Why Do Dogs Yawn? It’s Not Always Because They’re Sleepy!

If you’ve ever noticed your dog letting out a big, dramatic yawn in the middle of the day, you might have assumed they’re just tired. After all, people yawn when they’re sleepy or bored. Our dogs must do the same, right? Not always. So, why do dogs yawn? Yawning in dogs can indicate fatigue, but dogs also use yawns as a form of communication. In the canine world, yawning is often what behaviorists call an “appeasement signal,” a way for dogs to calm themselves or others during moments of stress, excitement, or social tension. Let’s explore what your dog might be trying to tell you with that seemingly ordinary yawn.

Yawning as a Friendly Calming Signal

Dogs are social animals with rich, subtle body language. When one dog yawns in front of another, it’s often a way to say, “I’m not a threat.” This behavior is part of a collection of gestures known as calming or appeasement signals, which help maintain peace and reduce conflict during social interactions. You might see a dog yawn when meeting a new dog, visiting the vet, or even when someone new enters the home. In these moments, the yawn is less about tiredness and more about signaling peace, for them and others.

Dogs may also yawn when their humans show frustration or tension. If you raise your voice or seem stressed during training, your dog might yawn to defuse the situation. It’s their way of saying, “Let’s keep things calm.” Observing these signals can be a valuable tool for improving communication and strengthening trust between you and your pet.

Yawning as Self-Soothing

Dogs also yawn to comfort themselves. You might notice your dog yawning during mildly stressful situations, such as getting groomed, hearing loud noises, or encountering something new. In these moments, yawning helps them cope. They use this small act to release tension, just as humans take a deep breath when we’re nervous or overwhelmed.

It’s important to remember that not all stress yawns are signs of distress; sometimes, they’re indicators that your dog is trying to adjust to their environment or a situation. What matters most is recognizing when yawning becomes frequent or occurs alongside other signs of fear or anxiety, such as hiding, whale eye, lip licking, panting, tremors, or avoidance behaviors. That combination may suggest your dog feels uncomfortable and could use reassurance, gentle support, space, or a break.

Yawning as Excitement or Anticipation

Some dogs yawn right before an energetic activity, such as a walk or playtime. While this might seem contradictory, the yawn helps them regulate their emotions when excitement runs high. It’s almost like a pre-game deep breath before the fun begins. You may also see it during obedience classes or agility practice, where dogs are both alert and slightly stressed as they try to perform tasks correctly.

Yawning in these cases reminds me of taking a deep breath before going into a job interview or other unsettling situation, even if it’s positive, as a way to manage our emotions so we can do our best despite how we may be feeling inside.

Yawning as Sleepiness

Of course, yawning sometimes just means your dog is tired. After all, dogs sleep a lot. Adult dogs may sleep up to 14 hours a day, while puppies may sleep even more hours. If the yawning happens in the evening, after exercise or an adventure, or when your dog is getting cozy, it’s probably just a sign of winding down, akin to an “ahhhh” of relief.

Why Do Dogs Yawn?

To understand why your dog is yawning at any given time, take a moment to observe what’s happening around them. Consider their body language, facial expressions, and what is happening in the environment around them. You might find that your furry friend isn’t bored or sleepy. They may be communicating in their own quiet, evolved way. By paying attention to their signals, you can support your dog’s emotional well-being and deepen the bond you share every day. After all, trust between people and pets is built on understanding and empathy.

At Hearts at Home Pet Sitting, we learn about the pets in our care so that we know what they are saying and how to put them at ease during our visits with them.

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