Why do dogs yawn?
Most vertebrates (animals with a backbone) yawn, including people, dogs, horses and even fish and snakes! As with people, yawning behavior in dogs is a bit of a mystery. Sure, when we’re tired or bored we yawn, as do our canine counterparts, but what about other times? In this article we’ll look at the physiological and emotional reasons why you might find your dog yawning and how you can distinguish different yawns.
Sleepiness. Just like people, dogs often yawn when they’re waking up, as they’re falling asleep, when they lay down, early in the morning or late at night. Yawns during these situations are easy to understand!
Indifference. Often when a dog meets an aggressive dog, they will yawn in response to the aggressor. The yawn communicates a lack of interest in conflict, therefore diffusing a potentially threatening situation.
Stressed. Dogs also yawn when they’re stressed. Yawning is one of many signals that dogs use to communicate how they’re feeling. A stressful yawn is usually more prolonged and intense than a sleepy yawn. A dog could feel stressed when:
If your dog appears to be scared and/or yawns a lot, avoid the situations associated with the yawning. Create a safe space for your dog and move them away from the stressor. Try to help your dog overcome their fears by creating positive associations using praise and treats during training sessions. Using pheromones such as Adaptil can help calm your pup during your training sessions.
Contagious! Don’t forget, yawns are contagious! People aren’t the only ones who “catch yawns”—your dog can too. Did you catch yourself yawning while reading this article?
Contact your veterinary healthcare team if you have questions about helping your dog overcome their fears.
