There is notable misinformation about language of dogs, surrounded by false myths such as that it is a disinfectant or that it is not able to distinguish flavors. Many details about this part of its anatomy are unknown, although experts have managed to discover interesting facts about it through studies carried out in recent years. We tell you some of them.
As we said, there is great misinformation regarding this issue, but it is known with certainty that the language of the dog fulfills vital functions for the welfare of this animal. Likewise, experts assure that it is composed of at least eight pairs of muscles (transversal, longitudinal and perpendicular), responsible for their movements. Among them, the styloglossus, hyoglossus and genioglossus, similar to those of the human being, stand out.
Some say that their saliva contains disinfectant properties. It is a false rumor that has some truth, since it has a percentage of ascorbic acid that reacts with the nitrates present in the skin, favoring disinfection and healing; this is why dogs lick each other when they have a wound. However, this can be counterproductive, since the tongue of dogs is very in contact with the outside and therefore accumulates a large number of bacterial agents.
On the other hand, one of the main functions of the canine tongue is to help the dog to regulate your body temperature. And is that unlike humans, this animal hardly has sweat glands in the skin, so it uses panting as a method of perspiration. This process helps cool the brain by circulating blood through the nose and tongue and being pumped at a lower temperature to the brain.
Finally, it is worth mentioning the capacity of this body to distinguish flavors, although to a lesser extent than humans. Dogs differentiate between sweet flavors through the edges and front of the tongue, salty flavors through the edges and back, and bitter through the top. However, their sense of taste is located mainly in the nose, since they perceive it mainly through smell.
Detailed anatomy of the canine tongue
The dog's tongue is a complex muscular organ divided into root, body and apex (tip). It is covered by a stratified squamous epithelium that can keratinize on its back, providing mechanical resistance. Inside, the lyssa, a rod-like structure that contributes to flexibility and support. The striated muscular framework runs in three directions (longitudinal, transverse and perpendicular), which allows great precision in its movements.
Its surface presents lingual papillae of two groups: mechanical and gustatory. Among the mechanical ones are the filiform (the most numerous and keratinized), conical and lenticular, useful for turn on and manipulate the food. The gustatory ones include fungiform (mushroom-shaped, with taste buds at their apex), circumvallate or calyciform (large, at the base of the tongue and surrounded by grooves) and foliate (arranged in lateral folds), all with taste buds that detect flavors. The tongue is intensely vascularized and innervated, which explains its great sensitivity and healing capacity.
In addition, the dog's mouth has four pairs of salivary glands main ducts whose ducts drain into the oral cavity: mandibular, sublingual, parotid and zygomatic. This saliva moistens the food, facilitates swallowing and contributes to the lubrication and protection of oral tissues.
How dogs drink and the role of the tongue
Drinking water is a more sophisticated process than it seems. Dogs introduce the language in the water and curl their tip back, forming a kind of dynamic ladle. With a very rapid movement, they raise a column of liquid and close their mouths in time to catch it, repeating the sequence several times per second. This pattern explains why splash when drinking.
At the tip of the tongue there are receptors that are especially sensitive to water stimulation already changes in the composition of the liquid, which reinforces the urge to drink and helps to maintain hydrationThe coordination between muscles, papillae, and saliva makes efficient intake possible even at high speed.
Non-gustatory functions: thermoregulation, voice and behavior
Panting is the main mechanism for dissipate heat. When you stick your tongue out, the salivary moisture evaporates and cools the blood circulating through it, helping to maintain the thermal equilibriumBrachycephalic dogs (short muzzle) may have more difficulty panting efficiently due to their anatomy, which increases the risk of overheating.
Language also participates in the bark modulation: its position, size and thickness influence timbre and volume, even if the origin of the sound is in the larynx. On the social level, Licking can express affection, calm or submissive behavior, and constant licking of the muzzle or repeated yawning are usually signs of stress or discomfort. In addition, dogs use it for basic hygiene, removing surface dirt.
Color, texture and warning signs
A healthy tongue is usually Pink colorSome breeds naturally have dark or bluish pigmentation, which is normal. Sudden changes deserve attention: a tongue pale or white may suggest anemia or circulatory problems; a tongue intense red appears with fever, inflammation, or overheating; a tongue purple or blue may indicate a lack of oxygen and requires urgent consultation. Marked dryness, cracks, bad odor, plaques or inflammation may be related to dehydration, infections, allergies, trauma, burns, tumors or other systemic diseases.
Hygiene and care of the tongue
Keep a routine of oral health: Brush teeth with dog products, offer appropriate toys and chews that promote cleaning, and check the mouth regularly. Ensure fresh water always available and prevents chewing on hard objects that can cause cuts. It is not advisable to allow the dog lick your wounds nor lick yours excessively: although some saliva can help clean, continuous moisture promotes infections. If you notice ulcers, bleeding or pain when eating, go to the vet.
Knowing how your dog's tongue works helps to interpret their behavior, to detect health problems early and make simple care decisions that make a difference in your daily well-being.
