Traditional Culture Encyclopedia - Weather inquiry - What is the reason why dogs keep sticking out their tongues?

What is the reason why dogs keep sticking out their tongues?

1, thermoregulation

Like humans, dogs are mammals, and they have a constant temperature mechanism. In hot weather, dogs can put out their tongues and evaporate their mouths to expel excess heat, thus lowering their body temperature. When a dog sticks out its tongue, saliva often drips down, not out, because the secretions in the dog's mouth can be pushed out of the mouth through loose muscles, making it evaporate quickly. This behavior is similar to the process of sweating and heat dissipation.

2. Respiratory regulation

Dogs are prone to asthma in summer, which is related to sticking out their tongues. Dogs stick out their tongues mainly to dissipate heat and reduce the temperature in the mouth. At the same time, it will accelerate breathing and accelerate the exchange of fresh air and hot air in the body. The process of sticking out your tongue can help the dog's body balance breathing and adjust its state faster.

3. Expression exchange

In addition to physical adjustment, sticking out your tongue is also a way for dogs to communicate with each other. For example, when dogs feel scared, upset or excited, they may stick out their tongues, because this tongue gesture can convey different feelings. Of course, some dogs may just be out of habitual behavior and have no special emotional state.

4. Lack of water and thirst

Sometimes dogs stick out their tongues when they are thirsty. This is because dogs are short of water, and dehydration in their bodies causes them to become anxious when the heat wave strikes. When dogs are short of water, they stick out their tongues to keep their mouths moist and absorb new water more easily. Owners should pay attention to providing adequate water sources for pets and prevent dogs from dehydration in time.