Why do Dogs Tongues Hang Out?
Aug 03, 2023
Why do Dogs Tongues Hang Out?
Often a cutesy or goofy look for our dogs but lets have a look at why dogs often have their tongues hanging out.
Cooling down
Dogs don't sweat like humans, for the most part they regulate their body temperature through panting. When a dog is hot or taking part in physical activity, they will pant to exchange warm air from their lungs with cooler air from around them. This dog behaviour helps to cool down their bodies and avoid overheating.
To Relax
In some cases, dogs may hang their tongues out while they are relaxed or resting as a sign of comfort and contentment.
Excitement or happiness
When dogs are happy or excited, the often pant and stick their tongues out to express their emotions.
Breed characteristics
Some dog breeds have physical characteristics that make it more likely for their tongues to hang out. Even when they're not necessarily hot or excited, brachycephalic breeds (like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Shih Tzus) which have short noses and flat faces, can find it more difficult to breathe efficiently, this can lead to panting and their tongue hanging out more frequently.
This condition is commonly known as "hanging tongue syndrome" or "dropped tongue." This can be a normal occurrence in certain breeds, as mentioned above but it can also be a sign of health issues or dental problems. If you have any concerns, monitor your dog's behaviour and consult your vet if required.
Medical issues
In some cases, excessive panting and constant tongue hanging out can indicate a medical problem, such as respiratory issues, dental problems, or heatstroke.
If your dog exhibits this behaviour persistently and/or along with other concerning symptoms, it's essential to consult your vet to rule out any potential health issues.
Panting and tongue hanging is an absolutely normal dog behaviour, especially in warmer weather or during physical activities. If you have any concerns though about this behaviour it is important that you speak to your vet just to be sure.
