Have you ever seen your dog hang his tongue out when he is sleeping? Do you wonder why he does so? Are you afraid of it?
Dogs sleep with their tongues out for a variety of reasons. I have noticed this in dogs of all ages, normally they do it because they do it as is their nature, especially when they’re hot. Some dog owners believe that sleeping with their tongue sticking out is a sign of relaxation, while others think it’s simply more comfortable for the dog to sleep that way.
Here are the main 10 reasons why your dog sleeps with his tongue out.
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1. Just Like it
They do it for no reason just like it or like humans who sleep with their mouth open. Dogs are very expressive animals and love showing affection or making themselves known to their owners, so sleeping with their tongue sticking out is just one way they do that. If you notice your dog sleeping with his or her tongue out all the time, it’s likely just because they are very comfortable in whatever position they’re sleeping in at the time.
2. Hot
Many dogs sleep or rest with their tongues out are likely to allow them to cool down faster. This is especially common in summer months or in warm climates.
Dogs have a lot of excess heat in their mouths. They are able to cool down their mouth and throat by keeping their tongue out. When they pant, the extra moisture on their tongue evaporates and helps them cool down.
Dogs’ tongues are full of blood vessels, by sticking the tongue out, which helps blood vessels release heat and finally to the blood supply they carry. As a result, helps a dog’s body cool down.
2. Relax
When dogs are feeling comfortable and safe, they’ll often stick their tongues out as a way to relax. Dogs will often stick their tongues out when they’re lying down and feeling relaxed. This can be a sign that your dog is comfortable and content.
3. Tired
When dogs are exhausted, their tongues often hang out of their mouths. This is because the muscles in a dog’s tongue relax when they’re tired, and the tongue falls out of their mouth.
4. Stressed or Anxious
When a dog is stressed or anxious, they may pant. Panting helps them to cool down and release some of the stress that they are feeling. Dogs often sleep after doing activities such as running around, playing games, or chewing on bones. When dogs are sleeping after one of these events, they may pant in their sleep and keep their tongue out.
5. Hanging Tongue Syndrome
Hanging tongue syndrome is when a dog’s tongue hangs out of the mouth and dangles loosely for a long time. Although it is a relatively rare condition, which can cause several problems for dogs, including difficulty eating and drinking, drooling, and a “hanging” tongue.
While the condition itself is not typically dangerous, it can lead to health problems if left untreated. In severe cases, the dog’s tongue may become completely stuck to the floor of the mouth, making it difficult or impossible to eat or drink. This can lead to malnutrition and dehydration, both of which can be fatal.
If you think your dog may have hanging tongue syndrome, you can moisturize your dog’s tongue with olive oil to keep it moist and lubricated. Also, you need to give your dog water. This will help keep his tongue moist and avoid cracks.
It is also important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible. Treatment typically involves surgically cutting the band of tissue that tethers the tongue. This is a relatively simple procedure and is generally very successful.
6. Nasal Obstruction
Dogs also sleep with their tongue out because they may be snoring too much to pull it in. If your dog pulls his or her tongue back in when they are awake, but is constantly sleeping with their tongue hanging out, it could be a sign of obstructed airway or nasal obstruction, which is where there is an impediment to breathing. If your dog’s snoring is keeping you up at night, take him or her to the vet for a check-up.
7. Born with Larger Tongues
One possible explanation is that some dogs are simply born with larger tongues, too long for his mouth.
When these dogs lay their heads down to sleep, their tongues can hang out of their mouths without obstructing their breathing. This is why you might see certain breeds of dogs, like Bulldogs or Mastiffs, sleeping with their tongues sticking out – it’s just a natural feature for them.
8. Medication Changes
Another reason for a dog sleeping with its tongue sticking out is that they are taking medication which has caused them to become very dry. As a result, their tongue hangs out of their mouth in an effort to increase moisture levels. This is particularly common in older dogs who are prescribed medications like Rimadyl or Metacam.
9. Mouth Breathing
Dogs often sleep with their tongues out because it increases the surface area of the mouth available for breathing. This is especially important for dogs that have trouble breathing, such as Bulldogs.
10. Dental Issues
You may notice it in an old dog with few teeth, which don’t have front teeth can not hold the tongue. Your dog may also stick the tongue out if he has other dental issues, such as unhealthy gums, malfunctioning jaw, or other prior injuries.
Final Thought
Normally there is no need to worry when you see your dog sleep with the tongue out. However, there may be a problem if your dog cannot get the tongue all the way into the mouth and have difficulty eating or drinking. You should consult with your vet because your dog may get hanging tongue syndrome.
