Species: Dog
Condition: Hanging Tongue
Organ System: Gastrointestinal
It is a painful but non-life threatening condition; however it could indicate an underlying health problem. A hanging tongue can end up dry and cracked. The dog is unable to pull its tongue inside its mouth to moisten it. The tongue may become discolored. The condition is often seen in smaller dog breeds including the Mexican Hairless, Chihuahua, and King Charles Spaniels, but can also affect other breeds. The problem has been linked to injury or trauma to a dog’s jaw or muzzle. It may also be attributed to a neurological problem or deformity of the mouth or teeth. Some medications may also cause the dog’s tongue to hang outside his mouth.
Breeds exposed to Hanging Tongue – Research Reference
Miniature Poodle Cross – (Guilford & Strombeck 1996a)
Miniature Dachshund Cross – (Guilford & Strombeck 1996a)
Dachshund Cross – (Guilford & Strombeck 1996a)
Poodle – Toy Cross – (Guilford & Strombeck 1996a)
King Charles Spaniel Cross – (Guilford & Strombeck 1996a)
Pekingese Cross – (Guilford & Strombeck 1996a)
Miniature Dachshund- Long Haired Cross – (Guilford & Strombeck 1996a)
Yorkshire Terrier Cross – (Hall 2000)
Shetland Sheepdog Cross – (Guilford & Strombeck 1996a)
Miniature Dachshund – Wire Haired Cross – (Guilford & Strombeck 1996a)
Miniature Dachshund – Smooth Haired Cross – (Guilford & Strombeck 1996a)
Poodle – Toy – (Guilford & Strombeck 1996a)
Shetland Sheepdog – (Guilford & Strombeck 1996a)
Cavoodle – (Guilford & Strombeck 1996a)
Miniature Dachshund – Smooth Haired – (Guilford & Strombeck 1996a)
Miniature Dachshund – Wire Haired – (Guilford & Strombeck 1996a)
Miniature Dachshund- Long Haired – (Guilford & Strombeck 1996a)
Yorkshire Terrier – (Hall 2000)
Dachshund – (Guilford & Strombeck 1996a)
King Charles Spaniel – (Guilford & Strombeck 1996a)
Miniature Dachshund – (Guilford & Strombeck 1996a)
Miniature Poodle – (Guilford & Strombeck 1996a)
Pekingese – (Guilford & Strombeck 1996a)
Disease Author
Dr Merliza Cabriles, Professor of Veterinary Medicine
To learn more about Hanging Tongue or any other condition we invite you to search this website. Even better, pick up the phone and call your vet. Your vet knows your pet better than anyone else and is a fountain of information.
This information is accurate as at May 2014 and is subject to change without notice.
For Petmed Pet Health Insurance – pre-existing condition exclusion applies. Annual Benefit Limits and excess amounts vary based on pet health insurance plans.
