Help! My Dog Yawns A lot! (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Veterinarian & Animal Behaviorist
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Paola brings hands-on experience across multiple species. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara, she specializes in preventive care, animal welfare, and positive reinforcement training.
The Question
“My dog Milo yawns a lot—like, a lot—even when he’s not tired and in the middle of playing. Is this just one of those adorable dog quirks, or could it mean something about his mood or health? Thanks! – Fernanda
Quick Info about Milo
Hi Fernanda,
Milo’s frequent yawning could indeed be an adorable quirk, but it can also have deeper meanings related to his mood or health. Dogs often yawn for different reasons that go beyond fatigue. In playful or active moments, yawning can be a calming signal—a way for Milo to regulate excitement or diffuse any tension during play. It’s part of how dogs communicate and manage their emotions.
However, if Milo’s yawning seems excessive, it might be an indication of stress, anxiety, or even nerves. Pay attention to the situations where he yawns the most. If it happens during specific activities or encounters, it could indicate he’s feeling overwhelmed or trying to self-soothe. Additionally, some medical issues, like mild nausea, discomfort or pain in the mouth such as that caused by foreign objects or dental issues, or even respiratory concerns, could be causing frequent yawning. This is why it is important to take note of the scenarios, triggers, and any other additional unusual signs as all this information is valuable.
Since dogs can’t speak, we rely on behavioral changes, signs, and the context of environmental scenarios to understand what’s going on with them. Your careful observation of Milo’s yawning is a reflection of how attentive and thoughtful you are as his mom—he’s lucky to have someone who pays such close attention to his well-being. Congratulations! By the way, fun fact: have you noticed that yawning is contagious between humans and dogs? If you yawn and Milo watches, he is likely to yawn, too.
Good luck!
Dr. Paola