Dog Sleeping with Tongue Out: Causes, Concerns, and When to See a Vet

Dogs are quirky in many ways that leave owners confused at times. One of them is sleeping with their tongue out. It’s such an adorable sight, but you might wonder if it’s normal or signals some underlying health concern. Most of the time, it is harmless, but there are instances when it needs attention.

In the following article, we are going to explain why dogs sleep with their tongues out, some possible health implications, and when you should be concerned about this.

The Role of Relaxation in Sleep

This is one of the most common reasons why dogs sleep with their tongues out because they are so relaxed. As a dog goes into deep sleep, all of its muscles-including those in the face and jaw-relax completely. This relaxation will then cause the tongue to fall out.

The same dog will sleep with its tongue hanging out compared to others; this is due to more relaxation of the muscles. It has similarities with human beings sleeping with their mouths open when they are in a deep sleep.

Breed Characteristics and Anatomy

Some breeds of dogs are prone to sleeping with their tongues out due to their anatomy. Brachycephalic breeds are the most susceptible, as they have very short snouts and flat faces. These breeds are the following:

• Pugs
• Bulldogs
• Boxers
• French Bulldogs
• Shih Tzus

Because of their short nasal passages and jaw structure, their tongues often come out naturally, especially during sleep.

Other breeds with longer tongues, such as Labrador Retrievers or Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, may do so simply because their tongues are longer than their mouths.

Thermoregulation: Cooling Down the Body

Dogs don’t sweat. They tend to pant to regulate their body temperature. A sleeping dog with its tongue out might be cooling the body. This is often observed in warm weather or after some exercise.

If the dog frequently does this, make sure it has access to fresh water and has a cool place to sleep in order to not get too hot.

Missing Teeth or Dental Issues

The tongue of a dog could be sticking outside at night due to its dental health. The absence of the front teeth may sometimes make it harder to keep the tongue inside his mouth.

Other dental and oral issues that cause this include;

• Periodontal disease
• Jaw malalignment
• Loosening of teeth
• Oral infection

A visit to a vet is required when there are indications of pain, drooling, or failure to eat because the causes can be dental related.

Hanging Tongue Syndrome

Hanging Tongue Syndrome is when the tongue permanently stays out from a dog’s mouth due to inability to fully retract. Some possible causes are;

• Neurological issues
• Congenital defects
• Trauma to the jaw or tongue muscles

This condition will make dogs sleep with their tongue hanging out and will have it hang out even while awake. You should take them to see a vet if you notice this habit accompanied by dryness or cracking of the tongue, as complications can be painful.

Medication Side Effects

Some drugs given to dogs induce relaxation of muscles or drowsiness, a condition that, for some time, disables the controlling mechanism of the dog’s tongue.

If your pet has recently been on a medication and you found them sleeping a lot with the tongue out frequently, consult the vet to clarify if it’s normal or even a side effect that needs changes.

Neurological Disorders and Tongue Paralysis

In extremely rare cases, neurological conditions may affect the nerves that govern a dog’s tongue. These disorders could result in partial paralysis or weakness, leading to the tongue hanging out involuntarily.

Neurological problems may have symptoms such as:

• Loss of balance
• Sudden behavioral changes
• Difficulty eating or drinking
• Uncoordinated movements

When you see these symptoms in conjunction with the tongue-out sleep behavior, have your vet checkup as soon as possible.

Age-Related Changes in Dogs

Older dogs lose their muscle tone and control. Some older dogs even have a hard time keeping their tongues in their mouths, particularly at night while sleeping. This is harmless but part of the aging process. Regular vet visits are essential to deal with health issues.

Stress and Anxiety

Another reason that may lead to a change in sleeping patterns of dogs is stress and anxiety. If a dog feels anxious, it might begin showing some unusual traits like sleeping with its tongue out. Other stress indicators include the following:

• Increased licking
• Whining or barking at night
• Restlessness or wakeups

If you suspect that this is due to anxiety, then giving it a quiet space and adequate exercise may calm the dog down.

When to Be Concerned About a Dog Sleeping with Its Tongue Out

This is a common event in the lives of many dogs. Though you should remain on your guard for signs that could prompt a visit to the veterinarian.

Signs That Require Veterinary Attention:

✔ Increased salivation and frothing of saliva
✔ Vomiting or refusing to take food and drink
✔ The odor of his mouth or manifestations of oral mucosal lesions
✔ Changes in behavior or activity
✔ Crazed, cracked, or discolored tongue

If these signs appear with the behavior, it is a good idea to have your dog checked through the veterinarian.

How to Keep Your Dog Comfortable

If your dog sleeps with its tongue out frequently, here’s how to keep them comfortable and healthy:

✅ Provide plenty of water: Hydration is especially important for dogs with Hanging Tongue Syndrome.
✅ Maintain dental hygiene: Brushing and regular vet check-ups prevent dental problems.
✅ Ensure a comfortable sleeping area: A soft, cool place to sleep prevents overheating.
✅ Monitor for changes: If the behavior suddenly appears or worsens, see a vet.

Conclusion

This is a harmless and adorable habit by dogs, but usually, it’s because of relaxation, breed characteristics, or thermoregulation. Thus, it’s one of the most common behaviors of dogs, but if other symptoms such as difficulty in eating, drooling, or changes in behavior appear, a visit to the vet might be necessary.

With these reasons behind such a peculiar habit, you will know exactly how to make your furry friend happy, healthy, and comfortable.