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15 Photos That Will Tell Why Your Dogs Poke Out Their Tongues

Published: by Ekaterina Sova · This post may contain affiliate links

All dogs stick their tongue out some of the time because it's their only way to cool down. While this can be a harmless and cute trait, it may be a signal of an underlying health issue.

If you want to know the possible reasons why your dog might be sticking their tongue out and what to do about it, then read this article carefully

#1 High ambient temperature
face of a German Shepherd with its mouth open and tongue out
#2

two German Shepherds sitting next to each other in the yard while panting with their tongue out
For many, even experienced breeders, it becomes a revelation that their pets do not sweat. This is due to the specific structure of the skin and thick hair, which covers the whole body.

#3

German Shepherd sitting in the field on a sunset
Dogs only produce sweat on areas not covered with fur, such as the nose and paw pads, unlike humans who sweat almost everywhere.

#4

German Shepherd looking sideways with its tongue out
If you notice that your dog began to breathe and stick out his tongue frequently, and there was summer heat around, then you should quickly give the dog a drink and cover it from the heat as soon as possible. Water will help to avoid dehydration of the body.

#5

two German Shepherd sitting next to each other with their tongue out
The main reason why the dog sticks out its tongue in the heat - it simply escapes from heat stroke.

#6 Stress for your pet

German Shepherd lying on the ground in the forest while panting
Ask your veterinarian how to recognize signs of heat stress.

#7

panting German Shepherd in the garden
Another reason for frequent heavy breathing can be stress - this is the usual reaction of a canine organism to a stressful situation.

#8

German Shepherd standing sideways with a woman forming his body behind him
Often this behavior is accompanied by profuse salivation. In this case, you must definitely eliminate the cause of irritation, and over time, your dog will calm down and return to normal.

#9
hand of a woman holding a German Shepherd puppy against the pink flowers in the garden
#10 Other reasons

four tired German Shepherds lying on the green grass while panting
It is also worth noting that, sticking out the tongue, the dog expresses its positive mood. It can be playful or friendly emotions, the joy of meeting, trying to get a treat or a demonstration of a good relationship.

#11

four German Shepherd running in the field
Some dogs are physically unable to hold the tongue inside the mouth, due to the peculiarities of the structure of the jaw and oral cavity or lack of teeth.

#12

looking up sideview face of a German Shepherd with its tongue out at the park
Sticking out tongue accompanied by rapid breathing can be a manifestation of side effects of individual drugs.

#13

German Shepherd lying on the bed with its small tongue sticking out
Here are the main reasons why the dog sticks out its tongue and breathes deeply. In rare cases, this behavior may indicate a disease, but do not neglect this. If the dog is lying, breathing is not heavy, and its tongue is stuck out - poisoning or other health problems can be assumed.

#14
two German Shepherd sitting in the garden with their tongue out
#15

a woman carrying a German Shepherd puppy while holding up its ears next to an adult German Shepherd
Eliminating the heat and stress, and not noticing improvements in the condition of your dog, you should immediately contact a veterinarian, and preferably a professional - he/she will quickly be able to determine the true cause of this condition of the dog.
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