Have you lived around a dog long enough? If yes, then, chances are you have seen your dog stick out its tongue. Dogs are not the only ones that stick out their dogs. Humans also do. However, unlike humans that stick out their tongue as a sign of disrespect or in an attempt to pull people’s legs, dogs stick out their dogs for entirely different reasons. There are quite a handful of reasons the average dog sticks out its tongue. Some of these reasons are entirely harmless. Others, however, are not so harmless.
Sometimes dogs stick out their tongues in an attempt to pass information to their owners. Other times, they could stick out their tongue because they are dealing with a medical condition.
It might be impossible to go through all the reasons dogs stick out their dogs in one article. So, we have put together some of the most common reasons why dogs stick out their tongue.
They Might be Taking a Medication
Different medications have their side effects. One of the many side effects of drugs is they might make your dog stick out its tongue. So, if you come across a dog always sticking out its tongue, chances are it has just started taking a new medication and this action could simply be a side effect of this drug.
If you have a dog that sticks out its tongues after taking a medication, you might have to talk to your vet. With this done, they might have to make some adjustments to the dosage. In extreme conditions, you might need to change the medication.
Hanging Tongue Syndrome
The Hanging Tongue Syndrome is a medical condition and it is exactly what its name says it is. It is a medical condition that makes your dog stick out its tongue. Dogs with this condition always have their tongues out of their mouth for no real reason.
The Hanging Tongue Syndrome is one that affects smaller dogs, as well as dogs with flat faces more than bigger dogs. The reason for this is sometimes smaller dogs have tongues that appear too big for their mouth. Additionally, flat faced dogs have jaws with a structure that does not seem to support housing their tongue.
In as much as the hanging tongue syndrome is more pronounced among smaller dogs, it is a medical condition that affects dogs irrespective of their size. Additionally, dogs are not born with this condition. It is something that they develop as they age.
This medical condition is genetically motivated. Furthermore, if your dog is suffering from it, you do not have to worry it will lead to more complex issues.
Beyond the fact that this condition is caused by genetics, when a dog has its teeth wrongly extracted, it could develop this syndrome. If you have a dog that is dealing with hanging tongue syndrome, you will need to always provide it with water as its tongue will always dry out since it is outside the mouth.
Dogs Stick Their Tongue Out when Relaxed
If you spot your dog sticking out its tongue, it simply might be a sign that it is very relaxed. If you have a dog that always sticks out its tongue when you are cuddling it or rubbing its belly, you should be glad because your dog feels very comfortable around you.
Stress
When your dog has its tongue hanging out of its mouth and it does not seem be hot, you can be certain its tongue is not hanging out of its mouth because the weather. So, if your dog has its tongue out of its mouth and is breathing heavily but it does not look like the weather is hot, then, it just might be under stress or excited.
If you have a dog that keeps putting out its tongue while approaching you or has its tongue out when you walk towards it with a treat, you do not have to be worried. This action is absolutely acceptable.
Additionally, when a dog is meeting a new person or a new dog for the first time, it could also pant. There are various reasons why your dog will have its tongue out of its mouth when around other dogs. Sometimes, this could be because it is exciting. Other times, it could be doing this because it is scared.
Heat
Dogs sometimes have their tongues out of their mouth because they are hot. This is something you will notice in a hot environment. Generally when a dog has its tongue hanging out of its mouth because the weather is hot, this action is accompanied by panting.
When dogs have their tongue out of their mouth and are panting, you do not need to be worried. Panting is something that dogs do normally when they are trying to get cool in a hot environment. It can be likened to sweating in humans.
When a dog has its tongue out and is panting, you can be certain that it will lose a lot of fluid and could get easily dehydrated. In this situation, you migt need to move it to a shade. Additionally, ensure it gets ample water. With the right supply of water, your dog will always stay hydrated even if it pants for a long time.
Oral Cancers
Dogs suffer from several diseases. One of them is oral cancers. This cancer usually sits on the tongue. In addition to a cancer on the tongue, there could be small bumps which could make it difficult for the dog to have its tongue in its mouth.
How to Prevent Your Dog from Sticking Out Its Tongue
Knowing the various reasons why your dog sticks out its tongue is good. However, there is more. If it is not something that you are comfortable with, then, you will need to know just how to stop it.
If your dog keeps sticking its tongue out of its mouth because of genetics, then, you just might not be able to do much. On the other hand, if it has its tongue hanging out of its mouth for other reasons, there are ways you can prevent this action.
If you have a dog that keeps its tongue hanging because it pants excessively, then you can tone down its exercise routine a little so it can have some rest. Furthermore, if it has its tongue out of its mouth due to dental issues, you will need to see a vet. Additionally, you can pay special attention to what your pet feeds on.
Conclusion
Since some dogs have their tongue hanging out because of tumours on the tongue, you might not be able to do much if this is the reason for their tongue hanging out. However, you can take your dog to the vet frequently so its health does not deteriorate so badly.
