Why is My Dog’s Tongue Cold? (5 Possible Reasons)

Dogs explore the outside world through their mouths and often use their tongues to contact things around them. You must have often experienced their cold tongue on your body and wondered how and why it got so cold?

This is especially true during wintertime when you can feel the difference between the temperature of their tongue against your body.

Sometimes when dogs are unwell, it is common for them to have a cold tongue, but if that is not the case, you need to get them checked for anything serious about their vet.

However, in most cases, you will be able to figure out the possible reasons for your dog’s cold tongue quite easily. All you need to do is observe them and comprehend the patterns which you observe to reach to a conclusion.

Also, knowing the reason will help you better regulate the temperature of their tongue so that it does not cause inconvenience.

Possible Reasons: Why Dog’s Tongue is Cold

Worried about cold dog tongue problems? Don’t be. Here are some possible reasons why your dog’s tongue might be cold. Let’s dive right in!

1. Licked Something Cold

As dog parents, no matter how much we try to be mindful of the things we keep near them, some things will surpass our attention.

The most obvious reason is that they probably licked or had something cold. This involves licking a cool object (such as a window or a refrigerator) or even a cold drink.

Dogs pant to reduce their body temperature because they cannot sweat. So it makes sense now why a tongue is frequently heated. However, if your dog’s tongue is chilly, then your dog probably licked something cold.

This could have gone without your notice, but at times, leaving a freezing item out of the refrigerator could attract your fluffy friend’s attention, and they could be drawn towards that item without a second thought to explore it.

2. Drinking Or Eating Something Cold

In addition to simply observing something out of curiosity, they could have gulped down cold water from their bowl or elsewhere.

If you leave them unattended near a water source accessible to them, they will try to experiment with it by sticking their tongue out and allowing the water to run through their tongue, leaving it cold.

So, be mindful next time and do not let such a situation arrive. Also, introducing them early to the idea of water fountains can help them get used to the running water without getting them too excited each time they come near water.

Similarly, on their way to further their curiosity, if they eat something frozen or cold that remained on their tongue for some time, it could also lead to a cold tongue.

3. Body Temperature

Your dog’s tongue may get chilly if its body temperature has fallen and is now frigid. A dog’s body temperature might drop for several causes, which can range from exposure to cold or soggy conditions to being given anesthesia.

Anesthesia is a drug that might make it difficult for dogs to control their body temperature. If your dog has undergone an anesthesia treatment, and you notice its tongue turning cold due to it, consult its veterinarian.

4. Medication

If your dog is on some medication, they undergo internal change. It could be a change in body temperature or something else. Whatever the reason, the tongue’s coldness could be its effect.

If the concern is related to some medication, it is consuming, do let its veterinarian know, as a change in its medication can immediately enhance its condition.

5. Some Major Concern

It could also be an indication of a more concerning health issue.

A dog’s tongue can be a relatively reliable indicator of general health. Again, this results from the tongue’s extensive network of veins, capillaries, and arteries.

These vessels are extremely sensitive to change, so they will reflect it by changing color or condition when anything is wrong.

Your dog may suffer from an illness or other problem impairing its capacity to circulate blood if its tongue has turned chilly and clammy.

A useful initial check you might perform to determine.

Examining your dog’s gums is an efficient initial examination you may perform to see if its blood circulation is regular. So, if your dog’s gums have a healthy pink tint, it can be a reliable sign of circulation.

Instead, if your dog’s gums are extremely pale or white, it can indicate a lack of oxygen in the blood. It can mean a loss of red blood cells, which can cause concern in the long run. 

In addition, it can indicate an obstruction in the blood’s natural course, anemia, or internal bleeding in your dog.

Also Read: Crusty Scabs Around Dog’s Mouth: Causes & Remedies

What Does a Healthy Dog Tongue Look Like?

If one were to define the natural color of a healthy dog’s tongue, one could say it is a deep pink color. A healthy pup’s tongue tends to become red when it is hot. This could be the case when they eat something hot as the vessel releases heat.

A red tongue can also indicate that drugs bring on the heat, steroids, which is also pretty normal.

Be cautious if the tongue appears blue or purple, as blue or cyanotic tongue should be taken very seriously. Blue indicates a heart not functioning correctly since it indicates a lower blood flow.

Similarly, purple denotes the statis in the body of your pet. “Stasis” denotes a region where circulation and digestion are restricted, causing sluggishness in the pancreas, liver and small and large intestines.

How Can I Prevent My Dog From Licking Cold Stuff?

For some, dogs licking their owners might appear gross, but it is their favorite way of expressing affection.

No wonder it comes naturally, given their anatomy. Similarly, they find licking the most obvious way to seek your attention.

Even while excessive licking is a natural activity for dogs, it is problematic if it bothers you. Perhaps your dog annoys visitors, or you’d prefer to forego the daily full saliva bath after work.

Whatever the situation, you can stop it with a few straightforward adjustments.

Consistency is crucial, and the right behavior should be introduced within the early days of training. The next time your dog comes a bit too near for comfort, try using one or more of the following strategies.

1. Walk Away

You must have noticed them lick you on several occasions when you were engrossed in getting something important done. They just don’t like you to share your attention with anything else.

Walk away if your dog starts to lick you. Eliminate all focus, including eye contact. Their behavior will lessen in frequency if it is not met with your attention.

2. Change Your Odor

Also, owners are the comfort providers to their dogs. Dogs tend to recognize them through their body odor. Licking comes the closest to absorbing the owner’s odor and finding comfort in it.

Dogs prefer some fragrances more than others. Try to smell differently by changing your body wash or perfume to something your dog has not sniffed earlier.

3. Engage Them

Give them something else to do to ensure that your dog does not lick your face. Introduce them to an interesting activity, such as playing with a chew toy, a bone, or a stuffed kong. These substitutes will keep them engaged by providing them with acceptable objects to lick.

You can introduce them to a flavor of their choice so they get hooked on it without tampering with your personal space and time.

4. Physical Activity

Puppies kiss their mother’s mouth to show that they require care to exhibit an instinctive habit. They require care and could be demanding calmness in case of distress.

Introducing walks into their daily schedule can ensure they feel less stressed, which could help them stop licking your face. This strategy is particularly helpful when dealing with dogs lick out of nervous compulsion.

Always remember to reward them for acceptable behavior. When your dog behaves well, pay attention to them, and rewards must follow the desired action immediately.

Will Licking Cold Things Harm My Dog’s Health?

Summer heat will cause your dogs to be drawn to cold objects. Shaved ice or little cubes shouldn’t be a problem, but getting rid of any risk is preferable.

Giving them cold water on a hot summer day is the technique with the lowest danger. To avoid bloating, it’s essential to limit portions to tiny quantities.

Additionally, after consuming a lot of water, keep them passive for an hour to reduce the possibility of their stomach flipping.

Similarly, cooling your dog down with ice water is not harmful, you should always be cautious not to chill your dog off too soon. Instead of bathing your dog in cold water, consider covering him with a damp towel or placing him on a cool surface.

Conclusion

Your dog’s tongue can turn cold because of various reasons, and if it continues to be so, you should probably take him to the doctor as it shows that your dog is having a problem controlling its body temperature.

However, there isn’t much you can do about your dog’s tongue problem. If the rest of your dog appears healthy, the problem is likely related to the surroundings.

You might inquire with your veterinarian about your dog’s chilly tongue.