What's the deal with dogs sticking out their tongues while sleeping?

Normal Behavior

Dogs sticking out their tongues while sleeping is usually a normal behavior. This occurs when dogs are in a state of extreme relaxation, hence they unconsciously stick out their tongues.

Cooling Down

If the indoor temperature is high or the dog has undergone intense physical activity before bedtime, dogs will use their tongues to cool down. In this case, offering the dog water can help alleviate the situation.

Hang Tongue Syndrome

If a dog has a longstanding habit of sticking out its tongue from a young age, it might be suffering from hang tongue syndrome. This condition can only be confirmed through inspection.

1. Relaxation

When dogs feel secure and comfortable in their living environment, they enter a state of extreme relaxation, leading them to stick out their tongues unconsciously. This is a normal phenomenon, so owners don't need to worry too much.

1. Cooling Off

Dogs' sweat glands are not very developed, and they primarily use their tongues and paw pads to cool off. Therefore, when the indoor temperature is high or the dog has undergone intense physical activity before bedtime, they will stick out their tongues to cool down. In this case, owners can help the dog by reducing the ambient temperature and offering water to drink.

1. Hang Tongue Syndrome

If a dog often sticks out its tongue from a young age, it might be suffering from hang tongue syndrome. Dogs with this condition cannot control their tongues, resulting in the tongue being permanently stuck out, which not only affects their eating but may also damage their tongues. Therefore, if owners suspect their dogs have hang tongue syndrome, it's best to take them to a pet hospital for inspection and treatment.