Why do dogs yawn?
Okay, I know what you’re probably thinking: When my dog yawns, that must be a sign that he’s sleepy or bored. Although that is sometimes the case, a yawn in a dog does not mean the same as a yawn in a human being. Read to understand some of the reasons why your dog yawns.
1) Stress and Anxiety
Like us, dogs can also get stressed. While we move our fingers, bite our nails, hit our feet, pull out our hair, or adopt other behavior, dogs yawn! If you notice that your paw yawns or licks your lips excessively, it is important to pay attention to your environment and current situation.
2) Sign of calming or decreased attention
Did you ever notice your dog yawning during a particularly long workout? He might be trying to tell you he’s getting tired and maybe we should make a stop.
3) Excitement and Anticipation
Sleepy.
If your big boy starts yawning as soon as you come in the house, waiting for the food, or when you see him on the leash for a walk, then that behavior may be because he’s excited!
4) Communication
According to the American Kennel Club:
“ Sometimes when a dog is confronted by another aggressive dog, it can yawn as a response to the aggressor. This conveys the message to the aggressor that the yawning dog is not interested in conflicts. It is not a sign of submission, but a sign of pacification.”
5) Yawning for sympathy
The yawn is caught
Yawns are contagious! Has it ever happened to you, certainly, to yawn just because you saw someone do it? This phenomenon is not only human. Research show that sometimes when a dog sees its pet owners or other dog yawning, they themselves may have a tendency to yawn!
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