Dogs yawn for several reasons, but one of the most common is that they are mimicking their owners. When dogs see their owners yawn, they often yawn in response. This “contagious yawning” suggests that dogs are empathetic and attentive to human social cues. While the exact evolutionary purpose of contagious yawning is still debated, it appears to be related to social bonding.
Do dogs yawn to show empathy?
Research has shown that dogs are more likely to yawn when they see a familiar person yawning compared to a stranger yawning. This indicates that dogs are displaying a form of empathetic yawning with people they have a connection to. The yawning may function as a way for the dog to mirror the emotional state of their owner or another person they are closely bonded with.
Interestingly, a study found that dogs yawn more frequently in response to their owners yawning compared to recordings of strangers yawning. This suggests that the social bond between dogs and their owners influences the empathetic yawning response.
Do dogs yawn when they are stressed or anxious?
Yes, dogs may yawn due to stress or anxiety. Yawning releases endorphins in dogs which can help them feel calmer. When a dog is feeling nervous or uneasy in a situation, yawning can comfort them. Stress yawns are more likely to occur when dogs are experiencing something new or unfamiliar in their environment.
Dogs that were rescued from shelters often yawn more frequently during their adjustment period to a new home due to stress. Dogs may also yawn more when meeting new people or other dogs due to anxiety. Look for other signs of stress in your dog such as licking their lips, avoiding eye contact, and lowering their head when they yawn.
Do dogs yawn when they are tired?
Dogs definitely yawn when they are tired, just like humans do. Yawning helps increase oxygen intake which can revive and stimulate the brain. Some dogs may yawn extensively before settling in for a nap or sleep at night to help relax their body. Senior dogs and puppies are more likely to yawn when tired since they sleep more frequently. If your dog is yawning repeatedly, it’s a good indicator that they are ready to rest.
Do dogs yawn when they are bored?
Yes, yawning in dogs can signal boredom as well. Dogs are social animals that need activity and engagement. If your dog is yawning frequently throughout the day at home, they may be understimulated and bored. Make sure your dog gets plenty of playtime, walks, food puzzles and social interaction to keep them engaged and prevent boredom yawning.
Dogs that don’t get adequate exercise and mental stimulation are more likely to yawn excessively. Try introducing new toys, changing up their routine and spending more one-on-one time interacting if you notice your dog yawning from boredom often.
Do puppies yawn more than adult dogs?
Puppies do yawn more frequently than adult dogs due to how much sleep they need. Puppies sleep around 18-20 hours a day compared to the 12-14 hours adult dogs sleep. Since yawning is associated with being tired, all that sleep means puppies yawn more often.
Puppies also yawn when they are bored or need stimulation. Just like human babies, puppies get bored quickly if they are not engaged. Extra yawning can signal it’s time to interact with your puppy through training, play or petting.
| Age | Hours of Sleep Needed |
|---|---|
| 8 week old puppy | 20 hours |
| 3 month old puppy | 18 hours |
| 6 month old puppy | 14 hours |
| Adult dog | 12-14 hours |
Do some dog breeds yawn more than others?
Certain dog breeds tend to yawn more than others based on factors like energy level and temperament. Breeds like pugs, bulldogs, greyhounds and Shih Tzus are known to be more frequently yawners. These dogs sleep more during the day and have more laidback personalities.
Herding and working dog breeds like border collies, huskies and German shepherds are less likely to yawn as often. They have higher energy levels and are not prone to boredom. If you notice your high energy dog yawning frequently, it likely signals they need more stimulation or exercise.
Dog breeds that yawn more:
- Pugs
- Bulldogs
- Greyhounds
- Shih Tzus
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
- Saint Bernards
- Great Danes
Dog breeds that yawn less:
- Border collies
- Siberian huskies
- German shepherds
- Australian shepherds
- Labrador retrievers
- Dalmatians
Should I be concerned if my dog yawns a lot?
Frequent yawning may be completely normal for some dogs based on their age, breed and personality. However, excessive yawning can potentially be a sign of an underlying health issue in some cases. Contact your veterinarian if your dog is yawning way more than usual and showing other symptoms like:
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Weight change
- Excessive panting
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
Dogs may yawn more due to nausea, pain, neurological disorders, respiratory disease, or other medical problems. Your vet can perform an exam and diagnostic tests to determine if there is an underlying cause making your dog yawn excessively.
Conclusion
Yawning is a common behavior for dogs that can signify many different things. Dogs may yawn when they are tired, bored, stressed or mimicking their owners. Certain breeds and puppies are prone to yawning more as well. While some yawning is totally normal, contact your vet if excessive yawning is new for your dog or accompanies other symptoms of illness. Through understanding why your dog yawns, you can better meet their needs for sleep, stimulation and comfort.