Dogs can be docile. So much so that their sleeping patterns can take up the majority of the day. While yawning and sleepiness are usually hand in hand, sometimes, your dog may yawn excessively while not feeling sleepy at all. If your dog yawns constantly, you probably have some questions. Well, thankfully, we have answers. In this article, we explore why dogs sometimes yawn  a lot, and what it might mean for your furry friend.

 

Why Do Dogs Yawn?

 

It’s perfectly normal for your dog to yawn occasionally. Although, their reasonings for yawning can slightly differ to that of a human’s:

 

Tiredness

 

The first, and perhaps most obvious, cause for a dog to yawn is tiredness. Whether going from being awake to sleeping, or from sleeping to waking up, yawning usually follows.

 

Excitement

 

When a dog gets excited, they run through a frenzy of motions. This includes panting, running, wagging their tail, and sometimes, yawning.

 

Discomfort

 

Whether it’s mental or physical, a dog can yawn as a result of discomfort. The exact reasons for doing this and the benefits of it aren’t entirely clear, but if your dog is in physical pain or feels uncomfortable, they might yawn as an indicator that something is up.

 

Happiness

 

When dogs are calm and comfortable, they’re able to sink into a state of relaxation that allows them to slow down. This is often the sign of a happy dog, with yawning being a common sight.

 

Why Does My Dog Yawn So Often?

 

Like humans, dogs yawn throughout the day. In humans, however, yawning is often linked to tiredness. For dogs, it’s a little bit different. Excessive yawning throughout the day can be linked to mental discomfort in your dog, through conditions like stress or anxiety. Yawning is also sometimes linked to hidden physical pain. With so many triggers compared to humans, it’s easy to see why it may feel like your dog yawns so much.

 

Why Does My Dog Keep Yawning and Stretching?

 

 

For some dogs, stretching is like an extension of the yawn. Stretching, like yawning, can be triggered by a variety of factors, so it’s hard to identify one single cause for the behaviour. As for whether yawning and stretching is normal -  yes, it absolutely is. Just think of it as another way of your dog telling you that something is up, mentally or physically. If you notice any additional behaviours alongside the yawning, it’s very possible that your dog is trying to tell you something.

 

What to do if Your Dog Yawns Constantly

 

If your dog’s non-stop yawning has you concerned, there are a few small things to do that may provide them (and yourself) some comfort.

 

Inspect Their Body

 

Dogs can be stoic when it comes to pain. This means they’re unlikely to yelp or cry even if they’re hurting. By giving your dog a check over their whole body, you may be able to find the source of their physical discomfort that’s causing their excess yawning.

 

Give Them Exercise

 

Boredom can sometimes trigger yawning. As such, it’s essential to ensure that your dog gets ample amounts of stimulation and exercise every day. If they’re not, their mood may decrease, causing them to slow down and trigger yawning.

 

See Their Vet

 

Most of the time, yawning is a perfectly normal thing for your dog to do. Though if you suspect that something is up, the best thing to do would be to speak to your vet. Your vet will be able to diagnose any underlying conditions that could be causing your dog so much stress or reducing their energy levels, which can trigger excessive yawning.

 

Supporting Healthy Development

 

To keep your pup in tip-top shape, they’ll need a supportive diet that is full of nutrients. With Fish4Dogs, you can get exactly that. With a base protein of various types of fish, our dog food is made with high quality ingredients to give your dog a well-rounded diet that meets their nutritional needs.