Why Do Dogs Pant Out Tongues While Sleeping?
Relaxation
For dogs that have worked tirelessly throughout the day, there's nothing quite like a good nap with their tongues sticking out as a sign of relaxation. Behaviorists believe that this behavior during sleep is an expression of happiness and security in dogs. However, it's important to note that you should never pull on a dog's tongue in this state, as it could lead to an accident or leave a lasting negative impression on the animal.
Work Even When Asleep
Surprisingly, even when dogs are sleeping, their tongues are still hard at work.
We all know that dogs use their tongues to cool down, especially during hot summer days. As they sleep, they stick out their tongues to evaporate saliva, which cools the tongue and releases heat from the blood vessels.
Long Tongue Syndrome
While not common, it's essential to be aware of this genetic condition, which is often found in smallnosed breeds with short muzzles, such as French Bulldogs. Long tongue syndrome, as the name suggests, affects dogs with tongues that are much longer than those of their peers. This is due to an abnormal growth of the frontal bones during breeding, which prevents the teeth from properly supporting the tongue, leading to this condition.
Some dogs may also develop long tongue syndrome after tongue injuries, and as they age, the problem can worsen. It may also be caused by dental issues, such as the decay of lower jaw teeth. When these teeth are removed, the tongue is left unsupported, allowing it to grow more freely.
Rest assured, the vast majority of dogs with long tongue syndrome are perfectly healthy. After all, it's just a longer tongue.
How to Identify Long Tongue Syndrome?
Identifying long tongue syndrome is actually quite simple. Many cases are genetic, meaning the symptoms are present from a young age. If you suspect that a dog's long tongue is due to dental issues with the lower jaw, you can check the teeth while also paying attention to the tip of the tongue. Dogs with long tongue syndrome often have dry, dehydrated tongues, as the tip is exposed to the outside and cannot be moistened by saliva from the mouth.
Additionally, dogs with long tongue syndrome may stick out their tongues in various situations, not just when sleeping.
