Why Do Dogs Yawn? Possible Causes and What To Do

You may notice your dog yawning from time to time. However, this behavior doesn’t always mean they’re tired.

So, why do dogs yawn?

Yawning in dogs can mean several things. 

Since your dog can’t talk to you directly (as much as you wish they could), they may use this perfectly normal behavior to express different emotions.

But, if your dog starts yawning a lot, you may need to pay closer attention.

Excessive yawning can be a sign of stress or an underlying condition that requires veterinary attention.

What Is Dog Yawning?

Dog yawning is a normal reflex that’s usually triggered by an emotion of some sort, though it’s not entirely clear what the yawn accomplishes.

According to Robert Provine—a neuroscientist who has performed extensive research on yawning in mammals—yawning is caused by changes in brain chemistry, such as different emotions or going from one arousal state to another (like waking up or falling asleep).

But there’s no scientific consensus on how yawning affects the body physically. In other words, it’s unknown whether yawning physically calms a dog or triggers a state of arousal.

Still, yawning is common in most vertebrates and species that form social bonds.

Like human yawning, dog yawning is characterized by an open jaw and maybe an accompanying high-pitched sound or sigh.

However, it’s different from human yawning in many ways.

“Humans primarily yawn due to tiredness or boredom or sometimes as a contagious social cue. Dogs yawn when they are tired, but also to communicate emotions, manage stress, or as a form of submission in social situations,” says Erin Askeland, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, Fear Free™ certified animal health and behavior expert for Camp Bow Wow® doggy daycare.

Why Do Dogs Yawn?

So, what does it mean when a dog yawns, exactly? The following are the most common meanings behind yawning in dogs:

• Tiredness/physical need—Perhaps most commonly, dogs yawn when they’re sleepy. Yawning is often a transitional signal from being asleep to waking, or from being awake to falling asleep.

• Stress and anxiety—Yawning can also be a sign of stress and anxiety in dogs. “If your dog yawns in a situation where they seem uncomfortable or uneasy, it can be a way to calm themselves or alert others they are not comfortable,” says Askeland, adding that stress-related yawns are often associated with other body language.

  • If stress is the cause, you may notice your dog trying to appear smaller, hiding, and/or vocalizing (whining or whimpering). This type of yawn may also be repetitive or frequent. 

• Confusion and frustration—Relatedly, a dog may yawn when they’re struggling to understand what’s expected of them, according to Askeland.

  • This is a type of stress that can occur during training sessions if the dog feels confused or pressured.

• Empathy and contagion—Similar to humans, dogs can “catch” yawns from others. If you yawn, your dog might respond by yawning too, says Askeland.

  • This is a way for dogs to express empathy and social bonding.

• Communication—Dogs often use yawning as a social signal to diffuse tension with other dogs or humans, according to Sam Varon, DVM, a practicing veterinarian at Broadway Veterinary Hospital in Sacramento, California.

  • For example, if your dog views another dog as a threat, they might yawn to signal to the other dog that they’re not interested in fighting.

• Excitement—Some dogs yawn when they’re excited, such as before playtime or when you’re getting ready to give them a treat.

Why Does My Dog Yawn So Much?

While yawning is a normal behavior, excessive yawning or a bunch of yawns in quick succession can be a different story.

Excessive yawning often occurs due to stress, anxiety, or discomfort. It could also be linked to pain or an underlying medical issue.

If yawning occurs frequently and is accompanied by other signs, it may indicate that your dog isn’t just tired—they might be trying to manage a problem.

In this case, you’ll want to figure out what’s going on with your dog.

What To Do When Your Dog Starts Yawning a Lot

If your dog yawns excessively, Dr. Varon recommends first trying to identify any stressors or changes in their environment, such as loud noises, new situations, or unfamiliar people. While you can’t always remove the stressor completely, you can take steps to calm them down in other ways.

• Provide comfort—If you suspect stress, help your dog by giving them a calm and quiet space. Create a predictable routine for your dog and engage in positive reinforcement training to build their confidence.

• Offer mental stimulation—Ensure your dog is getting enough exercise and mental stimulation with walks and regular playtime. Boredom can create stress and anxiety, which can trigger excessive yawning.

• Check for pain—If your dog yawns during certain movements or activities, discomfort or pain may be involved. If you suspect an injury, contact your vet.

Askeland also recommends checking in with your veterinarian if you notice any other concerning symptoms, such as:

• Lethargy or unusual tiredness

• Loss of appetite

• Changes in behavior or personality

• Signs of pain or discomfort

• Respiratory issues, such as coughing or difficulty breathing

She says that when these signs accompany excessive yawning, they could indicate an underlying health issue that requires professional attention.

Unfortunately, however, there’s no easy way to define “excessive yawning,” since every dog is different. What’s normal for your pup may not be normal for others.

If you’re concerned about your dog’s behavior and health, always call your vet.