Beyond the lick: The marvel of dogs’ tongues!

    

You know how amazing your dog is, but this is backed by science, too! Your dog’s body is pretty incredible, like their super sense of smell, protective coat and amazing tongue. Yes, tongue! Here’s why:

 

It keeps your dog cool. Dogs don’t sweat in the same way humans do, which means they rely on panting to regulate body temperature. Their tongues facilitate air movement, which helps keep them cool on hot days. If you notice your pup is panting, move them to a shaded area and give them lukewarm water.

It keeps dogs calm. Licking is scientifically proven to promote endorphin release in dogs. Most of the time, licking is normal and a sign of affection. However, if you notice excessive licking, it could be a sign of anxiety.

It helps your dog understand their environment. Like noses, tongues help dogs navigate the world. Socially, mother dogs lick their puppies to prompt them to urinate and defecate. Puppies will often lick each other to show affection and offer comfort. Tongues also help dogs explore, as taste can help them better understand the new things they encounter (even if this can lead to unwanted snacking habits).

It flags important health changes. With the exception of blue-tongued breeds like chow chows and shar-peis, your pet’s tongue should be pink and moist. If the color changes to dark red, purple or blue, this could be a sign of heatstroke or toxin exposure. If it turns white, it could be a sign of immune-mediated disease or internal bleeding.

Bonus—their mouth keeps them healthy. While not technically their tongue, your dog’s drool contains antibacterial compounds, enzymes and electrolytes that help digestion, swallowing and dental health by reducing enamel, decay, potential gum disease and bad breath. If your dog’s drooling seems excessive, speak to your VCA veterinarian, as this could indicate a health issue.

While your dog’s tongue is pretty incredible, their nose reigns supreme in helping them explore the world (they only have 1,700 tastebuds compared to our 9,000!).

For more cool facts, check out our article on your dog’s amazing nose. >>