Yawning dog?

Question

I have a 5 yr.old Austrailian Shepard that yawns all the time. I've never seen a dog do this. Is there something wrong with him?

Answer 1

Chetco's answer is absolutely correct. Dogs can yawn for many reasons, but frequent yawning when the dog is not sleepy is a "calming signal", and a sign of anxiety or stress. It's hard to say what he's reacting to without knowing more, but dogs will often yawn:

* if they feel nervous about another dog, to tell the other dog "it's okay, we can relax around each other" (this can be if they think the other dog is hyper, or this can also be if they think the other dog is threatening)

* in a training session, if they're having to think really hard about what you're asking from them -- this could also be the case in normal everyday life if they just don't understand the house rules and are worried about getting into trouble

* if the dog's general environment is stressing the dog out, for example a noise-sensitive dog may be stressed out in a busy chaotic house or some dogs may be stressed out when visitors come over

Yawning is a very valuable way that your dog can communicate with you -- definitely pay attention to exactly what's going on when he's yawning, and you can figure out what will make him more comfortable (i.e. make training sessions a little easier, give him a crate or a private room where he can escape from the kids or when visitors come over, etc)

Answer 2

In the animal world, yawning is often a response to stress. Watch your dog. When she's really excited, she'll yawn a lot. Dogs use yawning as a "calming signal," a way to tell other dogs--and people--that they're feeling anxious and need a break.

However, excessive or non-stop yawning is a possible sign of an underlying vasovagal (heart rate and blood pressure) problem. Your bet would be able to check his blood pressure and heartrate...

Answer 3

My previous dog was a yawner. It seemed to happen at times when she might be embarrassed about something.

That makes me sound really quite potty ... but, for example, if she'd had a silly five minutes & pulled all the cushions off the settee & I caught her & told her off, she'd yawn. If she fumbled catching a treat she'd yawn.

But I suppose it ties in quite nicely with your other answers suggesting that they do it when they are nervous or excited about something ... so why not when they are embarrassed too?

Answer 4

lol thats funny, my parents have always had australian shepherds. and one that we had when i was younger would yawn all the time. i actually have a jack russell terrier and shes 6 and she sleeps all day and yawns all the time. if its something that u havent seen him doing before or hes acting differently than normal i would get him checked out, but just yawning i wouldnt be to concerned. good luck!

Answer 5

No, there is nothing wrong with him. Dogs yawn for the same reasons we do, sleepiness, and boredom. Also if your dog has an attitude like my Sage, he will yawn at You if you tell him to do something he doesn't want to do. Dogs have personalities just like us, but since they can't talk, they use body language to communicate with us.

Answer 6

our corgi has been yawning excessively since being diagnosed with diabetes. 2 weeks ago. ..not sure if affiliated with strict prescription diet. We have a vet appointment in a week. Something on the list of questions.

Answer 7

I have a female MinPin and she yawned the first year I had her, everybody commented about her yawning, but I've noticed that she doesn't do it anymore

Answer 8

Dogs yawn all the time. He might just be sleepy. Or have insomnia.

Answer 9

Yawning is just your body making up for lack of oxygen, and you do this more when you are tired because your body isn't working hard enough to get you the oxygen you need. This is the same in animals - such as dogs, as well. Your dog may be getting tired alot more often because he's getting older, you might need to change his diet, or just let him get out and get more exercise.

Answer 10

Dogs yawn when they are nervous or stressed.