Many pet owners see their dog’s tongue hanging out and wonder why this happens. Often, it’s a perfectly normal thing dogs do. Dogs hang their tongue out, especially when they pant, to help them cool down. This is a simple way their body works to stay at a good temperature. But sometimes, a tongue hanging out can mean something is wrong. It is important to know when to just smile at your happy dog and when to think about getting help.
Image Source: cdn.shopify.com
Normal Reasons For Your Dog’s Tongue Being Out
Seeing a dog with their tongue hanging out is a common sight. Most of the time, it means your dog is comfortable, happy, or just doing a normal dog thing.
Cooling Down by Panting
Dogs do not sweat much like people do. They cannot cool down their bodies through their skin. Instead, they pant. When a dog is panting, they take quick, shallow breaths with their mouth open and their tongue hanging out. Air moves over the wet surface of the tongue and inside the mouth. This helps water turn into vapor, which takes heat away from the dog’s body.
Think about it like this:
* Dog gets warm.
* Dog opens mouth wide.
* Dog hangs tongue out.
* Dog breathes fast (pants).
* Air hits the wet tongue and mouth.
* Water on the tongue dries up (evaporates).
* This process takes heat away.
* Dog cools down.
This is why dogs pant and hang tongue after they have been running, playing, or when the weather is warm. It is their main way to lower their body heat. Seeing a dog panting heavily with their tongue out after exercise is usually normal.
Just Relaxing and Happy
Sometimes, a dog’s tongue might hang out a little bit, or even a lot, just because they are very relaxed. This happens often when they are sleeping deeply. A dog tongue hanging out while sleeping usually just means they are in a deep, comfortable sleep. Their muscles are relaxed, and sometimes their mouth falls open a bit, letting the tongue peek out or hang to the side.
It is like when a person might snore or let their mouth drop open when they are really sleeping well. If your dog seems peaceful and is not showing other signs of trouble, a dog relaxed tongue hanging out often means they are simply content and restful. This is especially true if it only happens when they are napping or sleeping.
Feeling Happy or Excited
A dog might also let their tongue hang out a little when they are very happy or excited. Think about coming home after being away. Your dog might wag their tail fast, wiggle their whole body, and have a big, happy grin with their tongue visible. This is just part of their happy body language. They might not even be panting hard, but the excitement makes their mouth relax or open slightly.
Breed Traits
Some dog breeds are more likely to have their tongue hang out than others. This is often true for brachycephalic dogs. These are breeds with short, pushed-in faces, like Pugs, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, and Boxers.
- Brachycephalic dog tongue issues: These dogs have different shaped mouths and airways. Their tongues can sometimes seem a bit too big for their mouths, or they have less space inside their mouth. This means their tongue might hang out more often, even when they are not panting hard or sleeping. It is just how their face is made. It is important to watch these breeds carefully, as their face shape can make it harder for them to cool down by panting compared to dogs with longer noses.
Other breeds might also have facial structures that make their tongues hang out a bit naturally. It is a physical trait, not a sign of a problem in these cases.
Lopsided Grin
Sometimes, a dog might have a bit of their tongue sticking out on just one side. This often happens when they are comfortable, maybe leaning on something or just sitting in a relaxed way. It can look like a funny, lopsided smile. This is usually just part of their relaxed posture and is not a worry.
When a Tongue Hanging Out Could Be a Sign of Trouble
While often normal, there are times when a dog’s tongue being out, especially when combined with other signs, can mean there is a health problem. It is important to pay attention to why the tongue is out and what else your dog is doing.
Overheating or Heatstroke
This is one of the most serious reasons for a dog’s tongue to be out. Dogs get hot faster than people, especially in warm weather, during exercise, or if left in a hot car.
- Dog panting heavily: If your dog is panting much harder or faster than normal, even when they have not been active or it is not very warm, this is a red flag.
- Dog breathing fast with tongue out: This rapid breathing, along with a tongue that might look wider or darker red/purple than usual, can mean they are struggling to cool down.
- Dog heatstroke symptoms: The tongue might be out, but look for other signs too:
- Very heavy panting that does not slow down.
- Drooling a lot.
- gums that are bright red, dark red, or even bluish.
- Trouble walking, stumbling, or acting dizzy.
- Vomiting or diarrhea.
- Looking confused or acting strangely.
- Body feels very hot to the touch.
- In severe cases, collapsing or having fits.
If you see these signs, especially on a warm day or after activity, your dog might have heatstroke. This is a medical emergency. You need to act fast to cool them down and get to a vet.
Dehydration
When a dog does not have enough water, they can become dehydrated. This makes it harder for their body to work right, including staying cool.
- Dog dehydration signs: A dog’s tongue might seem dry or sticky instead of wet. Other signs include:
- Sunken eyes.
- Gums that are dry or feel sticky (instead of wet and slick).
- Loss of skin elasticity (if you gently pull up the skin on the back of their neck, it takes a while to spring back).
- Acting tired or weak.
- Losing their appetite.
A dog panting heavily when dehydrated is trying to cool down, but their body does not have enough water to do it well. Their tongue might be out, but if it looks dry and the dog seems unwell, dehydration could be the cause.
Pain or Injury
Pain in the mouth or head area can cause a dog to hold their mouth in an unusual way, which might make the tongue hang out.
- Dog mouth pain or injury: Look for signs like:
- Drooling more than usual.
- Not wanting to eat or dropping food.
- Rubbing their face.
- Whining or acting upset when you touch their mouth.
- Visible cuts, swelling, broken teeth, or something stuck in the mouth.
If your dog’s tongue is out and they show signs of mouth discomfort, they might have a problem like a broken tooth, a cut on the tongue, or something stuck between their teeth or on the roof of their mouth.
Nausea or Upset Stomach
Sometimes, a dog feeling sick to their stomach might hang their tongue out a bit, along with drooling or looking uncomfortable. This is often a sign that they might vomit soon.
Illness or Weakness
Any illness that makes a dog feel weak or tired can cause them to hang their tongue out. This is because their muscles are relaxed, and they might also be breathing faster or trying to cool down if they have a fever. If your dog’s tongue is out and they are also:
* Very tired and low energy.
* Not eating.
* Vomiting or having diarrhea.
* Shivering or trembling.
* Acting differently than usual.
It could be a sign of an underlying illness.
Side Effect of Medicine
Some medicines can cause dogs to pant more or feel more relaxed, which might lead to their tongue hanging out. If your dog recently started a new medicine, ask your vet if this could be a side effect.
Poison or Toxins
If a dog has eaten something harmful, they might show many signs, including excessive drooling, panting, and their tongue being out. This is an emergency.
Neurological Problems
In some rare cases, problems with the brain or nerves can affect a dog’s ability to control their tongue or face muscles.
- Dog neurological problems tongue: Signs might include:
- The tongue hangs out strangely all the time, not just when panting or sleeping.
- The tongue might look limp or weak.
- Trouble eating, drinking, or swallowing.
- Other signs like stumbling, weakness, head tilting, eye movements, or seizures.
If your dog’s tongue behavior seems truly unusual or comes with other signs of not being able to control their body, it could point to a neurological issue. This needs vet attention right away.
Checking Your Dog: What To Look For
When you see your dog’s tongue out, take a moment to look at other things. This helps you decide if it is normal or if you should worry.
Observe the Tongue Itself
- Color: What color is the tongue? A healthy tongue is usually pink. A bright red or dark red tongue might mean they are too hot. A bluish or purple tongue is a sign of not getting enough oxygen and is a serious emergency. Pale pink or white could mean anemia or shock.
- Wetness: Is the tongue wet and slick with saliva? This is normal when panting. Is it dry and sticky? This could mean dehydration. Is there lots of extra drool? Could be pain or nausea.
- Movement: Can your dog pull their tongue back in easily? Does it look limp or unable to move well? Is it trembling?
Look At Other Body Signs
- Breathing: How fast are they breathing? Is it fast and shallow panting (normal for cooling) or is it very fast, struggling breaths (bad)? Is their breathing noisy?
- Gums: Gently lift their lip. What color are the gums? Pink is normal. Red, dark red, bluish, or pale needs attention. Are they wet or sticky?
- Body Temperature: Does your dog feel hotter than usual? Feel their ears or groin area.
- Behavior: Is your dog acting normal? Are they alert and happy? Or are they tired, restless, confused, stumbling, or unresponsive?
- Environment: Is it hot outside or inside? Have they just exercised hard? Did they just wake up?
Consider the Situation
- Activity Level: Was your dog just playing fetch or running? Panting is normal after this. Have they been lying down quietly? Panting heavily might be a sign of something else.
- Weather: Is it a hot day? Dogs are more likely to overheat.
- Recent Events: Did they just eat? Take medicine? Hit their mouth on something?
A Quick Guide: Normal vs. Worry Signs
Here is a simple way to think about it:
| Sign | Often Means (Normal) | Could Mean (Worry) |
|---|---|---|
| Tongue out & panting | Just exercised, hot day, excited | Too hot (heatstroke), sick, stressed, pain, blocked airway |
| Tongue out & sleeping | Deeply relaxed, comfortable | Weakness from illness, old age, neurological issue |
| Tongue out & just sitting | Relaxed, happy, breed trait | Sick, weak, pain, neurological issue |
| Tongue color: Pink | Healthy | |
| Tongue color: Bright red or dark red | Very hot (but watch for heatstroke signs) | Overheating, fever |
| Tongue color: Bluish or Purple | Serious emergency! Not enough oxygen | Breathing trouble, heatstroke, heart issue |
| Tongue color: Pale or White | Serious emergency! Anemia, shock | Major blood loss, severe illness |
| Tongue is Wet and Slick | Normal when panting | |
| Tongue is Dry or Sticky | Worry! Dehydration | |
| Tongue is Limp or Cannot go back in | Sometimes in deep sleep | Neurological problem, severe weakness |
| Lots of Drool with Tongue Out | Pain, nausea, something in mouth, heat | Can be serious, watch for other signs |
| Fast, Heavy Breathing (Not just panting) | Exercise, heat | Heatstroke, pain, stress, heart/lung problems |
| Stumbling, Weakness, Acting Confused | Tired after intense play (check carefully) | Worry! Heatstroke, serious illness, toxins, neuro |
Note: This table is a quick guide. If you are ever unsure, it is best to contact your vet.
Caring for Specific Breeds: Short-Nosed Dogs
We talked about brachycephalic dogs earlier. These breeds need special attention when it comes to tongue issues and breathing.
- Brachycephalic dog tongue issues: Their shortened face structure means:
- Their airways are often smaller.
- They might have an elongated soft palate (tissue at the back of the mouth) that can block air.
- Their nostrils might be very narrow.
- Their tongues can seem large for their mouth size.
All of this makes it harder for them to breathe and cool down by panting. Their tongue might hang out more often because they are trying harder to get air or because there is less space in their mouth.
Owners of these breeds should:
* Be very careful in warm weather. Avoid walks and play during the hottest parts of the day.
* Use a harness instead of a collar to avoid putting pressure on their airway.
* Watch for signs of overheating more closely than with other breeds. Heavy panting in these dogs can turn into a crisis faster.
* Keep their weight healthy. Extra weight makes breathing harder.
* Talk to their vet about possible surgeries that can improve their breathing if needed.
For these dogs, a tongue hanging out with heavy panting is always something to pay close attention to. It might be a sign they are struggling more than a long-nosed dog would be in the same situation.
What To Do If You Are Worried
If you see your dog’s tongue out and you are concerned because of other signs or the situation, here is what you should do:
- Stay Calm: Your dog can sense your stress. Try to stay calm so you can think clearly.
- Assess the Situation: Look at all the signs. Is it hot? Have they exercised? What color is the tongue? How are they acting?
- If You Suspect Overheating:
- Move your dog to a cool place right away (air conditioning, shade).
- Offer them cool (not ice cold) water.
- You can apply cool water to their body, especially on their paws, belly, and groin area. Use wet towels, but do not cover their whole body tightly as this can trap heat. Do NOT use ice water, as this can cause shock.
- Turn a fan on them.
- Call your vet immediately. Heatstroke is an emergency. They will tell you what to do while you cool your dog and whether you need to bring them in right away.
- If You Suspect Dehydration:
- Offer fresh, cool water. If they drink a little, offer more after a few minutes. Do not let them gulp large amounts at once if they are very thirsty, as this can make them sick.
- If they won’t drink, or seem very sick, call your vet.
- If You Suspect Pain or Something Stuck:
- Carefully and gently look inside your dog’s mouth if they will let you. Look at the teeth, gums, roof of the mouth, and under the tongue for anything obvious like food stuck, a bone fragment, or a cut.
- Do not stick your fingers far down their throat.
- If you see something you cannot easily remove, or if your dog is in pain or won’t let you look, call your vet.
- If You Suspect Illness or Neurological Issues:
- Note all the symptoms you are seeing.
- Call your vet and describe everything. They will advise you on whether they need to see your dog and how quickly. Do not delay if you think it is serious.
- When in Doubt, Call the Vet: It is always better to call your vet and ask if you are worried. They know your dog’s history and can give you the best advice. A quick phone call can give you peace of mind or help you get your dog the urgent care they need.
Preventing Problems
Some of the reasons for a dog’s tongue being out are normal and cannot be prevented. But you can help prevent some of the worrying causes:
- Prevent Overheating:
- Never leave your dog in a hot car, even for a minute.
- On warm days, walk dogs in the early morning or late evening when it is cooler.
- Avoid strenuous exercise in the heat.
- Make sure your dog always has access to fresh, cool water.
- Provide shade if they are outside.
- For brachycephalic breeds, be extra cautious and keep them in air conditioning on hot days.
- Prevent Dehydration:
- Always provide plenty of fresh water.
- Bring water with you on walks or trips.
- Clean water bowls daily.
- Prevent Mouth Injuries:
- Give appropriate chew toys that are safe and not too hard (avoid bones or antlers that can break teeth).
- Supervise chewing.
- Be careful about letting dogs chew on sticks or rocks.
- Regular Vet Check-ups: Keeping your dog healthy overall through regular vet visits helps catch potential problems early. This includes checking their mouth and overall health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is it okay if my dog’s tongue is always hanging out a little bit?
A: If your dog has always had their tongue hang out a little, and they are otherwise healthy, eating, drinking, and acting normal, it might just be how they are made. This is very common in some breeds like Bulldogs or Pugs (brachycephalic dogs) or older dogs who have lost teeth. However, if it is a new change, or if you see any other signs of illness, pain, or weakness, it is best to check with your vet.
Q: My dog’s tongue hangs out only when he’s sleeping. Is that normal?
A: Yes, dog tongue hanging out while sleeping is very common and usually normal. It means they are likely in a deep, relaxed sleep and their mouth muscles are loose.
Q: Why does my dog pant so much and have his tongue out, even when it’s not hot?
A: Panting heavily with the tongue out can also be caused by things other than heat. This includes stress, fear, pain, excitement, or certain medical conditions (like heart or lung problems). Watch for other signs like pacing, trembling, whining (stress/fear), or signs of pain. If it is happening often without a clear reason (like exercise or heat), or if it seems extreme, talk to your vet.
Q: Can dog dehydration cause their tongue to hang out?
A: Yes. A dehydrated dog might pant to try and cool down, which involves the tongue being out. However, the tongue and gums might look dry or sticky instead of wet. Dehydration is serious, so offer water and call your vet if you suspect it.
Q: What color should my dog’s tongue be?
A: A healthy dog tongue is typically pink. The shade of pink can vary a little depending on the dog. If the tongue looks bright red, dark red, bluish, purple, or pale, it could be a sign of a health problem and needs immediate attention from a vet.
Q: My older dog’s tongue hangs out more now. Why?
A: As dogs get older, their muscles can get weaker. If an older dog has lost some teeth, their mouth structure changes, making it harder to keep their tongue fully inside. A dog relaxed tongue hanging out is common in senior dogs, especially if they are missing teeth. As long as they are eating and acting normally otherwise, it might just be a sign of age. But always mention it to your vet at their check-ups.
Wrapping Up
Seeing your dog with their tongue out is a natural and often charming part of having a canine friend. Most times, it simply means they are cooling down, feeling relaxed, or showing their happy excitement. However, being aware of the context and looking for other symptoms is key. A tongue hanging out along with heavy panting, changes in tongue color, signs of pain, weakness, or unusual behavior should always prompt closer inspection and possibly a call to your veterinarian. By knowing the difference between normal behavior and potential warning signs, you can help keep your furry companion safe and healthy.