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Reading your dog's mouth

Loosely open or tightly shut? Your dog's mouth alone can tell you how they're feeling. Here's how to look properly.

How your dog is doing isn't only written in their tail or ears – their mouth reveals a lot too. Whether it's relaxed or tense, whether you can see the tongue or the teeth: all of it says something about their mood. And as always: look at the whole dog, not just one detail.

Relaxed or tight

When your dog is relaxed, their mouth is often slightly open. The lower jaw hangs loose, sometimes the tongue peeks out. A firmly closed, tight mouth, on the other hand, means: your dog is tense. And if they pull their lips far back, stress is often behind it too.

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Frequently asked questions

What is “Reading your dog's mouth” about?

Loosely open or tightly shut? Your dog's mouth alone can tell you how they're feeling. Here's how to look properly. How your dog is doing isn't only written in their tail or ears – their mouth reveals a lot too. Whether it's relaxed or tense, whether you can see the tongue or the teeth: all of it says something about their mood. And as always: look at the whole dog, not just one detail.

What else is part of “Reading your dog's mouth”?

When your dog is relaxed, their mouth is often slightly open. The lower jaw hangs loose, sometimes the tongue peeks out. A firmly closed, tight mouth, on the other hand, means: your dog is tense. And if they pull their lips far back, stress is often behind it too.

Does the article “Reading your dog's mouth” replace veterinary advice?

This article is no substitute for veterinary advice. Source: DOGSY editorial team.

Who wrote “Reading your dog's mouth”, and how up to date is the article?

The article comes from the DOGSY knowledge team and is written in plain language. Last updated: 9 July 2026.

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This article is no substitute for veterinary advice. Source: DOGSY editorial team.