- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
From a little peek of pink to a full-on drool, dogs let their tongue hang out for all sorts of reasons.
When you think of a dog with its tongue out, you might imagine it also has a big, happy smile. While happiness is one reason dogs stick their tongue out, dogs may also stick their tongue out to help with health and medical reasons too.
To find out why your dog is sticking their tongue out and what other signs to watch for, read on.
Common Reasons for This Behavior
We spoke to Allie Bender, a certified dog behaviorist and the founder of Pet Harmony Animal Behavior & Training to understand the common, less concerning reasons for why a dog sticks their tongue out.
1. They’re relaxing
If your dog has their tongue out while you pet them or are asleep, they’re super happy and relaxed. A hanging tongue is a sign that your dog is feeling calm.
2. They’re panting
After a fun run at the park, you’ll probably see your dog’s tongue hanging out. This has a purpose! “Panting is one way dogs cool themselves down,” Bender says. When they spread their tongues wider while panting, it helps them cool off faster.
On very hot days, watch for too much panting—it could mean your dog is overheating or getting dehydrated.
3. They’re tasting the air
Dogs can smell much better than we can—up to 50 times better! Sometimes dogs stick their tongues out to “lick” the air. This helps them smell even better.
“They intake smell through their mouth by licking the air or by licking a particular scent,” Bender explains. “The scent then goes up through the back of their nasal cavities to pass over the vomeronasal organ, so they can get even more information about what they’re smelling.”
4. They’re licking their nose
Bender says dogs often lick their noses when they eat. Sometimes, they clean off food if it gets a bit messy.
Other times, they’re just excited for their next meal!
5. They’re licking their lips
You might see your dog quickly lick their lips like a snake sticking out its tongue. “This is probably the most important tongue language signal for pet parents,” Bender says. This licking can show stress—sometimes good, like excitement, or bad, like worry or fear.
Look at your dog’s body language to figure out if they’re happy or stressed.
6. They’re distracted
Have you ever been busy and noticed your tongue was sticking out? Dogs can do that, too!
“Sometimes dogs are licking, get distracted, and leave their tongue out mid-lick before resuming,” Bender says.
Medical Reasons Dogs Stick Their Tongue Out
Sometimes, dogs stick their tongues out because of health problems. Knowing these signs can help you take care of your pup quickly if they need help.
1. Hanging tongue syndrome
You might hear this term often, but it’s not an official diagnosis that vets use. Dr. Nell Ostermeier, a veterinarian at OnePack Plan by PetPartners, explains that it’s a general name for any issue that makes a dog’s tongue stick out.
This can be caused by injuries or genetic traits, especially in Brachycephalic breeds like Pugs and Boxers.
2. Dental issues or removal
Several tooth concerns can cause dogs to stick their tongues out or act like something is stuck in their mouths. One common reason is the removal of their canine teeth or lower front teeth.
Dr. Ostermeier says this often happens in breeds with short noses, whose teeth may be overcrowded and damaged. Mouth tumors can also cause increased drooling and tongue hanging.
Older dogs are also more likely to have their tongues hanging out due to dental problems. Dr. Ostermeier says, “Senior [dogs] have had more time for dental concerns to arise and may have had teeth removed from the lower jaw.”
3. Breathing problems
Dogs with short noses often have trouble breathing. Dr. Ostermeier says these breeds can have narrow nostrils, narrow windpipes, or long, soft palates.
“Any one of these can lead to breathing issues, especially when hot, which may lead to the tongue protruding frequently,” she adds.
4. Medical side effects
Some medications can cause dogs to hang their tongues out in rare cases. Dr. Ostermeier says antibiotics or flea medications can sometimes lead to side effects like increased drooling, which may make a dog’s tongue hang out.
If your dog has any negative reactions to a medication, she suggests stopping the medication and talking to your veterinarian.
When To Worry About a Hanging Tongue
Most of the time, it’s normal for a dog’s tongue to stick out, and there’s no need to worry.
But sometimes, excessive tongue exposure can be a problem. For example, Dr. Ostermeier says that if a dog’s tongue is always hanging out, it can get dry, cracked, and painful. To combat this, make sure your dog has access to plenty of fresh water.
If you notice swelling, bleeding, or sudden changes in how your dog uses their tongue, Dr. Ostermeier suggests talking to your vet.
