Why Does My Dog Stick His Tongue In And Out Like A Snake?

Hisssssssssssss goes your dog. Well, not exactly. But they are certainly making the movement, if not the sounds!

But why would a dog stick their tongue out just like a snake? Is it something to be concerned about, and do you/should you do anything about it?

Well, having observed this behavior in my own dog, Bailey, I decided to put her in for an exam at the vet.

While I was there, I asked quite a few questions and asked them to explain the possibilities. I’d love to share this information here with you today!

So, why does my dog stick his tongue in and out like a snake? Dogs may stick their tongues in and out like a snake as a means of stress relief, to try and dislodge something stuck in their teeth (or on the roof of their mouth). In rarer cases it could be as a means to relieve nausea, handle nasal drip/discharge or as a means of processing complex smells.

It’s a multifaceted behavior.

Which is why you are going to need to pay attention.

And put on your detective hat.

But before you do, let’s explore these potential reasons in further detail.

Why Do Dogs Stick Their Tongues In and Out Rapidly?

Dogs can stick their tongues in and out rapidly for a host of reasons, from a means of trying to calm down all the way through to medical/health issues.

Let’s explore them below. 

To Calm Down

The tongue flick can be a dog’s way of calming down.

I’ve actually observed this with Bailey, particularly after stressful events. 

For instance, I noticed her doing this after visiting the vets, probably to self-soothe. 

Dogs, like humans, have their own coping mechanisms for stress, and this is apparently one of them!

Something is Stuck in Their Teeth or On the Roof of Their Mouths

In certain contexts, especially following a meal or a treat, a dog may stick their tongue in and out to try and dislodge food that is stuck.

It could be as simple as a piece of kibble, so if your dog is doing the ‘tongue dance,’ check their mouth first.

Nausea

If Bailey has ever eaten something she shouldn’t, I’ve noticed the tongue flicking tends to increase. 

This is one of the signs of nausea in dogs, similar to how we feel when we’ve eaten something that doesn’t agree with us.

Post Nasal Drip

Dogs can get post-nasal drip just like humans. 

When the mucous drips down their throat, they may stick their tongue out to deal with the uncomfortable sensation.

Discharge from the Nose

Just like with a post-nasal drip, discharge from the nose can cause our pups to stick out their tongues, trying to remove the uncomfortable liquid.

Dental or Oral Infection

If your dog suddenly starts sticking out their tongue more often, it could signal a dental problem or oral infection.

Or at least one that is developing.  

Accompanying signs to look out for here include pain while eating or if your dog’s breath suddenly smells bad.

“Licking the Air”

This is a behavior I’ve seen Bailey do when she smells something interesting or is trying to figure something out. 

Dogs have an incredibly powerful sense of smell, and ‘air licking’ can sometimes be their way of processing complex smells.

So, if you are cooking something up, introduce something to the area that smells particularly good; your dog could simply be trying to access it via this ‘in and out’ snake-like tongue motion!

When To Worry About a Dog Sticking Their Tongue In and Out Like a Snake

Not every unusual behavior is a sign of distress, but there are certain warning signs that you should not ignore.

Here are some red flags to watch out for:

Persistent Behavior

If your dog has started sticking their tongue in and out constantly and for an extended period, this is a potential cause for concern. 

Healthy, normal tongue-flicking behavior tends to be relatively infrequent and short-lived.

Constant repetition, especially over several hours or even days, would prompt me to seek advice from a vet.

Accompanied by Other Signs of Distress

Dogs can’t tell us when they’re feeling ill, so they rely on us to read their signals. 

While tongue flicking in itself might not be a major concern, if it’s accompanied by other signs of distress such as whining, pacing, or unusual restlessness, it’s time to pay attention.

This could indicate discomfort or pain that requires immediate attention.

Changes in Eating Habits

Bailey is a hearty eater, so if she started to refuse food or showed difficulty while eating or drinking, I would take this very seriously.

Oral discomfort or infections can lead to changes in eating habits, and tongue flicking could be a symptom of such a condition.

Excessive Drooling

A little drooling is expected in some breeds, but excessive excessively while flicking his tongue, especially if it is not usual for them, can be a red flag.  

This could be indicative of a dental issue, an oral infection, or even a neurological issue.

Unpleasant Breath

Bad breath is often a clear sign of dental disease in dogs. 

In such a case, or if suspected, a visit to the vet is strongly advised.

Vomiting or Diarrhea

If the tongue flicking is accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea, this could be a sign of gastrointestinal distress. 

Just like humans, dogs can exhibit nausea through increased salivation and tongue movements.

Steps to Take If Your Dog Keeps Sticking Their Tongue In and Out Like a Snake

Alleviate Stressors

When I notice Bailey displaying this behavior in response to a stressful situation, I aim to eliminate the stressor, if possible, or distract her with a comforting activity. 

A simple cuddle, a leisurely walk, or his favorite chew toy can often help her calm down.

Check for Foreign Objects

If you suspect that a piece of food or a foreign object might be causing discomfort in your dog’s mouth, give a gentle inspection.

Always remember to be careful not to get bitten accidentally if your dog is in distress.

Monitor for Illness

If there are potential signs of illness like vomiting, diarrhea, or refusal to eat, don’t delay in reaching out to a medical professional.

It’s always better to err on the side of caution.

Regular Vet Check-ups

Prevention is often better than a cure. 

Regular vet check-ups can help detect any oral issues, infections, or other conditions early on. 

If your dog’s tongue flicking has increased suddenly, schedule an appointment with the vet to ensure nothing serious is underlying this behavior.

Pay Attention to Other Signs

Finally, it’s crucial to be observant and attentive to other changes in your dog’s behavior or physical condition.

Dogs communicate their discomfort in many ways, and as a responsible dog owners, it’s up to us to pick up on these signals.

Finally

While it may seem a little strange, our dogs are obviously not mimicking snakes.

But they are doing this for a reason.

Whether it is something entirely benign or whether it’s out of discomfort.

The key here is paying close attention.

Is it new behavior? Is it excessive? Is it accompanied by other behaviors?

Most of the time, with a change in environment, or after a little time, you should notice your dog stops doing it altogether.

If they don’t, you are worried, and you have taken a look into their mouth and not found a foreign object, then yeah, you may want to schedule that appointment at the vet!

Related guides you may want to read:

• Why Does My Dog Stick The Tip Of His Tongue Out When I Pet Him?
• Why Does My Dog Stick The Tip Of His Tongue Out While Sleeping?