Why Do Dogs Yawn? Learn More About This Anxious Behavior

Did you know that Yawning begins in the womb as early as the 11th week of pregnancy and continues for a lifetime? Even we got to know this recently. Some people also think that we yawn when the oxygen level in the body goes down. But that’s not true. Studies suggest that yawning opens up the muscles in your skull and jaw to increase blood flow to the brain. It’s like the body’s attempt to keep you awake in that boring meeting you were forced to attend. 

But is it the same for dogs? 

Well, it’s completely possible for your dog to get bored of you, especially when you make them watch a history documentary with them when all they want is to run and grab a tennis ball. But there are several reasons for your dog to yawn. The most common ones include stress, boredom, or mimicry. 

It will often be difficult for you to understand which yawn is for what. Hence you need to understand the overall body language along with it. Let’s understand this further – ⁽²⁾

If your dog is feeling stressed or anxious in a situation, they may start yawning excessively. This can happen when you take them to a vet, a new place or among new people. Unfamiliar settings tend to stress dogs out. You can look for the following additional signs in such a case – 

Loud noises, separation from the owner for a long time, etc. can also trigger anxiety in dogs. 

Boredom often results in the task at hand not being challenging enough and frustration results from the opposite. Below are the signs that your dog is bored – 

These signs mean that your dog needs more physical and mental stimulation. 

Lack of rest or sleep or low-quality sleep also causes yawning in dogs. It may be coupled with the following – 

The reason for your dog not being able to sleep can also be an underlying medical condition. If your dog displays such behavior frequently, you must take them to a vet.

If you see your dog yawning at another dog who is trying to act aggressive in front of them, it means that your dog is saying “Chill bro. I’m not interested in a fight right now,” to the other dog. This is a good sign.  

What Does it Mean When a Dog Yawns at You?

There’s one more reason why dogs yawn – joy. A study shows that a dog may yawn back to humans to indicate a sign of trust, empathy and bonding. Yawn mimicking is a common behavior in humans, monkeys and dogs. It is a subconscious reaction. It can also mean that they are very excited to see you or about something that is going to happen, and the yawn buys them some time to make them look more relaxed when someone’s watching them. 

Do Dogs Yawn When They Are Happy?

Yes, they do. It’s called ‘happy yawning.’ Sometimes, yawning can indicate an excitement for something they know they enjoy and it’s going to happen. Here’s how you’ll know if it if a happy yawn – 

Why Does My Dog Yawn When I Cuddle Him?

If you’re thinking your dog is getting bored of the cuddles, you’re wrong. The dog is actually loving it. Yawns don’t necessarily mean a negative thing. Dogs tend to yawn even when they are feeling comfortable to release some tension and relax. If your dog yawns slowly with the mouth open wide and the jaw slightly dropped then consider your cuddles to be great. ⁽³⁾ (you can flaunt this on your Tinder bio maybe)   

Do Dogs Fake Yawns?

Dogs do ‘fake’ yawn but not in the way that you think. They tend to mimic other dogs and even humans when they yawn. But it is an involuntary action and actually a good sign. ⁽²⁾

More About Spot Pet Insurance

As you read, dogs can yawn because of several reasons. While most of them are not scary, if the yawns are coupled with signs of anxiety and stress, there could be an issue. Your dog may be going through an underlying medical condition or getting anxious due to a memory of a past traumatic event. 

Some medical conditions that can cause excessive yawning in dogs include liver disease, kidney disease, and neurological disorders. If the yawning is coupled with signs like vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy, you must consult a vet right away. ⁽³⁾

With Spot Pet, you can save up to 90% of all the related treatment costs. Spot accident and illness plans can be used with any licensed vet in Canada or the U.S. Whether you are home, or traveling to the U.S., veterinary services your pet receives for the diagnosis, treatment, or management of covered conditions can be eligible for reimbursement. Spot’s accident and illness plans can help cover a variety of conditions including broken bones, lacerations, aggression, kidney disease, diabetes, and more. With the addition of Wellness Riders for an extra cost, you can also receive reimbursements for wellness exams, certain vaccinations, dental cleanings, and more. 

Learn more about dog insurance or get a free quote!