Why Do Dogs Yawn?

There might not be anything cuter than catching your canine companion in a big, fat yawn. Humans yawn when they’re tired or bored, and dogs yawn for those reasons, too, although they have other reasons for yawning. If you’re wondering why dogs yawn, read on to find out what it means in dog language.

What is Dog Yawning?

The mechanics of a dog yawning are similar to humans. Yawning is a reflex that consists of an open mouth and a deep breath in, then out. Some dogs might make a noise when they yawn like their owners do. More research is needed to know exactly why dogs yawn, but what is known is that yawning is an essential non verbal communication tool for pups.

What Does Dog Yawning Mean?

Just like humans, dogs yawn for a variety of reasons. Context clues, such as where your dog is, who they are with, or what time of day it is, can help you determine what your dog’s yawning means. Common dog yawn meanings include:

• Tiredness: Just like humans, dogs can yawn when they are sleepy. 
• Excitement: If your dog yawns before something exciting, like playtime or a walk, they are showing they are happy.
• Stress: Yawning can be a self-soothing tactic for some dogs. If your dog is yawning a lot and it’s accompanied by hiding, panting, pacing, or other behaviors, they may be experiencing anxiety or even depression.  
• Social bonding: Just like humans, dogs can “catch” yawns from family members or other dogs. Contagious yawning is seen as an empathetic behavior in humans, though it is unclear if this is similar for dogs.

Why Does My Dog Yawn So Much?

If your dog yawns occasionally, there’s nothing to worry about. If your dog starts yawning excessively, it can be a sign that something is wrong. Your dog might yawn more than usual if:

• They are anxious: Stress can send a dog's body into overdrive, just like in humans. If they are yawning a lot, they might be using yawns as a coping mechanism. They might yawn more at the vet, at crowded events, or during thunderstorms. 
• They are unclear: Confusion during training sessions might cause a dog to yawn. 
• They are bored: Some humans yawn when bored; the same is true for dogs. Dogs that don’t get enough physical exercise or mental stimulation might yawn just to do it. 
• They have a medical issue: If your dog is excessively yawning, they might not be getting enough sleep. This lack of sleep could be caused by a medical issue that keeps them from being able to rest well. If your dog is lethargic and yawning, and you're concerned they might have a medical concern, call your veterinarian.

How to Treat Dog Yawning

There’s nothing you need to do if your dog is yawning now and then. However, if your dog is excessively yawning, there might be something deeper going on:

• If you think your dog is yawning because they are stressed, try to calm them down. Identify the stressor, such as thunder, loud sounds, or unfamiliar people, and remove the dog from the situation and comfort them. 
• If you think your dog is yawning because they are bored, offer more mental and physical stimulation. Boredom is a major factor in excessive yawning and can lead to more anxious behavior. Work more walks, outings, games, or playtime into your schedule, or work on commands like “place” to tire them out mentally.
• If you think your dog is yawning because they are hurt or sick, call your vet. Some dogs might yawn from the stress they feel if something hurts (think of it like a wince), or if they have an underlying health problem. Tell your vet about any other signs of injury or illness, such as a loss of appetite, respiratory or breathing issues, or changes in behavior.

When to Be Concerned About Dog Yawning

Unfortunately, every dog is different, so there’s no real standard for what constitutes excessive yawning in dogs. However, if the amount of yawning your dog is doing seems out of the ordinary, there might be a medical issue at play. Things to look for in addition to excessive yawning include:

• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Hiding
• Panting 
• Yawning that is triggered by pain
• Changes in behavior

Take a video of your dog yawning or exhibiting other sick behavior. It will help the veterinarians put the pieces together to give you a correct diagnosis.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dog Yawning

Why Do Dogs Yawn When You Cuddle Them?

Yawning while being cuddled might be your dog’s way of showing you that they are stressed. Some dogs love to be smooshed up against you, and others greatly dislike it. Since dogs can’t talk, they might be using yawning as a way to show you that they are uncomfortable, along with other body language cues. You should respect your dog’s boundaries and not cuddle them if they yawn when you do it.

Why Does My Dog Yawn When I Kiss Him?

Kissing might be an uncomfortable behavior for your dog, as they don’t always love such close interactions. Yawning might be a way to let you know that they’d like you to back off a little bit and respect their space. 

Conclusion

Yawning is one way dogs communicate with other dogs and humans. Sometimes, they can use it to express happiness, such as when they see a leash, or anxiety, such as when they are in an unfamiliar situation. Observe your dog’s yawns to understand how they express themselves, and call a vet if excessive yawning is accompanied by any other stress-related behaviors, such as panting or hiding, or if you feel the excessive yawning may be caused by some medical concern.  

For more expert tips on dog behavior, explore our other understanding dog articles.