Fascinating Facts About Your Dog's Tongue
By K9Reproduction.comPublished Dec. 14, 2021
A dog’s tongue is a remarkable tool used for eating, cooling down, and showing affection. Here are twelve interesting facts about dog tongues that you might not know.
1. Dogs Pant to Cool Down In
Unlike humans, dogs don’t sweat through their skin. They have sweat glands only on their paw pads and noses. To cool down, dogs rely on panting. When they pant, air moves rapidly over their tongue, mouth, and lungs, evaporating moisture and helping them cool down. On hot days, ensure your dog has access to a cool place and plenty of water to prevent heatstroke.
2. Smell Over Taste
Dogs have about 1,700 taste buds compared to the 10,000 that humans have. While dogs can taste bitter, salty, sweet, and sour flavors, they rely more on their sense of smell when deciding what to eat or lick. This explains why dogs are often found licking our faces, ears, feet, and hands, which have stronger scents.
3. A Warm Tongue
A dog’s normal body temperature ranges from 101.0 to 102.5°F. Thus, their tongues typically feel warm. If your dog’s tongue feels especially warm, it might indicate a fever, but the best way to check their temperature is with a rectal thermometer.
4. Not All Tongues Are Pink
While most dogs have pink tongues, Chow Chows and Shar-Peis have blue or blue-black tongues. If a dog's tongue suddenly changes color to dark red, purple, blue, or pale pink/white, it could indicate a medical emergency like heatstroke or severe anemia. Consult your vet immediately if you notice such changes.
5. Calming Effect of Licking
Licking releases endorphins in a dog’s brain, which can make them feel calmer and more relaxed. If your dog licks excessively, especially during stressful times, it might be a sign of anxiety. Consult your veterinarian if this behavior becomes problematic.
6. Bacterial Myths
A common myth suggests that a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s. However, both have over 600 species of bacteria. While most bacteria in a dog’s mouth are harmless to humans, some can cause infections. It’s best to limit mouth-to-mouth contact with your dog.
7. Healing Saliva?
While dog saliva contains proteins called histatins that can inhibit infection, it also contains bacteria that can be harmful to human wounds. It's better to clean wounds with soap and water and consult a physician rather than relying on dog saliva for healing.
8. Allergies to Saliva
While many people are allergic to dog dander, some are specifically allergic to dog saliva. If you or someone you know has an allergic reaction around dogs, it might be worth investigating whether the allergy is caused by saliva rather than dander.
9. Smooth vs. Rough Tongues
Unlike cats, which have rough tongues with barbs called filiform papillae for grooming, dogs have smooth tongues. Wild dogs don’t need to groom themselves as meticulously as wildcats do since they play the role of predators rather than prey.
10. Macroglossia: An Extra Long Tongue
Macroglossia is the term for an abnormally large tongue, a rare condition usually seen at birth. Some breeds, especially short-faced breeds like Boxers and Bulldogs, have tongues that are too long for their mouths, causing part of their tongue to hang out. This doesn’t usually cause medical issues but can lead to accidental bites or injuries.
11. Tongue Communication
Dogs use their tongues to communicate and interact with their environment. From the time they are puppies, they learn to lick for various reasons, such as cleaning, showing submission, or prompting adults to regurgitate food. Dogs also lick to explore their surroundings, similar to how humans use their hands.
12. Messy Drinkers
Dogs tend to be messy when they drink water because they curl their tongues backward to scoop water into their mouths, creating a lot of splashes. In contrast, cats move their tongues quickly and neatly, resulting in less mess.
Real World Example: Managing Licking Behavior Facts About Your Dog's Tongue
A family with a Border Collie noticed their dog constantly licking its paws, leading to irritation. After consulting with a veterinarian, they discovered the dog had developed anxiety. With a combination of environmental enrichment, mental stimulation through puzzle toys, and calming supplements, they were able to reduce the excessive licking behavior.
FAQ
Q: Why does my dog’s tongue feel so warm?A: A dog's normal body temperature is higher than a human’s, making their tongue feel warm. If it feels unusually hot, check for other fever symptoms and consult your vet.
Q: Is it safe to let my dog lick my wounds?A: No, it’s better to clean wounds with soap and water and consult a physician to avoid potential infections from bacteria in your dog’s saliva.
Q: Why does my dog lick everything?A: Dogs lick to explore their environment, communicate, and sometimes as a sign of anxiety. Occasional licking is normal, but excessive licking should be discussed with your vet.
Q: Can I be allergic to my dog’s saliva?A: Yes, some people are allergic to proteins in dog saliva rather than dander. If you have allergic reactions, consult with a dermatologist for testing.
Q: Why is my dog a messy drinker?A: Dogs curl their tongues backward to scoop water, causing splashes. This drinking technique is less tidy compared to cats.
For more information on pet care and health, visit K9Reproduction.com.
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