5 Reasons Why Dogs Yawn

Have you ever noticed your dog letting out a long, exaggerated yawn and wondered if they’re tired or if something else is happening? While humans primarily yawn because they’re bored or sleepy, dogs yawn for various reasons, most of which have nothing to do with fatigue. Some dogs may yawn as a form of communication or stress relief, while others yawn as a quirky way to mimic and bond with their humans. 

Let’s break down the five reasons dogs yawn and what those yawns may mean. 

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Why Does My Dog Yawn So Much?

Reasons aside, it’s pretty darn cute.

Do dogs yawn for the same reason as humans? 

Not exactly. While humans yawn mainly due to exhaustion or boredom (or sometimes lack of oxygen flow to the brain), dogs yawn for a broader range of reasons, including as a subtle way of expressing their feelings. Whether it’s a calming gesture, a sign of excitement, or a response to your yawning, a dog’s yawn carries more meaning than sleepiness. 

Why do dogs yawn? 

Yawning is a form of nonverbal communication in dogs that can indicate stress, social engagement, or relaxation. Dogs use this behavior to interact with humans and other animals. While a tired dog might yawn before curling up for a nap, a nervous dog may yawn to calm themselves in overwhelming situations. Some dogs yawn in response to their pet parents, showing they are tuned into human emotions. 

Understanding why your dog yawns requires looking at context, body language, and what’s happening around them. 

5 reasons why dogs yawn 

1. Stress or anxiety 

Yawning is a common stress signal in dogs, often seen when they feel uneasy or overstimulated. If your dog yawns repeatedly at the veterinarian, during thunderstorms, or when meeting new people, they may be trying to self-soothe. Dogs use yawning to release tension, like how humans take deep breaths when anxious. 

Turid Rugaas, a renowned dog trainer and canine behaviorist from Norway, says, “Dogs often yawn as a calming signal to communicate peaceful intentions or diffuse potential conflicts.” If your dog yawns frequently in a high-stress environment, they may need reassurance or space to escape a stressful situation. 

2. Indifference or boredom 

A yawn can also be your dog’s way of showing disinterest or boredom. If your dog yawns while you’re talking to them, during an uneventful car ride, or when they’re being ignored, it could be their way of disengaging from the moment.

This type of yawning is accompanied by a relaxed posture or slow, drawn-out movements, like stretching, signaling disinterest rather than distress. If your pup seems bored often, try increasing their physical and mental stimulation with playtime and interactive toys or puzzles. 

3. Tired 

Yes, sometimes a yawn means your dog is sleepy. If they yawn before settling down for a nap or after a long walk, it’s likely their way of winding down. Yawning increases oxygen intake and may help dogs regulate their energy levels. 

Puppies, particularly, yawn frequently before sleep, just like human babies. If your dog’s yawns are tied to their regular rest patterns, there’s no need for concern — it’s simply part of their natural rhythm.

4. Mimicking 

Have you ever yawned in front of your dog and caught them yawning back? That’s no coincidence. Dogs experience contagious yawning (just like humans) and are more likely to “catch” a yawn from someone they are bonded with. Research has shown that dogs yawn more when they see their pet parent yawn because of an empathetic connection. So, if your dog mimics your yawns, it’s a sign of affection and bonding, signaling that they’re attuned to you and your emotions. 

5. Medical issues 

Excessive yawning can sometimes indicate an underlying health problem, particularly if other unusual behaviors accompany it. Dogs experiencing discomfort from nausea, ear infections, or dental pain may frequently yawn in response to discomfort. 

If your dog suddenly starts yawning excessively, drooling, acting lethargic, or having difficulty eating, a vet visit is recommended to rule out potential medical concerns.

How to interpret your dog’s yawning 

The meaning behind your dog’s yawn depends on when and where it happens. Here’s how to decode their yawns based on context:

• Yawning before sleep or after exercise means they’re likely tired or winding down.

• Yawning in a stressful setting (vet visits, car rides, new environments) is likely a sign of anxiety or unease.

• Yawning while interacting with you could indicate mild boredom, disengagement, or even a calming signal.

• Yawning right after you yawn could be a sign of social mirroring and bonding.

• Frequent yawning with other signs of distress (drooling, panting, excessive licking) could indicate a potential health issue. Monitor your dog closely and consult a vet if needed.

When to be concerned about your dog’s yawning 

Yawning is usually normal, but excessive yawning can be a red flag, especially in combination with other symptoms. Consider seeking veterinary advice if:

• Your dog yawns constantly, even when they don’t seem tired.

• Yawning is paired with signs of pain, such as pawing at their mouth or difficulty eating.

• Your dog appears lethargic, disoriented, or uninterested in usual activities.

• There are additional signs of stress, such as whining, pacing, or trembling.

If your dog's yawning seems excessive or out of character, it’s best to have them checked by a veterinarian to rule out any medical concerns.

Bottom line

While most yawning is entirely normal, paying attention to the context and frequency of yawns can give insight into your dog’s emotional and physical well-being. If your pup’s yawning becomes excessive or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, a vet visit is always a good idea to ensure your pup stays happy and healthy.

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FAQs

What does it mean when your dog yawns at you? 

Your dog may be signaling stress or mild boredom or simply mirroring your behavior as a form of social bonding.

Do dogs yawn when they are happy? 

Yes, some dogs yawn when they feel relaxed, content, or excited, especially during positive interactions with their pet parents.

Why is my dog fake yawning? 

Dogs don’t fake yawning but may exaggerate yawning to communicate boredom, mild frustration, or a desire for attention.

Do dogs only yawn when stressed? 

No, dogs yawn for various reasons, including tiredness, boredom, relaxation, social bonding, and sometimes as a response to discomfort or illness.

References

• "6 Reasons Why Dogs Yawn (And When to Worry)." PetHelpful, 7 Dec. 2024, https://pethelpful.com/dogs/whats-the-meaning-of-dog-yawning.

• "6 Reasons Your Dog Is Yawning All The Time And What It All Means." Canine Journal, 3 Sept. 2022, https://www.caninejournal.com/dog-yawning/

• Rugaas, Turid. On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals. Dogwise Publishing, 2006. https://www.dogwise.com/on-talking-terms-with-dogs-calming-signals/