alongside a vet’s advice — not a substitute for it.

Dog Calming Ear Muffs For Fireworks & Thunder

A soft stretchy snood that wraps snugly over your dog's head and ears to muffle fireworks, thunder and loud noises. Helps nervous dogs feel calmer during storms, travel and grooming.

£11.99

Self-Moving Interactive Dog Ball

A rechargeable self-moving ball that rolls and changes direction to keep dogs engaged. Ultra-quiet (around 35dB) for indoor and apartment use, helping ease boredom and separation anxiety.

£20.99

Fast UK delivery

NanoSanitas Advanced No-Brush Dental Gel for Dogs & Cats

A brush-free dental gel for dogs and cats, formulated with silver nanoparticles and papaya extract to help reduce plaque and freshen breath.

£14.99

Pet Dental Cleaning Wipes (50 Pack)

A tub of 50 textured finger wipes that lift plaque and freshen breath for dogs and cats without a toothbrush. Slip one over your finger and wipe teeth clean for easy daily dental care.

£9.99

Common questions

Is lip licking always a sign of stress in puppies?: No. It is one of several calming signals dogs use in mildly stressful or uncertain moments, but the very same behaviour also shows up simply from anticipating food or excitement, and separately from teething discomfort. Context — what is happening around your puppy when they do it — tells you far more than the licking alone.
How long does puppy teething last?: Puppies typically lose their milk teeth and grow their adult set between around three and six months old, with lip licking, drooling and increased chewing common during that window. It generally settles down once the adult teeth are fully through.
Should I worry if my puppy licks their lips before eating?: No, this is a completely normal anticipation response, similar to a dog's mouth watering at the smell or sight of food. It only becomes worth noting if it happens alongside a reluctance to actually eat once the food is offered.
My puppy is licking their lips and drooling a lot — what should I do?: New or excessive drooling alongside lip licking can point to nausea, dental discomfort, or something caught in the mouth, so it is worth a vet visit rather than waiting to see. Mention anything your puppy may have chewed or eaten recently, since that helps your vet narrow down the cause.
Can anxiety cause lip licking in puppies?: Yes, ongoing or frequent lip licking alongside other stress signs such as a tucked tail or reluctance to settle can point to a puppy finding a situation genuinely difficult. If this happens consistently in particular settings, it is worth discussing with your vet, who can advise on management or suggest further support.

Sources

Written against guidance published by UK veterinary and welfare organisations. Always confirm specifics with your own vet.

Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.