Has your dog been yawning more than usual? It might be cute, but it might also be concerning if it seems excessive to you. The specialists at Dan’s Pet Care believe that it’s always better to do some research and ask questions if anything feels “off” about your dog. Here, we’ll look at what your dog’s yawn might mean, and a few common explanations for frequent yawning in dogs.

What does a yawn mean?

When it comes to human yawns, the causes aren’t fully understood. Some scientists believe they’re connected to human empathy, a need to calm our overactive brains, or a method of waking ourselves up. However, all these explanations are still being debated. While many people believe that yawning brings more oxygen to human blood, experiments seem to indicate otherwise.

In dogs, yawning doesn’t work exactly like it does in humans. The causes of dogs’ yawns are hard to trace, just like human yawns, but yawning is often thought to be a way for dogs to communicate. 

What might be causing my dog’s yawning?

While yawns are mysterious, there are a few top reasons why your dog might be experiencing them often. Of course, your dog might simply be tired, but that’s not the only explanation to consider. Ultimately, if you’re concerned your dog’s yawning might indicate a problem, it’s best to discuss the issue with your veterinarian.

Five of the top causes of yawning in dogs include:

• Stress

• Avoidance

• Mimicry

• Boredom

• Medical problems

Stress

Yawning can be a self-soothing mechanism, and dogs often yawn when they feel stressed out by the situation around them. Dogs often don’t like being around conflict or loud noises, because these can be overstimulating. They may also feel threatened by strange people, kids, pets, or environments. Some amount of stress is normal in all dogs’ lives (and all peoples’ lives, too), but if your dog is constantly stressed, their quality of life can be severely impacted.

Avoidance

In both domesticated and wild dogs, yawning can indicate that an animal simply doesn’t want to participate in a given situation. If your dog senses that conflict might be on the horizon, yawning might be a way to communicate that they’d rather avoid it. Or, if another dog seems anxious around them, they may yawn to signal that they prefer not to interact, which may have a reassuring effect.

Mimicry

Yawns are contagious for humans, but they can also be “caught” by multiple animal species, including dogs. An interesting 2013 study noted that dogs are likely to yawn after their owners do – but not necessarily after a stranger yawns. So, if your dog copies your yawns, you might take it as a sign that they feel bonded to you!

Boredom

Dogs can get bored, just like humans, without enough stimuli to keep them engaged. Different dog breeds have different thresholds when it comes to boredom. Some are content to lounge around most of the day, but others need lots of play or work to do. Dogs that were originally bred to work or hunt may struggle to adapt to a sedentary lifestyle. If you suspect your dog is bored, the pros at Dan’s Pet Care can help provide the attention and exercise they need to thrive.

Looking for creative ways to entertain a bored dog? You might consider puzzle toys, a training regimen, going to a dog park to socialize with other dogs, or even a trip to a new place to stimulate your dog’s senses.

Medical Problems

Sometimes, your dog’s yawning might indicate a serious medical problem. Your dog might be experiencing jaw pain or an upset stomach, or even having difficulty swallowing. Yawning could indicate that they’re in pain, suffering from a heart condition, or struggling to get enough oxygen. 

Always contact your vet if your dog’s behavior seems unusual. You should also watch carefully for other signs that they don’t feel well, including:

• Excessive grooming

• Drooling

• Shaking

• Limping

• Decreased appetite

• Nausea

• Showing teeth or growling

• Avoiding people or other animals

Work with the pet care pros at Dan’s Pet Care

Dan’s Pet Care specialists make it their business to learn everything they can about dogs and how they work. They’re fully trained and licensed, and they’re as passionate about dogs as our clients are. With Dan’s Pet Care, you won’t need to rely on multiple providers for your pet care needs – we can handle all of them. Give us a call today at (516) 551-1613!