You’re relaxing on the couch with your dog, smile on your face and your pup’s tongue flopping out like a slice of deli ham. Nothing unusual here—dogs let their tongues hang out when they’re panting, relaxing, or just grooming themselves.
Sometimes, a dog’s tongue sticks out even when they’re resting and their mouth is closed. Moe is napping in the photo above. If this starts happening all the time, you might be seeing something called hanging tongue syndrome.
What’s Hanging Tongue Syndrome in Dogs?
Hanging tongue syndrome is seen when a dog’s tongue pokes out much more than usual, even when their mouth is closed.
Most dogs keep their tongues inside their mouths when they’re relaxed. Dogs with this condition can’t always pull their tongues back in or keep them in place.
Sometimes the tongue sticks straight out, other times it flops out to the side. Hanging tongue syndrome might be a harmless quirk or it could make your dog uncomfortable, depending on how severe it is.
Why Do Dogs’ Tongues Hang Out?
Here Are 4 Common Reasons Most cases fall into four groups:
1. Dental Problems
Dental disease pops up a lot in dogs, especially once they reach three years old. Bad teeth, especially missing lower canines, can leave the tongue with nothing to hold it back. That’s why Moe’s tongue is showing its cute self.
That’s when you see breeds like Chihuahuas and Yorkies with their tongues always out. Dental disease hits small dogs hardest.
2. Unusual Anatomy
Sometimes, a dog's genetics or birth defect affects the jaw, mouth, or tongue. If their tongue is too big or their mouth is too small, the tongue starts to peek out.
Certain breeds like Yorkies, Chihuahuas, and flat-faced breeds such as Pugs, Shih Tzus, and French Bulldogs have shorter mouths but regular-sized tongues.
Throw in an underbite and you’ve got a recipe for hanging tongue.
3. Nerve Issues
Now and then, a dog can’t move its tongue properly, not because of space or missing teeth, but because of nerve or brain problems.
This is rare and is usually accompanied by other symptoms.
If the tongue is the only thing acting odd, it’s probably not nerves.
4. Injury or Trauma
A serious injury or past surgery to the mouth, jaw, or tongue can change how everything fits together.
Sometimes the nerves or soft tissue don't work the same after an accident or operation, leave the tongue hanging out to dry. New application of that old expression, huh?
Jaw surgeries for cancer can also cause this.
Does Hanging Tongue Syndrome Need Treatment?
The name sounds dramatic, but most dogs with hanging tongue syndrome don’t need medical help. If your dog can still pull their tongue in sometimes and doesn’t seem bothered, it’s usually fine.
Still, it’s good to keep an eye on their tongue. If it gets dry, cracked, or starts to look weird, it might need attention.
Hot or cold weather can be tough on an exposed tongue, with risks like sunburn or frostbite. I’ll address how to take precautions for your pup in those situations in future blog posts. If your dog’s tongue gets dry, encourage more water breaks.
A humidifier can keep dry air from making things worse. For cracked tongues, your vet might suggest a safe ointment to keep it moist.
Dogs who have trouble eating or drinking because of injury or nerve problems could need extra help, but that depends on each dog.
A tongue that hangs because of lost teeth might need a change in diet. Some dogs do better with wet food, others with soaked kibble.
Try a few options to see what your dog likes best.
Preventing Hanging Tongue Syndrome
You can’t always stop this from happening, but you can help prevent dental disease.
Start brushing your dog’s teeth while they’re still young. If your dog hasn’t seen a vet for their teeth, get a check-up before starting any toothbrush adventures.
Sore gums make brushing painful, and fighting with your dog over toothpaste won’t help either of you. If your vet says it’s OK, brushing your canine’s canines (and the rest of his or her teeth) is an effective way to lower tartar and tooth loss.
More teeth in the mouth will provide a fence to corral teeth.
I wish you well with hygiene practices. It can be, uh… challenging. 🪥
Breeding flat-faced dogs increases their risk of health problems, including hanging tongue syndrome.
Choosing a puppy from a health-focused breeder or adopting a rescue means you’re supporting better health for dogs everywhere. Please rescue if you can.
Let’s Wrap up
Hanging tongue syndrome usually isn’t a big deal, but if it’s new, or your dog’s tongue is getting damaged, talk to your vet. Otherwise, maybe your dog’s floppy tongue is just another thing that makes the most adogable pooch you’ve ever laid eyes on.
