Dogs panting is a familiar sight, especially in the summer months when it is hot. We have all been taught that panting is the way that dogs regulate their internal temperature, as they cannot sweat like humans do, and while there is some truth to this, there are many reasons why dogs stick their tongues out and not all of them are positive. Another thing that we have been taught is that if a dog has its tongue out it means that they are happy, and while this is also a somewhat true statement, constantly panting and having their tongue out can actually signal that something is wrong.
That is why if you are a dog owner it is important to recognize the signs and queues, that way when you are worried and take them to the vet you are able to identify the triggers and behaviors that you need to point out to help them figure out of your pup is in distress or if it is just one of their quirks.
Reasons why your dog might have their tongue out all the time
- Genetics
Not all dogs were created (or in this case bred) equal, and some of the more popular breeds like Pugs, Bulldogs, and Shih Tzus which are flat faced actually have tongues that are proportionally too large for their mouths which cause them to stick out almost constantly. This means that while their tongue will be out a large portion of the time just because of their morphology, you will need to be a bit more vigilant in case it looks different and it could actually be a sign of distress.
- Dental issues
This will happen more in older dogs that are more prone to having missing teeth. This makes it so that they have a tough time keeping their tongue in place and can make them have it out more often than not. Like before, get to know what is normal for your specific pup so that if something changes you are quick to notice.
- Neurological problems
This is one of the more worrisome reasons as it indicates that something in their brain is compromising motor functions and is impairing tongue control. If your dog starts lolling out their tongue constantly without reason this might be why and it is worth a vet visit, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms like lack of coordination or a personality change.
- Trauma or injury
Trauma to the face, particularly involving the jaw, oral tissues, or nearby nerves, can lead to lasting alterations in how the tongue rests or moves. In some cases, scar tissue or impaired muscle function plays a role in these changes.
- Hanging tongue syndrome
Certain dogs experience a condition called Hanging Tongue Syndrome, in which the tongue hangs out due to impaired muscle tone or coordination. This issue may be present from birth or arise later as a result of structural defects or nervous system problems. Once again, if this symptom starts out of nowhere, contact your vet to get your pup checked out to rule out other conditions.
While in most cases it does not mean that it is a concern, if your dog’s tongue shows signs of dryness or cracking, if they have difficulty eating or drinking, if their breath gets worse or if their tongue changes in color or texture go to your vet and explain your concerns. You are their best advocate and should make sure that your concerns are being addressed, so be sure to do it as soon as you notice something is wrong so that they can give you the appropriate medication or provide with the best care, which can even mean surgery.