Dogs have a weird habit of sticking their tongues out when asleep. It is so cute to watch your dog sleep with its tongue out, but some dog owners get worried, and they ask questions like “why does my dog sleep with his tongue out?” you should know that this is a harmless behavior in dogs, but it is a good idea to know the reasons why this happens.
Dogs often sleep with their tongues out to facilitate cooling. Panting is the main method dogs cool themselves down and facilitate heat loss when they have elevated body temperatures, but panting only works as long as a dog has relatively cool (or at least cooler) incoming air to inhale.
When a dog’s environment is already very hot, the incoming air can be warm enough that a dog can’t adequately cool himself by panting—in those cases, having a tongue exposed will help with the cooling process.
Furthermore, if your dog is sleepy and comfortable, he may simply relax his muscles and hang his tongue out. In addition, if your dog is one of the brachycephalic breeds (like those with flat faces), like Pugs, Boston Terriers, and Bulldogs, their tongue may simply hang out due to the shape of their mouths.
Also, most dogs sleep with their tongues out because people sleep with their mouths open. So when your pet sleeps with his tongue out, it means he is relaxing. There’s no need to worry; it’s part of a dog’s nature.
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Dog sticking tongue out
Dogs are just like humans because they express their emotions using body language. For example, a dog might stick its tongue out and pant heavily to show that it is happy, excited, or tired. Even though it might look silly when your dog sticks out his tongue, he’s not trying to be funny; he is simply conveying an emotion.
Furthermore, a dog’s tongue plays an important role in life and health, similar to a person’s tongue. Dogs pant or stick out their tongue to stay cool because they do not have sweat glands. Heat stress can be extremely detrimental to a dog’s health and even result in death. Panting also helps regulate body temperature after exercise.
Also, when dogs see something new and exciting or spot a treat, they sometimes open their mouths and pant. This behavior causes their tongues to hang out slightly from the side of their mouth, giving the impression that they are smiling.
In addition, dogs tend to stick their tongues out when they’re tired and want to rest. Some do it as a sign of submission, and they lick your face. Licking your face means you’re the boss (not necessarily a bad thing!).
Why do dogs stick their tongue out?
It’s a common sight in the dog world. Dogs stick their tongues out for a variety of reasons. Generally, when our pups aren’t drinking or eating, they’re leaving their tongues out to help cool down. Many dogs are big and furry and don’t do well in the summer heat; hence they hang their tongue out to increase airflow around their body and lower their body temperature.
Additionally, dogs who stick out their tongues may also lack hydration. So, yes, dogs need water, too! They can suffer from dehydration as well as humans, so if you’ve been taking your pup on runs with you or spending a lot of time outside together in the summer heat or winter cold, make sure they’re getting plenty of freshwaters to keep them cool and hydrated.
While it may look funny at times, a lolling tongue isn’t something to become worried about unless your dog is also keeping it out for longer periods. The key takeaway here is knowing how long your dog has been sticking his tongue out. If it looks like he’s been doing this for more than five minutes continuously without any interruption from eating or drinking, then it may be a sign that he’s dehydrated.
Chihuahua with tongue out
A Chihuahua’s tongue is approximately 2 inches long, so it’s not surprising that they might let it hang out. In addition, they are the only dogs with small, soft palates (the roof of the mouth), so their tongues protrude a bit due to their short muzzles.
Also, Chihuahuas are very small, and the tip of their tongue can stick out slightly past their teeth, making it look like they are always sticking their tongues out. Chihuahuas and other dogs stick their tongues out while they are hot or thirsty like we do. Their tongue also sticks out when they yawn.
Why do some dogs tongues hang out?
A dog’s breed should be the first step in determining whether or not a dog’s tongue should hang out. For example, dogs born with brachycephalic heads, meaning they have shortened muzzles and noses, are more likely to have loose jowls that cause saliva to drool out of their mouths.
Furthermore, many breeds of dog hang their tongues out. Breeds with shorter snouts, such as bulldogs and boxers, are more likely to have their tongues sticking out than other dogs. The extra skin in bulldogs and boxers can make it impossible for the tongue to fit inside the mouth at all times; even when they are being completely serious, they still look like they are smiling.
In addition, this ‘cool’ look could be because their mouths have to be open for panting. Dogs make a panting noise when they need extra oxygen and want to cool down more quickly than normal. Panting is one way they help keep themselves from overheating. When a dog’s tongue hangs out of his mouth, the saliva on his tongue evaporates, and that evaporation causes him to cool off.
Why do chow chows have blue tongues?
The Chow Chow breed is an ancient breed of dog from China. In the 1820s, they were exhibited in the London Zoo as the “wild dogs of China.” This breed is very different as it has a lion-like appearance and blue-black tongue. The blue tongue makes chow chows different because most dogs have pink tongues. In addition, their tongues are typically blue at birth, turning purple as the dog matures and finally black in adulthood.
A chow’s tongue is blue-black because of the skin. This is because chow chows are more prone to a concentrated amount of melanin in the mouth than other dogs, triggering pigmentation in their gums and mucous membranes.
Overall there are a few theories as to why the blue tongue exists. The most popular notion is that the gene for this trait was passed down from a polydactyl bear dog (a now-extinct ancient ancestor of today’s show). The tongue color is an example of atavism: a throwback to an earlier evolutionary trait.
Dog sticking tongue out and shaking
Dogs will pant when they are too hot, excited (when their owner returns home), or after exercise. However, panting accompanied by a rapid heartbeat along with excessive drooling and shaking can be a sign of heatstroke.
If it is heatstroke (if it looks like you can see every rib on their side), start by taking them in and giving them water to drink. Then, check their temperature as well. If it’s over 103.5, give them a nice, cool bath. You might also try rubbing alcohol on their footpads or offering them ice to lower their body temperature slowly before taking them to the vet.
Furthermore, if your dog is sticking his tongue out and shaking, the chances are extremely high; he’s been poisoned. There is no better time to rush him to the vet and get his stomach pumped than right now. One of the most common reasons for unusual responses to a stimulus can be poisoning. Some toxins can be mildly irritating to dogs if they walk through them without ingestion.
Why does my dog always have his tongue out?
There are several reasons your dog may be sticking out his tongue, such as Panting (a cooling mechanism), Drinking, Licking the air, and of course, just plain old expression! Some believe that dogs only pant when hot and sweltering, but that is incorrect.
Panting is not a way for them to cool off but rather a way for them to maintain a consistent body temperature. Dogs do not have sweat glands over their bodies as we do, so they must pant to maintain their body temperature.
Another reason for panting is that dogs have a lower concentration of red blood cells than humans. Therefore, when dogs work hard and become exhausted, panting allows oxygen to circulate throughout the body quicker. They then recover quicker from any strenuous activities.
What does it mean when dog sticks tongue out?
The meaning of a dog sticking out its tongue varies with the context and depends on whether or not the tongue is dangling out of the side of the mouth. For example, if it’s a hot day, your dog might pant with his tongue hanging out to increase evaporation and cool himself and it is a normal, natural canine body language.
Also, dogs don’t sweat as humans do, so they pant to lower their body heat. A dog with his tongue sticking out is more likely a tired dog who needs to cool off or just wants some water. Be sure to give him plenty of water and bring him somewhere cool.
Why is my dog sticking her tongue out?
Some dogs frequently stick their tongue out for no apparent reason. This can happen to your dog when her mouth is open or closed, and it does not always indicate a medical problem.
Furthermore, this behavior is called panting and is most common in dogs at rest. Panting is the main way that dogs cool themselves off. Unlike you, your dog does not have sweat glands on her body as you do.
Her primary cooling mechanism is by releasing water through the tongue or panting. Dogs also pant to relieve stress or anxiety or when excited, so if you see your dog panting at these times, she may be uncomfortable.
Why do dogs hang their tongues out?
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Dogs cool themselves by panting because they don’t have sweat glands, so hanging out their tongues increases the area for evaporation, which helps them to stay cooler. And as homes to the rest of their bodies, dogs’ mouths are very warm, which leads to excess heat in a dog’s tongue. So the more they pant, the cooler they get.
Also, they hang their tongues out to show joy and adjust their inner temperature, and Dogs have sweat glands in the pads of their feet, so panting allows the most efficient cooling. Dry-mouthed dogs will seek shade and even dig holes in the ground to help cool themselves.
Why do dogs like sticks?
Dogs love sticks. One reason is that dogs need to keep their teeth clean, even though they don’t visit a dog dentist or brush their teeth as often as they should, so they chew on all kinds of things, including sticks.
Another reason is that playing fetch with a stick is just fun for dogs; it’s their version of games like soccer or baseball, only instead of kicking or hitting a ball, a dog chases after and picks up something more natural: a twig or branch.
Also, in the dog’s mouth, the shape of the stick lets saliva run off rather than pool, keeping the dog’s mouth dry and cool. And because of its lightweight, a dry stick doesn’t take much energy to lug around as the dog trots alongside you.
Conclusion
Having a dog that sleeps with his tongue out is cute, but if you’re a ‘worrier,’ you can’t help but ask, “why does my dog sleep with his tongue out.” Some dogs do it to cool off, while others do it when dehydrated. Most times, there’s nothing to worry about as long as you take care of your dog.
However, if your dog shows signs of discomfort while sleeping with his tongue out, you should take your dog to see a vet.
FAQs
Many dogs rest and sleep with their tongues peeking out because they feel incredibly relaxed. It's often a clear sign of pure bliss. The reason for that is relatively simple. A healthy dog sticks their tongue out during sleep to regulate its body temperature.
Is it normal for my dog to sleep with his tongue out? ›
Because They're Very Relaxed
All muscles, including the tongue, relax during sleep. That makes it easy for the tongue to loll out of the mouth. When a dog is sleeping deeply and is very relaxed, their jaws may open and allow the tongue to come out of their mouth. This happens in humans sometimes, too.
Why is my dog always with his tongue out? ›
Some dogs, however, are either partially or fully unable to control their tongue and it may hang out of their mouth on a consistent basis. These dogs have a condition know as hanging tongue syndrome, and it can be triggered by a congenital defect, injury, dental disease or neurological damage.
Why does my dog sleep with his tongue out and snoring? ›
The first reason of 'why does a dog sleep with its tongue out' is relaxation. Dogs sleeping with their tongues out can be compared to people who are snoring since they are sleeping so profoundly. Actually, from time to time, you might even hear your dog snoring.
What does it mean if you sleep with your tongue out? ›
Symptoms of Nighttime Mouth Breathing
Sleeping with your mouth open isn't normal — it's a sign that you're not breathing properly when you sleep and can be a symptom of more severe health problems. Mouth breathing is also terrible for your oral health.
Why do dogs sleep with their bum facing you? ›
If your dog sleeps on your bed, you've probably woken up to find their bum facing you. There are several reasons why this happens, and most of them are pretty benign. These include comfort, ventral contact, trust, protection, eye contact, wanting to be left alone, territory marking, petting, and parasites.
What is blepping? ›
Blepping is a term that refers to the act of leaving the tongue, usually the tip, outside the mouth unconsciously. Usually it is used in reference to cats, but other animals can blep too. Even if you've never heard the word blep, if you have pets, you are probably aware of this behavior.
What is hanging tongue syndrome? ›
Disease Description: A syndrome where the tongue does not retract into the mouth properly, due to neurologic or anatomic defects. Commonly seen in Cavalier King Charles spaniels.
Why does my dog lick me so much? ›
One of the most common reasons why dogs love to lick their owners is simply to show their affection. Since you're the one taking care of them, you're essentially their world! When dogs lick, pleasurable endorphins are released into their blood which makes them feel calm and comforted.
Should I wake my dog up if he's snoring? ›
It's tempting to rouse a pet showing signs of distress like whimpering, twitching, or shaking in their sleep. According to the American Kennel Club, owners should let sleeping dogs lie. "Disrupting a dog during REM sleep can result in serious consequences," says the AKC.
What Do Dogs Dream About? While no one knows for sure what your dog dreams about, researchers think they likely dream about dog things like chasing squirrels, running after rabbits, and playing fetch with you. But while dogs dream happy dreams about fun activities, they can also have bad dreams or nightmares.
Why does my dog talk in their sleep? ›
“Our observations of dogs' movement and vocalization during their REM sleep let us conclude that they have dreams.” Dogs may also “talk” in their sleep with muffled barks, and act out their dreams by moving their legs in the same manner humans do when we are dreaming.
What causes a protruding tongue? ›
In true macroglossia, enlargement of the tongue occurs due to tissue overgrowth from lingual muscular hypertrophy or glandular hyperplasia, tissue infiltration, infectious or inflammatory causes. It is seen in both congenital and acquired conditions.
What is tongue thrusting? ›
What is tongue thrusting? Tongue thrusting, simply defined, is the habit of placing the tongue in the wrong position during swallowing, either too far forward or to the sides. It is estimated that every 24 hours, you swallow a total of 1,200 to 2,000 times, with about four pounds of pressure per swallow.
Where should tongue rest when sleeping? ›
Known as “tongue positioning,” there is a right and wrong way. When closing the mouth, the teeth should be slightly apart while the tongue rests on the roof of the mouth but not against the teeth. Not only does this correct form of tongue positioning ensure better oral health, but it also prevents teeth from shifting.
How do you know if your dog is bonded to you? ›
Signs of a Strong Bond
There's a real light in their eyes; they smile, wag, rub into you, and makes great eye contact. When you come home, they brighten up, becomes animated, and may even vocalize their joy. Other signs of a strong bond include: Keeping tabs on your location when they are off leash.
Why does my dog sleep right next to me? ›
THEY'RE SIMPLY BEING AFFECTIONATE.
If you're a new dog owner with a pup that prefers sleeping in bed with you or even on top of you, take it as a sign that they're settling in well and feel safer in your presence. Chances are there are no behavioral issues to worry about.
What is the difference between a dog blep and MLEM? ›
mlem, the act of a dog or cat sticking out their entire tongue or the sound they make to lick something. Taken from lolspeak mlem and formed as an onomatopoeia of the slobbering sound. If only a small piece of tongue is visible, it is called a blep.
What is it called when a dog's tongue hangs out? ›
Hanging Tongue Syndrome is exactly what it sounds like: the dog's tongue hangs out of their mouth, and it's not a sign of anything else troublesome. It's a condition that smaller and brachycephalic (“smooshed” faced) breeds of dogs, like Pugs, are prone to have due to genetics.
What is the difference between BLEP and MLEM? ›
An Imgur blog post from 2015 makes a clear separation between “mlem” and another tongue-centric word, “blep.” “Mlem” is a conscious act of licking, while a “blep” — a tongue protruding from an animal's mouth — just kind of happens.
If your dog follows you everywhere then it's a sign that they trust and love you and that you make them feel safe. Following you very closely can be a sign that they're bored, they want something, they're feeling scared or are just being nosy.
Does a dog trust you if they sleep on you? ›
Cuddles & Sleepy Snuggles 💤
Dogs choose to sleep where they feel most comfortable and at ease, so if your dog enjoys sleeping in your bed, or likes to snuggle up to you for a nap, they feel trust in you that they will be safe to do so.
How can I tell if my dog is sad? ›
How to tell if your dog is sad
- Vocalizations like whines or whimpers.
- Mopey behavior around things they typically enjoy.
- Lowered energy.
- Refusing food or treats.
- Eyes appear squinty or smaller than usual.
- A change in sleep patterns or behavior.
If your tongue is swollen and bumpy, you may have a case of strawberry tongue. It's not a condition -- it's a symptom of different conditions or disorders. Your tongue usually appears red, but it can be white. It's also called raspberry tongue.
What is dog macroglossia? ›
Macroglossia is a very rare condition in dogs. This is. often characterized by an abnormally large tongue that. may have reduced range of motion and cause. breathing difficulties.
Why does my dog stick his tongue out and breathe heavy? ›
The other way is by panting, which is when the dog will breathe in and out quickly with their tongue out. By doing this they rapidly take cooler air into the body to bring their temperature down. Drawing air over the wet tongue also has a similar cooling effect to sweat on human skin.
How long do dogs remember you? ›
That said, most researchers believe dogs can remember important people and significant events in their lives for years, perhaps until death. So, yes, your dog remembers your scent, your face (especially your eyes), and your voice and associates them with happiness, love or snuggling, or maybe just with food.
Why do dogs put their paw on you? ›
Why is my dog putting his paws on me? In addition to a way to say "I love you," your dog might paw at you if it needs something like food or a potty break. Anxious dogs might also paw at you for comfort or to request some space. Other dogs may paw at you to signify they need some activity time.
Are dog licks kisses? ›
A dog who licks you is showing you that they love you, so it's no surprise many people call them "dog kisses". It's a natural action for dogs — a way for them to express how they feel about you. Charlotte adds: "It's important that you don't force a dog to give you 'kisses or cuddles'.
Should you pet a sleeping dog? ›
Should you pet a sleeping dog? Petting dogs when they are sleeping can disrupt their sleep. Generally, it's a good idea to avoid touching a sleeping dog unless it is whimpering or shaking. In that instance, a gentle pat can help soothe the dog.
According to Dr. Roberts, around 75% of a dog's sleep happens at night while the rest occurs in the daytime. The average dog sleeps around nine hours in a night and three hours during the day. That means humans can sleep with their dog each night.
Do dogs dream about their owners? ›
Do Dogs Dream About Their Owners? Great news: yes, dogs do dream about their owners! They will often dream about past experiences they have had with their owner, and they may even dream about future experiences they will have with doggo parent.
What do dogs think about all day? ›
Overall, dogs are complex creatures that think about a wide range of things, including social relationships, their physical environment, daily routine, physical needs, and health and well-being.
Can dogs see in the dark? ›
Obviously, his stronger sense of smell is useful, but it's also because dogs can see movement and light in the dark, and other low-light situations, better than humans. They are assisted by the high number of light-sensitive rods within the retina of their eyes. Rods collect dim light, supporting better night vision.
What colors can dogs see? ›
Human eyes have three different types of cones, which allows us to identify combinations of red, blue, and green. Dogs, on the other hand, have only two types of cones, which means they can only discern blue and yellow. As a result, dogs are red-green colour blind.
Why does my dog move from spot to spot while sleeping? ›
They may also feel the need to get close to their pack members for protection or warmth. Why does my dog move from spot to spot? Moving around at night isn't uncommon for dogs. Circling and digging is an attempt to make their bed more comfortable.
Do dogs like sleeping silence? ›
Keep Their Sleeping Area Quiet and Dark: Mammals have circadian rhythms that are influenced by light. View Source , so it's easier for your dog to sleep at night if it's dark or dim. It's also easier for them to sleep if they aren't being interrupted by excessive noise.
What sounds put dogs to sleep? ›
One effective way to help your dog sleep well is with soothing nature sounds. By playing the sounds of wind rustling trees, birds singing, and water gently trickling, you'll find your dog will snooze a lot more soundly.
What does a long tongue mean? ›
adjective. talking too much or too openly, especially of private or confidential matters; chattering; gossipy.
Is tongue protrusion normal? ›
Tongue thrust is normal up until a baby is about 4 to 6 months of age. During this time the reflex is important because if an infant gets something other than milk in his or her mouth, then the tongue can push it out to prevent choking.
What is tongue thrust? Tongue thrust appears when the tongue presses forward too far in the mouth, resulting in an abnormal orthodontic condition called an “open bite.” The condition is most common in children.
Does anxiety cause tongue thrusting? ›
Rubbing and thrusting of the tongue against the teeth occurs as a manifestation of anxiety in the tense, apprehensive, pent-up individual; it occurs par ticularly when the person is subject to emo tional stress.
What are early signs of tongue thrust? ›
Signs of Tongue Thrust
Inability to fully close their lips when their face is neutral — like when they're not eating or talking. Having a gap between their top and bottom front teeth. Pronouncing certain sounds incorrectly, like lisping their “s” or “z” sounds.
What is Angelman syndrome tongue thrusting? ›
Children have learning difficulties and speech delay that are usually severe. They also have jerking movements, tongue-thrusting, a characteristic (typical) facial appearance, and a happy mood with sudden bursts of laughter and epilepsy. Many children also have a fascination for water, usually running water.
How do you control tongue thrust while sleeping? ›
Make sure your tongue is pushing against the gum. Next, bite your teeth together and keep your lips apart. Lastly, swallow but be sure to keep your teeth together and lips apart. Performing this exercise two times in the morning and in the evening can stop tongue thrusting in its tracks.
Does tongue position affect sleep? ›
Having poor tongue posture can lead to issues with grinding your teeth or sleep apnea, which is a breathing disorder that particularly affects people during sleeping hours.
Should tongue touch teeth? ›
Proper Tongue Positioning
When your mouth is at rest, your tongue should be against the roof of your mouth, but it should not be pressing against any of your teeth. Your teeth should be slightly apart, and your lips should be closed.
Why is my dog's mouth open with tongue out? ›
Why Do Dogs Pant? Moderate to rapid open-mouthed respiration is a normal dog and puppy behavior that lowers body temperature and also gets oxygen into the dog's bloodstream. The panting dog breathes with its mouth open and tongue somewhat protruding. Panting should not be confused with labored breathing.
Is it okay if my dog sleeps with his mouth open? ›
Why Keeping His Mouth Open Occurs in Dogs. Your dog may simply be trying to cool down his body by panting with his mouth open. The air circulates through your dog's body and helps him when he is too warm. Also referred to as mandibular paralysis, trigeminal neuritis is paralysis of a dog's muscles used for chewing.
Do dogs smile with their tongue out? ›
Many canine expressions can be seen as a “smile,” including wide-mouth panting, relaxing with their tongues out, and submissive grins.
A depressed dog shows similar body language to an anxious dog. He may avoid eye contact and seek to be alone. His eyes will be dull and sad, with the inner eyebrows raised. His body and tail will be low, and he may lose interest in food and in things that he previously enjoyed, such as interaction and play.
What are critical signs of stress in dogs? ›
Stressed dogs, like stressed people, may have dilated pupils and blink rapidly. They may open their eyes really wide and show more sclera (white) than usual, giving them a startled appearance. Ears that are usually relaxed or alert are pinned back against the head. Changes in body posture.
Why do dogs lick you? ›
Licking is a natural and instinctive behaviour to dogs. For them it's a way of grooming, bonding, and expressing themselves. Your dog may lick you to say they love you, to get your attention, to help soothe themselves if they're stressed, to show empathy or because you taste good to them!
Can I let my dog kiss my mouth? ›
Should You Allow Your Dog To Lick You? For most healthy people, a dog licking faces or other body parts should pose minimal health risk. If you are concerned, then do not let dogs lick your mouth or anywhere near an open skin wound.
Should I let my dog kiss my mouth? ›
Leni K. Kaplan, of Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine, told the Times that pet owners shouldn't let their dog kiss a person's mouth, nose, and eyes, through which certain pathogens, including salmonella and E. coli, can be transmitted.
Does my dog know I love him? ›
Yes, your dog knows how much you love him! Dogs and humans have a very special relationship, where dogs have hijacked the human oxytocin bonding pathway normally reserved for our babies. When you stare at your dog, both your oxytocin levels go up, the same as when you pet them and play with them.
Do dogs recognize themselves in the mirror? ›
Although dogs can't identify themselves in the mirror, they still have some level of self-awareness and ace other self-recognition tests. They can recognize their own odor, and recall memories of specific events, Earth.com reports.
Do dogs like being hugged? ›
Experts in dog behavior believe that, in general, dogs do not like being embraced. However, every dog has a unique personality. Some may dislike hugs more strongly than others, and some may actually adore them. The closest thing our furry family members do to a hug is something referred to as 'standing over'.
Can dogs cry? ›
Dogs can also cry happy tears, according to a study published today (August 22) in Current Biology. Although the animals' eyes don't overflow, they well up when they're reunited with their owners after spending even just hours apart, the researchers found.
Does my dog really love me? ›
Your dog might jump on you, lick your face, and they'll definitely wag their tail. Being excited and happy to see you is one way you can be assured they love and miss you. They seek physical contact. This can come in the form of a quick nuzzle, a cuddle, or the famous lean.
