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There are few things more adorable than seeing a pup with their tongue sticking out, almost as if they are smiling at us. And while sheer cuteness seems like a good enough reason already, there are in fact an abundance of reasons why dogs stick their tongues out.
Dogs stick their tongues out as a way of cooling down, as a way of tasting the air to enhance their senses (also known as Flehmen Response), and a dog can even stick their tongue out as a way of showing that they are super chilled out.
We will take a closer look at the reasons why dogs stick their tongues out, how it helps them navigate the world around them, as well as things to look out for that may require medical attention.
âWhy is my dog sticking their tongue out?â we hear you ask - never fear, we have the answers!
Dogs stick out their tongues for a number of reasons, many of which are natural and normal. Dogs may expose their tongue as a way of reflecting their mood, to communicate how they are feeling, as a way of keeping themselves cool, or it may be down to genetics and breed.
However, tongue protrusion can also indicate more serious issues, such as oral pain or disease. Keeping a close eye on your fur babyâs behavior will help catch things quickly.
Common reasons why dogs stick their tongues out include:
Dogs donât sweat like humans do, and so sticking out their tongue and panting helps to cool them down. Having their tongue exposed and rapidly intaking air helps to evaporate excess water and cool their bodies down.
While dogs are very efficient at cooling themselves down, their inability to sweat can make them extremely prone to heatstroke, and so knowing how to keep your pup cool in hotter temperatures is super important.
Dogâs explore the world with their mouth, and sticking out their tongue can help them do just this. Your dog may be tasting the air in an attempt to detect food, or even a nearby mate or possible threat.
A dog may stick out their tongue as a form of expression and to communicate their mood. You may notice your dog may stick their tongue out more when they are feeling excited or playful.
Sticking their tongue out is often a sign that your dog is really relaxed. It can be a sign of contentment in dogs, for example if they are receiving cuddles or have just eaten something tasty. Some dogs may even âblepâ, have only the tip of their tongue sticking out slightly, when they are super chilled out or sleeping.
Exposing their tongue is a common side effect amongst dogs as the result of certain medications. It is important to keep an eye on this and ensure your dog isnât in any discomfort.
Hanging Tongue Syndrome is a condition in which a dog is unable to retract their tongue, causing it to constantly stick out. HTS can occur for a number of reasons, possible nerve damage or even trauma can be the cause.
The condition is particularly common amongst short-nosed dog breeds, also known as Brachycephalic breeds - these breeds tend to have under/overbites or tongues that are too large for their mouths, making the issue more prevalent.
Discomfort, swelling or growths in the mouth can cause a dogâs tongue to stick out, as well as the removal of a significant number of teeth. If your dog seems to be in pain or discomfort it is vital to consult your vet as soon as symptoms show.
Now for a little question and answer!
If a dog has their tongue sticking out while they are sleeping, it is very often an indicator of how relaxed they are.
Nap time or âbleppingâ usually means that the dogâs mouth is super relaxed and therefore the tongue hangs loose. Your dog may even twitch or make little squeaks or whimpers while they sleep.
Known as âbleppingâ, as well as being completely adorable, this protrusion of just the tip of the tongue is a sign of relaxation and contentment in dogs, more often than not when they are feeling sleepy.
Dogs pant and stick their tongue out as a way of cooling themselves down. They will take quick, short breaths, allowing air to pass over their tongue and evaporate excess water, cooling their bodies down as a result.
Panting can be a sign that your dog is overheating, so if you notice this behavior offer your dog some water and make sure they are kept in a cool or shady spot.
Excessive panting can also indicate that your dog is stressed - offer them reassurance, and if needed take them to a calm, quiet place away from noise and stimulation.
This can be a pretty telltale sign that you make your dog happy! If your dog sticks their tongue out when you pet them it is probably because you make them feel safe and content. Happy bleps all round!
Dogs communicate in incredible ways, their body language and behavior nearly always either telling us something or working to keep themselves happy and safe as they navigate the world around them.
Whether it is a way of keeping themselves calm and cool, a way of tasting and sensing whether food or other animals are near, to signify that there may be something more serious going on inside, or just to simply let us know that they are happy, your dogâs tongues can tell a hundred tales.
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