Dogs

can dogs breathe through their mouth


Can Dogs Breathe Through Their Mouths?

Most of us have seen our furry friends panting in the heat, with their tongues lolling out of their mouths. It looks as if they are having a grand time, but what we may not realize is that dogs are equipped to breathe through their mouths.

How Do Dogs Breathe?

Dogs use their noses for breathing. They will breathe in and out along with their nose, just like when we hold our noses and mouth shut but breath through the nose only.

However, unlike humans, dogs also have the ability to use their mouths for breathing. They have evolved a special technique for breathing through the mouth, eliminating the need for a nose filter and helping them to cool down faster.

Benefits of Mouth Breathing

Dogs that are able to breathe through their mouths enjoy the following benefits:

  • Cooling Down: Dogs pant to cool off, so being able to breathe through their mouth helps them cool down faster.
  • Better Performance: By taking in more oxygen through their mouths, dogs have an increased capacity for high-level performance. This is why you often see dogs and horses racing in competitions.
  • Enhanced Scent: When a dog breathes through their mouth, they can take in more smells than if they were breathing through their nose, making it easier for them to locate and detect smells.

Drawbacks Of Mouth Breathing

However, mouth breathing has some drawbacks for dogs. When a dog’s mouth is open for a prolonged period of time, it can dry out the surrounding tissues and become irritated, resulting in cracking and discomfort. This is why it’s important for dogs to drink plenty of water if they are breathing through their mouths.

Conclusion

Dogs are indeed able to breathe through their mouths, but they are primarily nasal breathers. Mouth breathing in dogs can provide several benefits, including better performance, increased oxygen intake and enhanced scent, but it should always be monitored, as it can be drying to the mouth and surrounding tissues.

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