Dogs generally hang out their tongue in summer for several reasons:
Cooling Mechanism: Dogs do not sweat like humans do. Instead, they regulate their body temperature primarily through panting. When a dog pants, it helps to evaporate moisture from their tongue and the lining of their mouth, which cools them down. In the summer, when temperatures are high, dogs pant more frequently to dissipate heat and maintain a comfortable body temperature.
Heat Dissipation: Panting allows dogs to release excess heat from their bodies. By hanging out their tongue and panting rapidly, they increase the airflow over their tongue, which helps in cooling the blood vessels in the mouth. This cooled blood then circulates throughout the body, helping to lower their overall body temperature.
Thermoregulation: Dogs have a limited ability to sweat through their paw pads, but it's not sufficient for efficient cooling. Therefore, panting and hanging out their tongue become essential ways for them to thermoregulate, preventing overheating and heatstroke, especially in hot weather.
Comfort: Panting and hanging out their tongue is also a natural response to discomfort caused by high temperatures. It helps dogs feel more comfortable and reduces their risk of suffering from heat-related illnesses.
In summary, dogs hang out their tongue in summer as a natural and effective way to regulate their body temperature and stay cool in hot weather. It's an important physiological response that helps them avoid overheating and maintain their well-being during periods of high heat.