Understanding Why Dogs Do the Mlems
The term “mlem” has become a popular internet phrase to describe the moment a dog or other animal sticks out its tongue, sometimes quickly flicking it or letting it hang loosely. While it's undeniably adorable, there's more behind this behavior than pure cuteness. Understanding why dogs do the mlems can help pet owners decode their furry friend's emotional state, physical condition, or communication intent.
What Is a 'Mlem' Anyway?
A 'mlem' typically refers to the act of quickly flicking the tongue out or letting it protrude from the mouth. This behavior can be casual, unconscious, or purposeful depending on the context.
Common Reasons Dogs Do the Mlems
- Relaxation or Contentment: Just like a dog’s gentle smile or tail wag, a protruding tongue can be a sign of a relaxed and happy canine. Dogs at ease often let their mouths hang open slightly with the tongue visible, especially when lying down or basking in the sun.
- Panting to Cool Down: Dogs don’t sweat like humans. Instead, they regulate temperature primarily through panting. During panting, the tongue naturally extends outward as air moves over it and evaporates moisture, cooling the body down. This is one of the main functional reasons for a mlem.
- Social Signals and Appeasement: In more nuanced contexts, tongue movements may serve as communicative signals. Lip-licking or tongue flicking can be appeasement gestures. When a dog feels slightly uncomfortable or is trying to calm a social situation, it may do a small 'mlem' alongside other submissive behaviors like tail tucking, averting gaze, or crouching.
- Anticipation of Food: A common and more humorous reason for a mlem is food anticipation. Dogs often flick or stick out their tongue when they smell something tasty or are expecting a treat.
- Mimicking Human Expressions: Dogs closely watch their humans and may imitate their smiles or facial cues. This learned behavior from positive reinforcement—like treats and affection—may encourage playful or friendly tongue displays.
‘Smiling’ in Dogs: What It Means
Dogs don’t smile like humans, but they can show happy expressions. A relaxed, open mouth with a visible tongue is one such example. This often occurs when the dog’s eyes are soft, ears relaxed, and tail gently wagging. It's a way of signaling friendliness and contentment. However, it's important to interpret the full body language—other signs must also indicate that the dog is at ease.
The Submissive Grin vs. the Mlem
Not to be confused with a mlem, the submissive grin involves lips pulled back to expose teeth (often mistaken as aggression). This puzzled expression is often seen in dogs trying to appease a perceived threat or avoid conflict. It may also include lowered posture, closed eyes, and tail wagging at a low angle. While a mlem is typically neutral or positive, the submissive grin is more about social deference.
When a Mlem Could Mean Something Else
A protruding tongue isn’t always innocent or expressive. In some situations, it might signify underlying issues:
- Dental or Oral Issues: An abnormal tongue pose, especially if consistent on one side or accompanied by drooling, could signal dental discomfort.
- Overheating or Heatstroke: If your dog pants excessively with a long tongue out and appears lethargic or distressed, it might be overheating—a serious health risk.
- Anxiety: Tongue flicking or lip licking can also result from stress, especially if paired with a stiff posture, wide eyes, or pinned ears.
Do Dogs Smile or Laugh?
Not quite like humans. Dogs perform a play-pant sound akin to laughter during high-energy games. When paired with playful body language like bows or bounces, this pant communicates joy and can stimulate interaction with other dogs. However, it isn't laughter in the human sense and should not be mistaken for a smile or a mlem, though they might co-occur during moments of excitement.
When Dogs React to Human Emotions
Dogs are deeply attuned to human emotional states. They've evolved to interpret facial cues and gestures and respond accordingly. When humans show pleasure at a mlem or a smile-like gesture, dogs may repeat the behavior more often to win affection or rewards. In this way, some expressions may be learned and expressed more frequently.
Do All Dogs Do the Mlems?
Not necessarily. Just as some dogs are more vocal, others may naturally express more through their mouths and tongues. Breed genetics, temperament, personality, and anatomy all contribute. Some dogs rarely show their tongue unless panting, while others may let it hang out frequently. Brachycephalic breeds (like Bulldogs or Pugs) may display mlems more often because of their shorter snouts and altered tongue posture.
How to Read the Full Picture
A mlem on its own doesn’t tell you much—you must look at the dog’s:
- Tail position: wagging low and loose signals happiness.
- Eyes: soft gaze means calm; wide-eyed may indicate fear.
- Ears: natural positions suggest comfort, while pinned ears suggest stress.
- Posture: relaxed body usually means a relaxed emotional state.
If uncertain, consider the context: Is your dog playing, resting, watching you calmly, or approaching another dog? Matching the mlem with the situation is key to proper interpretation.
Conclusion
The mlem, while undeniably cute, is a window into your dog’s world. It serves functional, emotional, and social purposes. From cooling down to easing tension or mimicking their favorite human, dogs stick out their tongues for a host of reasons. Always consider the full array of canine body language—and trust your instincts as a pet parent—to understand what your dog is trying to tell you.
