Like humans, dogs yawn when they’re sleepy or have just woken up. Dogs may also yawn when they’re bored. But yawning can also be a way of communication among dogs, and even a reflex action. As you can see, there are various possible meanings when dogs yawn.

Yawns can also be infectious in dogs. You may have caught your dog yawning while you are yawning. But the action can also be deliberate. Experts also believe that yawning can be a dog’s deliberate imitation in order to find common ground with another dog or a person; this is something that dogs like to engage in.

Sometimes, dogs yawn to appease another dog or their humans. Your pooch may yawn if you are telling him off, or if he can’t decipher your mood, or that of another dog. More often than not, these types of yawning may be misinterpreted by their owners—they think yawning, in this case, is a dog’s deliberate way of letting their owners know that they are ignoring them.

Don’t hesitate to call your veterinarian Indianapolis, IN if you notice distinct changes in your pet’s behavior.