Like most things with dogs, knowing why they are yawning relies on you being able to read the situation well. They are incredibly intelligent animals (well, some of them anyway, but we love them all the same), but they are limited in how they communicate. As such, an action such as yawning needs to serve multiple different functions.
So, answering the question ‘why do dogs yawn?’ requires us to look at the context. Below we’ll provide you with some of the most common reasons a dog yawns, and you can decide which fits your dog best!
Common Reasons For Dog Yawning
- Tiredness
- Boredom
- Conflict Resolution
- Stress/Anxiety
- Excitement
- Medical
1. Tiredness
That’s right, just like humans, dogs yawn when they are tired. It’s a signal that probably would be used in packs before we domesticated dogs to show that they were ready for a rest. Nowadays, they yawn at home to tell you the same thing. If they’re yawning at the same time that their eyes are drooping and they’re lying lazily on the couch, then they’re probably just tired.
2. Boredom
Again, just like us, dogs sometimes yawn to just show that they’re bored. If they haven’t got enough stimulation, then dogs will yawn to show that they are bored. Look around you next time your dog is yawning. Are all their toys stashed away somewhere? Take a couple out, and maybe your dog won’t be yawning anymore!
3. Conflict Resolution
Now, this is unique to dogs or at least compared to us humans, anyway. When we feel threatened, we’re probably not going to yawn in the face of potential danger – but a dog might. Some research suggests that dogs might yawn when they feel as though they are facing potential conflict. When you think about it, it makes sense.
Have you ever seen a dog walk over to another dog and lie down with its belly in the air? It’s a sign of submission. The dog is basically saying, “I’m not a threat, so don’t threaten me either and we’ll be OK.” Yawning works similarly here. By showing that they are relaxed or calm, they tell other dogs that they aren’t a threat. Watch your dog closely next time they interact with an unfamiliar dog, and you might even spot this behavior yourself.
4. Stress/Anxiety
Unfortunately, yawning in dogs can also be a sign that they are stressed or anxious about the situation they are in. If they are in unfamiliar surroundings or with unknown animals or people, then watch their behavior closely. You might notice that they are yawning more than usual. If that’s the case, you should either take extra care to make sure your dog is comfortable or else remove them from the situation so they can calm down.
5. Excitement
This might seem like a strange one, especially considering the fact that boredom and tiredness are both on the list. But believe it or not, yawning can also be a sign of excitement. Again, this just highlights how important context is when trying to work out why your dog is yawning.
Have you just put your shoes on at a time you usually take your dog out for a walk? Or have you just opened the cupboard where you keep their food? If something like this has happened, then a yawn probably doesn’t mean they’re bored. Oh no, they’re excited about what’s to come!
*A pro tip for this particular yawn is to listen closely. If an almost excited squeal accompanies it, dogs are excited about something, alright!
6. Medical
We’re not trying to alarm anybody here by any means. Still, excessive yawning (and by excessive, we mean an almost continuous cycle of yawning) can be a sign that your dog needs some medical attention. As much as we think we know our dogs the best, it’s actually themselves that know what they need.
Given that dogs often use yawning to signify that they are stressed or anxious about something, continuous yawning can be their way of telling you something is wrong, and they’re worried about it. It may be nothing. But if you notice your dog yawning excessively, then consult a vet as soon as possible to make sure everything is OK with your furry friend.
Hopefully, these 6 things will help you finally answer that ever-elusive question: ‘why do dogs yawn’ next time you see them yawning!
