Hanging Tongue Syndrome In Dogs & How To Care For Your Dog’s Dry Tongue

A reader recently asked us this question:

Dog lost teeth. How can I care for her tongue? It hangs out all the time. Will she be in pain? 

~Gail

Hanging Tongue Syndrome is a condition where a dog’s tongue hangs out of his mouth all the time and the dog is unable to bring her tongue in at will.

This could be due to the dog’s breed, a mouth or jaw injury, or deformities of the mouth or teeth, among other things.

Other times, things like medications or the removal of teeth could temporarily leave your dog’s tongue hanging outside of his mouth.

If a dog is not able to moisten her tongue by bringing it fully into the mouth, then the tongue could become dry or cracked over time and cause the dog some pain.

Here’s what you need to know…

How To Care For A Dog’s Tongue

If your dog can’t or won’t bring her tongue inside her mouth to moisten it on occasion, then you need to take a few extra steps to care for your dog’s tongue.

Only your vet can accurately determine whether your dog has Hanging Tongue Syndrome or not, and whether she is in pain from it or not.

To ensure that your dog’s tongue does not become too dry or cracked you can do the following 3 things daily:

#1 – Olive Oil

Apply a small amount of olive oil all over your dog’s tongue to keep it lubricated. You may need to do this a few times a day. (Bonus: it’s also good for your dog’s dry skin and coat!)

#2 – Water

Routinely encourage your dog to drink water. This will help to lubricate the tongue and mouth. You can also apply a few drops of water directly onto your dog’s tongue throughout the day.

#3 – Ice Cubes / Frozen Dog Treats

Encourage your dog to lick ice cubes or frozen dog treats. (Hint: You can also freeze leftover chicken broth and other non-salted liquids in ice cube trays for your dog to enjoy later!)

NOTE: In rare instances, a dog’s tongue may need to be surgically shortened in order to alleviate further problems.

Signs To Watch For

Take the time to regularly inspect your dog’s tongue looking for changes in texture, color, size, or bleeding. If you notice any of these things, take your dog to the vet right away, because they could signal deeper issues — such as an infection or neurological problems.

If your dog’s tongue hangs outside of his mouth, then you’ll need to closely monitor your dog’s time spent outdoors because…

1. Too much time in the sun could lead to a sunburn on your dog’s tongue.
2. Too much time spent outside in the cold winter months could lead to frostbite on your dog’s tongue.

More About Dog Hanging Tongue Syndrome

• Hanging Tongue Syndrome: A Real Problem For Small Breeds
• Why Is My Dog’s Tongue Discolored?
• Symptoms of Hanging Tongue Syndrome
• Is This Hanging Tongue Syndrome?