Why is My Dogs Tongue Cold

Your dog licks you and you flinch.
As a dog owner, you may have noticed that your canine companion's tongue is often cold to the touch. A dog's tongue can be affected by a number of factors - some environmental and some more serious. Understanding the reasons behind this unique trait can help you take better care of your beloved pet. In this article, we will explore the interesting reasons behind the natural coldness of your dog's tongue.

Is it Bad That My Dog's Tongue is Cold?

A cold tongue in a dog does not necessarily need to be an immediate concern. It can occur due to various reasons. For example, if he chews a piece of ice or sleeps in an upright position with his paws upward, this can also happen because the blood flow to the tongue is reduced.

Why is My Dogs Tongue Cold?

Dogs regulate their body temperature differently from humans. A dog's tongue may feel cooler than your skin temperature even when they are in good health.

However, there are certain situations where a cold tongue might indicate an underlying problem:

1. Your Dog Just Drank Water Or Ate Ice

If your dog just finished drinking fresh, clean water, it’s tongue will likely become at least a little colder than the rest of its body.  The water essentially chills the tongue the longer it is in contact with it. If your dog has been exposed to cold weather or is in a cold environment, their tongue may feel colder than usual. This will only be for a short period of time, however, as when your dog stops drinking water or eating ice the blood flow to the tongue will make it warm again.

2. Your Dog Feels Cold

In severe cases, if a dog's body temperature drops significantly due to prolonged exposure to cold temperatures, they may develop hypothermia. Besides a cold tongue, signs of hypothermia include:

• Shivering
• Weakness
• Lethargy
• Difficulty breathing

How do I know if my dog is feeling cold?

Dogs, like humans, can feel cold and may show specific signs to communicate their discomfort. Such as:

• Shivering
• Seeking warmth
• Curling up
• Lifting paws
• Reduced activity
• Prolonged fur puffing
• Cold ears and paws

3. Your Dog is Exercising Vigorously

Dogs have a unique vascular system in their tongues that facilitates efficient heat exchange. The tongue is richly supplied with blood vessels called capillaries. As the dog breathes rapidly while panting, the blood circulates through these vessels and comes into contact with the cooler air, allowing for efficient cooling. 

4. Dehydration

If a dog doesn't drink enough water in hot and humid conditions, or if it persists in vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration. Dogs that are dehydrated may have dry, sticky gums, which can feel cold to the touch. If you suspect your dog might be dehydrated, make sure they have access to fresh water and monitor their water intake.

5. Infection or Illness

Certain infections or illnesses can affect a dog's circulation, which might result in a colder-than-normal tongue. 
Some of these health conditions include hypothalamic disease and hypothyroidism, which can cause your dog's mouth to feel extremely cold. When a dog has hypothalamic disease, the hypothalamus in their brain is damaged or disrupted. This can lead to extreme mood swings, changes in a dog's daily routine, excessive drooling, and possibly even a cold mouth. The most common symptoms of hypothyroidism are that the dog is cold, doesn't feel warm to the touch, and has a cold mouth.

6. Shock

In severe cases of shock, a dog's blood circulation can be affected, leading to cold extremities, including the tongue. Shock can be caused by various factors, such as trauma, severe injury, or certain medical conditions, and requires immediate veterinary attention.

However, it is essential to note that if a dog's tongue feels unusually cold or excessively warm to the touch, it might indicate an underlying health issue. Extremely cold or blueish/pale tongues can be a sign of poor circulation or potential health problems that require veterinary attention. But there are some breeds that have purple tongues.

Related: Dog with Purple Tongue: Decoding the Special Characteristics and Health of the Dog

What is a Dog's Tongue Temperature?

A dog's tongue temperature is generally slightly cooler than their body temperature. A healthy dog's normal body temperature ranges from 100.5°F to 102.5°F (38°C to 39.2°C) when measured rectally. Since a dog's tongue helps regulate their body temperature, it is usually a few degrees cooler than their core temperature.

What to Do About My Dog Having a Cold Tongue?

1. Check the environment

Make sure your dog is in a comfortable and warm environment. If they have been exposed to cold weather, move them to a warmer area and provide them with a cozy, insulated space to rest.

2. Hydration

A moist tongue is an indication of good hydration. Dogs tend to drink water regularly, and their cool and wet tongue helps them retain hydration, especially in warm weather or after physical activity.

3. Check for circulation issues

Gently press the gums with your finger. They should turn white briefly when pressure is applied and then return to their normal pink color. This test can help you assess the blood circulation in your dog's body.

4. Offer water

Ensure that your dog has access to fresh water at all times. Dehydration can sometimes lead to a cold tongue, so encouraging your dog to drink water is essential.

Conclusions

If your dog's tongue remains persistently cold for various reasons, it's essential to consider seeking veterinary attention. A consistently cold tongue could signal potential difficulties in regulating your dog's body temperature.

Nevertheless, if your dog appears otherwise healthy, the issue might be related to its environment or specific factors. You can discuss your concerns about your dog's cold tongue with a veterinarian to gain better insights into the possible causes and appropriate actions to take.