When your dog yawns once or twice, it’s usually nothing to worry about. But if your dog is yawning repeatedly or in unusual situations, it can leave you puzzled—and a bit concerned.
We outline the common reasons why your dog is excessively yawning, what you can do, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Excessively Yawning — Why It Happens
Excessive yawning in dogs is often a sign of more than just sleepiness. It can reflect stress, anxiety, discomfort, or even an underlying medical issue.
Dogs may yawn repeatedly when they’re feeling nervous, overstimulated, in pain, or experiencing changes in their environment.
While yawning is a normal dog behavior, it becomes concerning when it’s constant or paired with other symptoms like whining, pacing, or restlessness.
Common Reasons Why Your Dog Is Excessively Yawning
Stress or Anxiety
Dogs often yawn when they feel stressed, overwhelmed, or uncertain. This is a common calming signal—a way for your dog to soothe themselves or signal discomfort.
You may notice this during vet visits, car rides, or loud environments.
The yawning may be accompanied by lip licking, avoidance behaviors, or tense body language.
When yawning is frequent and paired with signs of stress, it suggests your dog is emotionally uncomfortable and trying to self-regulate.
Read more: Dog Panting Heavily and Not Eating (What it means)
Overstimulation
Too much excitement or stimulation—especially in high-energy environments like dog parks or busy households—can cause a dog to yawn excessively.
This isn’t boredom or tiredness but rather a way to decompress.
Dogs process sensory input differently than humans, and yawning can help them calm down when things become overwhelming.
If your dog starts yawning during play, training, or when guests arrive, they may be trying to cope with the sensory load.
Pain or Discomfort
Sometimes, excessive yawning can be linked to physical discomfort. Dogs may yawn more when dealing with pain, especially oral issues like dental disease, sore jaw muscles, or throat irritation.
If yawning is accompanied by pawing at the mouth, reluctance to eat, or drooling, a dental exam may be necessary.
Pain-related yawning is your dog’s subtle way of showing that something feels off—particularly if the yawns are forceful or strained.
Related: Dog Yawning and Not Eating (Here’s why)
Nausea or Gastrointestinal Upset
Dogs experiencing mild nausea may yawn frequently as part of their discomfort.
Yawning can be an early signal of an upset stomach, especially when combined with lip smacking, gulping, or licking surfaces.
This might occur before vomiting or during episodes of acid reflux or motion sickness.
If your dog yawns often after meals, during car rides, or before throwing up, gastrointestinal upset could be a root cause.
Fatigue or Drowsiness
Of course, yawning does still occur when a dog is tired or about to fall asleep. However, it usually happens once or twice—not excessively.
If your dog is yawning frequently at predictable times like bedtime or after exercise, it may simply be a sign of winding down.
But if yawning seems out of place, constant, or is interrupting daily routines, it’s worth considering other potential explanations.
Social or Learned Behavior
In some cases, dogs learn to use yawning as a way to communicate or defuse situations.
If your dog is being scolded or sensing tension in the household, they may start yawning as a sign of appeasement.
Dogs also sometimes mimic human yawning or respond to other dogs’ yawns, making it a partly social behavior.
However, frequent yawning that seems patterned or out of sync with their energy level should be looked at more closely.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Excessively Yawning
If your dog is yawning a lot, start by observing the context. Are they yawning during stressful events like car rides or vet visits? Or is it happening at random times, possibly pointing to a physical issue?
Try to minimize potential stressors. Offer a quiet, secure space for your dog to retreat to, especially during loud or chaotic moments. Comfort your dog without reinforcing fear or anxiety.
If you suspect dental pain, examine their mouth gently (if they allow it) and look for red gums, bad breath, or changes in eating habits. Avoid rough play that could aggravate oral or neck discomfort.
Consider when your dog last ate or drank. If the yawning occurs during long periods without food or water, try offering a small, bland snack to rule out minor nausea.
You can also try gentle distraction—like a walk, slow petting, or low-stimulation play—to reset their mental state. If yawning stops, stress or boredom may have been the trigger.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
While the occasional yawn is nothing to worry about, excessive yawning may point to a deeper problem.
Contact your vet if your dog:
Yawns constantly without an obvious emotional trigger
Yawns along with whining, pacing, or hiding
Has trouble eating, chewing, or shows signs of mouth pain
Is drooling, vomiting, or licking surfaces repeatedly
Acts lethargic or disoriented
These signs suggest a potential medical issue, such as dental disease, nausea, or anxiety that requires treatment.
If your dog’s yawning is persistent and paired with changes in appetite, behavior, or energy, it’s always better to have them checked by a professional.
Read more: Dog Gagging and Not Eating (When should you worry?)
Key Takeaway
Excessive yawning in dogs is often a window into their emotional or physical health. It might mean your dog is feeling anxious, overstimulated, nauseated, or even in pain.
While some yawning is normal, frequent yawns that appear out of context—or alongside other symptoms—shouldn’t be ignored.
By paying attention to when and why the yawning happens, and seeking veterinary help when needed, you can support your dog’s comfort, well-being, and peace of mind.