Why does my dog stick her tongue out a little bit

Certain dogs have a bizarre yet charming habit of protruding their tongues out when they sleep. It could be just the tip or the whole tongue dangling on the side of their mouth.

There is nothing more adorable than seeing your dog sleeping with the tongue out in their comfy sleeping space. Although this is a harmless trait, it is a good idea to know the exact reasons why dogs sleep with their tongues out. 

Why Do Dogs Sleep With Their Tongue Out?

Don’t worry. 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. 

Especially during the summer heat. Some of the most typical breeds that habitually stick their tongues out are mastiffs, chihuahuas, pugs, King Charles spaniels, and bulldogs. The tongue is a key component of a dog’s mouth. 

Dogs need it to swallow, lap water, eat, and cool down. The tongue is a muscle packed with a ton of blood vessels and nerves. When they stick it out during sleep, the tongue comes in contact with the cool air. Thus helping the saliva evaporate and release heat. 

Since dogs don't have sweat glands through the entire body, just their noses and paw pads, panting is the best way for them to cool down. This is what we call thermoregulation. The dog is unable to sweat through its skin. 

But, sometimes, there is no reason for the dog to sleep with his tongue out. They are probably dreaming. As long as there are no visible cuts or wounds, this behavior is normal. So, don't be alarmed if your dog is sleeping with its tongue out. 

A Couple of Teeth Missing

Many people want to know why my older dog sleeps with his tongue out. If your dog is old with fewer teeth, then they could doze off with their tongue out because of the lack of front teeth. These teeth are the ones that hold the tongue in. So, without proper dental standing, it can be difficult not to stick the tongue out. Again, an old dog sleeping with tongue out is normal and nothing to worry about. 

Changing the Meds

Some pups need to take their meds. But, when their body grows accustomed to the new medicine, they could also stick their tongue out. If you notice the dog sticking tongue out repeatedly right after introducing new drugs to their system, talk to a vet. That way, you can be sure your dog is taking the proper medication that's right for their system. If they exhibit some adverse reactions, then the vet may suggest changing the medicine. 

My Dog Has Its Tongue Out – Is That Hanging Tongue Syndrome?

A protruding tongue could be the result of a number of things. Many of which have nothing to do with health problems in dogs. Most dogs with a protruding tongue are small-breeds with “smooshed” faces (brachycephalic dogs). Their tongues are completely functional. 

Yet, due to genes, their tongues are a lot bigger than their oral cavity. When paired with missing teeth and abnormal jaw bone, the tongue lacks the necessary support, which is why it slips out. At times, there are non-genetic triggers to a hanging tongue. The most prevalent one is serious dental disease. 

Dental complications can cause teeth loss, particularly the lower canine teeth. Without that dental rest, the tongue ends up rolling out. When the sticking tongue is the result of a trauma or injury to the jaw and head, the nerve dysfunction might make it difficult for the tongue to function properly. 

To know whether your dog has hanging tongue syndrome, talk to a vet. They can do a thorough analysis of your dog’s health state. The main problem with hanging tongue syndrome is a super dry tongue. 

• Is There a Way to Manage It?

For a dog with a tongue out, hydration should be a top priority. Since the tip of the dog’s tongue is constantly on display, it is normal for it to feel incredibly dry. With regular access to water and healthy gums, you can keep their mouth in tip-top shape. 

Do have in mind, however, that a canine companion with this type of syndrome is vulnerable to frostbite and infections. So, keeping them outside in very cold climates is not a good idea. Any gum and tongue discoloration is a tell-tale sign of infection. Consult with your vet if you notice a change in the dog’s tongue health. 

Do Dogs Like Being Pet While Sleeping?

It comes down to personal preference. If your dog is a clingy sleeper and loves snuggles, then they will most likely want you to pet them. After all, there is nothing better than being around someone you care about when you want to unwind, relax, and drift off to sleep. Snuggling is the best way to reciprocate love and form strong bonds. 

Besides, dogs are pack animals. It is completely normal and natural for them to want to sleep while touching their family members. Then again, some dogs want their personal space. They like to sleep in a separate cozy cushion or a dog bed without you bothering them at night. 

Final Thoughts

Seeing the dog sticking its tongue out when asleep will have you melt. Some dogs do it to regulate their body heat. Others just relax and enjoy pure bliss. As long as you tend to your dog's needs, there is absolutely nothing to worry about. Make sure your canine best friend has proper dental health, and their breathing is in check. 

Besides, dogs do silly things sometimes. With regular hydration, you can keep the tongue dryness at bay. So, there is no harm in letting them stick their tongue out from time to time. If you are worried about your dog, talk to a vet. A certified professional can evaluate your dog's oral health. With a little bit of help, you can come a long way. 

Here are some other common questions about dogs that may also be helpful:Why Does My Dog Scratch My Bed Sheets? Why Does My Dog Bury His Head in Me? Why Does My Dog Lay His Head on Me? Why Does My Dog Sleep Between My Legs? Why Does My Dog Lick My Pillow? Why Does My Dog Stand Over Me? Why Does My Dog Stretch So Much? Why Does My Dog Put His Butt on Me? Why Does My Dog Lay On My Clothes? Why Does My Dog Nibble My Ear? Why Does My Dog Hump the Air? Why Does My Dog Lick Other Dogs Pee? Why Does My Dog Push Against Me? Why Does My Dog Lick My Legs? Why Does My Dog Lick My Eyes? Do Dogs Get Tired Of Barking? and if you are after our pet portraits, you can see themhere.

Our dogs often communicate using body language…but do we listen? Have a look at the examples below to see how our furry friends communicate with their owners and other dogs.

Let’s start with the body language dogs display when all is well. Nothing makes us smile more than seeing our dogs happy and enjoying life and sure enough, you’ll be able to spot this from their body language. Each signal listed below means that a dog is content and relaxed:

Play bow

We all know this signal. A dog is inviting you or other dogs to play.

Relaxed facial expression

You can tell this dog is relaxed!

Rocking horse motion

When playing, dogs move vertically, rocking back and forth like a rocking horse. Have you seen your dog do this?

Wagging tail/wiggling bottom

A tail wagging side-to-side or in a helicopter motion indicates a happy dog. A wiggly bottom does, too.

Happy facial expression

Mouth ajar and tongue sticking out. The dog in this photo is completely at ease, happy and relaxed.

When stressed or nervous:

When stressed and nervous, different dogs’ behaviour can vary. The following signs show how dogs attempt to relieve stress or alleviate potential threats:

Yawning

Though dogs do yawn when tired, they’re far more likely to do so when nervous.

Lip licking

Dogs lick their lips or flick out their tongues when feeling nervous or stressed.

Piloerection (hackles)

This is where the hackles – on the back of a dog’s neck – stand on end.

Body freeze

When threatened, dogs freeze their entire bodies. They do this either until a threat subsides, or very briefly whilst deciding to handle the situation via fight or flight.

Faffing

When feeling nervous, such as being approached in the park by another dog, a dog may pretend to sniff a particular area. This is called faffing: the dog’s way of avoiding an uncomfortable situation.

Whale eye

This is when a dog turns away from a possible threat but watches it from an angle, revealing the whites of his/her eyes.

Shaking

Dogs might shake when nervous to defer the situation. This is caused by the release of adrenaline.

Tense jaw

When this happens the dog is, in one way or another, preparing for action.

Turning away

If your dog is in a fearful situation, they could turn away their head as a gesture of appeasement.

Lowered tail

Another indication that a dog is worried or fearful.

Panting

Dogs pant when stressed. This is usually a dry sound as nervousness reduces saliva production.

Understanding your dog's body language

Understanding your dog's body language is very important. If you can spot signs that your dog is distressed or agitated early on, you are able to remove their source of stress/agitation before the dog's behaviour worsens. By knowing what your dog is trying to tell you, you are better equipped to prevent accidents.

Need more advice about your dog's body language?

Learning to understand your dog’s body language can take time. Hopefully this advice will help you recognise the most important signs. If you’re worried about any behaviour issues, please don’t hesitate to talk to your vet today.

Find your nearest vet using our Find a Vet page, or speak to a vet online using Online Vets.