Why Does My Dog Stick His Tongue In and Out Like a Snake? Insights and Interpretations

If you've ever seen your dog sticking their tongue in and out over and over again, you've probably asked yourself why they do it. This strange behavior is the result of a few different things, including panting, scent investigation, and licking and tasting the air. However, while it may look strange, it's nothing to worry about unless it's accompanied by other symptoms like drooling or labored breathing, which could be a sign of an underlying issue.

To learn more about why your dog does this, let's take a look at information from veterinarians and animal behaviorists. This will help us learn more about the most common causes and even the potential messages that dogs are trying to send when they exhibit this funny and strange behavior. By the time we're done, you'll have a better understanding of your dog's behavior and what's behind their snake-like antics.

Panting and Cooling Down

Panting is a dog's primary way of cooling down, and it involves taking quick, shallow breaths that help to evaporate the moisture from a dog's tongue, mouth, and lungs. As mentioned in Why is my dog sticking out his tongue?, panting helps to speed up the evaporation of the moisture in these areas, which can help to regulate a dog's body temperature. Therefore, panting with the tongue hanging out is a normal response to heat and exercise.

That said, Why is my dog's tongue hanging out? – Tuff Pets explains that if a dog is panting excessively and there's no obvious reason for it, such as heat or exercise, then it may be a sign that the dog needs to see a vet. Meanwhile, The Spruce Pets points out that there are other reasons why dogs may pant excessively, including taking certain medications, having Cushing's disease, or experiencing respiratory problems.

To make sure that your dog doesn't overheat and pant excessively, Animal Friends suggests that you adjust your dog's exercise schedule and make sure that they have access to shaded areas when the weather is warm. While panting is a dog's way of regulating their body temperature, if they're panting excessively and there's no obvious reason for it, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue that needs to be addressed by a vet.

Tongue Flicking and Communication

Dogs use tongue flicking and sticking their tongues out as a form of communication, often to convey how they are feeling or what they are thinking. For example, a quick upward flick of the tongue or lip licking can indicate anxiety, discomfort, or a need for space in certain situations, according to Do you speak dog? - Tongue flick - PetRescue.

Meanwhile, the Calming signals – the right way to communicate with your dog | flexi explains that dogs may stick their tongue out or lick their lips when they are approached by strangers, stared at, handled in ways they don’t like, or when they are overwhelmed or stressed. Being able to identify these calming signals can help dog owners understand their pet’s needs and respond in a way that prevents their anxiety or discomfort from worsening and leading to defensive behaviors.

Lip Licking and Tongue Flicking

Lip licking and tongue flicking are often considered 'appeasement gestures' or 'calming signals' in dogs, according to Dog Body Language (Mouth: Lip Licks & Tongue Flicks). Canine Body Language: lip licks and tongue flicks | Paws Abilities explains that dogs may lick their lips or flick their tongues when they are being scolded, during training sessions, or when they are feeling frustrated or uncomfortable in a situation.

It's important to be able to recognize these signs of stress, as The Spruce Pets explains that a dog that is stressed is less likely to be responsive to commands and may even progress to defensive behaviors like growling, lunging, or biting. Smart Dog Training & Consulting also explains that if a dog is showing signs of stress, it's best to back off and attempt to eliminate the stressor, as pushing the issue can lead to more stress and even aggression.

Tongue Hanging and Sleeping Patterns

Many dogs sleep with their tongues hanging out, especially those with brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds or larger tongues. As mentioned in 5 Reasons Why Your Dog Sleeps with His Tongue Out - Furiendship, this can help dogs cool down, which is especially important since dogs don't sweat and instead rely on panting and the evaporative cooling of their tongues.

On the other hand, Why Do Dogs Sleep With Their Tongue Out? Uncovering Reasons explains that if a dog's tongue is hanging out while they're sleeping all the time or if it looks like they're struggling to keep it in their mouth, it could be a sign of an issue like dental disease, respiratory problems, or medication side effects. Meanwhile, What Really Causes Your Dog to Sleep With Its Tongue Out? - PetHelpful warns that if a dog's tongue hanging changes suddenly or seems excessive, it's important to see a vet to make sure there isn't a problem.

Breed and Health Considerations

Some dog breeds with brachycephalic facial structures, like Bulldogs and Pugs, are more likely to have their tongues hang out due to their genetics, according to 4 Reasons Your Dog's Tongue Sticks Out. Dogs with dental problems, like missing teeth or misaligned jaws, may also struggle to keep their tongues in their mouths.

A condition called 'Hanging Tongue Syndrome' can cause a dog's tongue to hang out all the time, which can lead to drying, cracking, and infections if it isn't treated, according to Why is my dog's tongue hanging out? – Tuff Pets. While occasional tongue slips are typically nothing to worry about, if your dog's tongue hangs out all the time or if they drool excessively, it could be a sign of an underlying health problem that needs to be addressed by a vet.

Understanding when a dog's tongue behavior is a sign of something more serious can help pet parents make sure their dogs get the care they need and get any concerning issues taken care of before they become more serious. By learning about the different things that can cause a dog's tongue to hang out, pet parents can be more prepared to know when they should seek help from a vet.

Conclusion: What Does It All Mean?

Dogs sticking their tongues in and out like snakes is a quirky but generally harmless behavior that can stem from various reasons, including panting, scent exploration, and instinctual behaviors. While occasional tongue flicking or licking can be a form of communication or a stress signal, excessive or concerning tongue habits may indicate an underlying health issue.

By understanding the potential motivations and meanings behind their pup's tongue antics, owners can better appreciate their dog's unique quirks and respond appropriately to their needs. Seeking veterinary guidance is recommended if a dog's tongue habits seem excessive or accompanied by other concerning symptoms.