If your dog yawns when you pet them, this post will show you why and what you can do about it.
So, why does my dog yawn when I pet him? The most likely reason why your dog yawns when you pet then is that they are showing that they are relaxed and happy.
There are actually a number of possible reasons why your dog yawns when you pet them and it could be due to a combination of reasons. However, there are a number of things you can consider to help figure out the main cause.
Why does my dog yawn when I pet her?
Below are likely reasons why your dog yawns when you pet them.
Submissiveness
Sometimes, dogs will yawn when they are being submissive and it might be why your dog yawns when you pet them. This would be more likely if they also show other submissive signs such as making their body appear smaller, rolling onto their back or hiding the tail.
Intimidation
Dogs will also yawn when they are feeling intimidated and it is possible that yours has been doing it due to intimidation. this would be more likely if your dog does it more when you pet them in an aggressive manner or when you are loud around it.
Boredom
Another possible cause is that your dog is bored. This would be more likely if your dog tends to yawn more before you have given it exercise.
Tiredness
It could also be the case that your dog is tired. This would be more likely if your dog tends to yawn more when you pet it when it is trying to sleep or at night.
Your dog is showing that it is relaxed
The most likely reason why your dog yawns when you pet it is that it is showing that it is relaxed and happy. This is because yawning is often a way of showing pleasure and relaxation.
Things to consider
Below are some things to consider to help figure out the main reason why your dog has been doing it.
If your dog always yawned when you pet him
If your dog has not always yawned when you pet them, it would help to consider what else happened when your dog first started doing it. If your dog started doing it suddenly, it might be due to things such as a change in the way you have been petting them, getting less exercise or something causing them to not be able to sleep so easily.
The timing of when your dog yawning
It would also help to consider the timing of when your dog does it. If your dog tends to do it when you pet your dog more aggressively, it would be more likely that your dog yawns due to being intimidated.
What to do about my dog yawning when I pet him?
Below are options you have when dealing with the behavior.
Let her do it
If your dog seems to be doing it due to being relaxed and happy, the best thing to do would be to allow your dog to continue doing it.
Avoid intimidating it
If it seems to be the case that your dog has been doing it due to getting intimidated, it would also help to try petting your dog in a different manner and more gently.
Why does my dog yawn when I cuddle him?
It could be the case that your dog yawns when you cuddle him due to being intimidated. This would be more likely if your dog shows other signs of being intimidated such as moving away, hiding its tail and making itself appear smaller. It might also be the case that your dog yawns because it is relaxed and happy which would be more likely if your dog shows positive signs such as wagging its tail or licking you.