Short answer: a yawn can just mean tired. But yawning and lip licking can also be signs that a dog feels uncomfortable. Look at the situation around them.
What PDSA says
PDSA says it is important to consider the situation your dog is in alongside their body language. It says that when a dog is worried, they may lick their lips repeatedly or yawn, and that these are signs they feel uncomfortable and are trying to calm things down. It says a worried dog may also tuck their tail or pin their ears back.
What to do
If you see these signs, give your dog space. Stop what you are doing, move farther from what is worrying them, and do not force greetings. See dog body language and stress signs on a walk.
Get the right help
If your dog shows stress signs often, ask your vet and a qualified trainer.
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Sources
Sources & care notes
Frequently asked questions
Why does my dog yawn and lick their lips?
Tiredness explains some of it, but worry explains repeated lip licking and yawning in a tense moment.
What do these signs mean together?
They are signals a dog feels uncomfortable, best read alongside the situation they are in.
What should I do when I see them?
Give space. Stop what you are doing, move farther from what is worrying them, and skip forced greetings.
When do stress signs need help?
If your dog shows them often, ask your vet and a qualified professional to read the pattern with you.
