Do Animals Yawn Contagiously?

Humans have been known to yawn when they witness another person yawning, but animals — particularly primates and dogs — might also yawn contagiously. Some scientists believe that yawning after someone else yawns is a sign of empathy. Although primates such as chimpanzees have been generally found to exhibit contagious yawning only to other chimpanzees with whom they have close relationships, studies have found that dogs might yawn contagiously after seeing humans yawn. Some researchers believe that a possible reason is that the dogs pick up on human social cues and can empathize with humans, particularly their owners. Dogs tend to be more likely to yawn contagiously as they age, and puppies typically do not display the trait of contagious yawning.

More about yawning:

• Children typically don't exhibit contagious yawning until after they are 5 years old, when they are thought to be more able to pick up social cues.


• There is a theory that yawning is used by the body as a means of regulating body temperature by breathing in additional oxygen, with yawning being less likely to occur in hotter temperatures.


• More than 40% of adults are thought to be contagious yawners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do animals experience contagious yawning like humans do?

Yes, some animals do experience contagious yawning. Studies have shown that certain social species, such as chimpanzees and wolves, exhibit this behavior. According to research published in the journal 'Animal Cognition', chimpanzees are more likely to yawn in response to seeing a member of their own group yawn than in response to a stranger's yawn, suggesting a connection to empathy and social bonds.

Which animals have been observed to yawn contagiously?

Contagious yawning has been observed in several species beyond humans. Notably, chimpanzees, domestic dogs, and even rats have demonstrated this phenomenon. For instance, a study in the journal 'Biology Letters' found that dogs are more likely to yawn contagiously in response to their owners than to strangers, indicating a possible emotional connection.

What might be the purpose of contagious yawning in animals?

The purpose of contagious yawning in animals is not fully understood, but theories suggest it may play a role in social bonding and communication. It could also be a way of synchronizing group behaviors or a response to shared environmental cues. Some scientists propose it might be related to empathy, as seen in species with complex social structures.

Is there a difference in contagious yawning between wild and domestic animals?

There may be differences in contagious yawning between wild and domestic animals, potentially due to varying social structures and environments. Domestic animals, like dogs, often live closely with humans and may have adapted their social behaviors, including yawning, in response to human cues. Wild animals might exhibit contagious yawning more selectively within their social groups.

Can all vertebrates yawn contagiously, or is it limited to certain groups?

Contagious yawning is not a universal trait among all vertebrates; it appears to be limited to certain groups with complex social systems. While many vertebrates yawn, the contagious aspect is most commonly observed in mammals and specifically in species with advanced social behaviors, such as primates and canines.

How do scientists study contagious yawning in animals?

Scientists study contagious yawning in animals through observation and experiments. They may present animals with videos or live interactions involving yawning individuals and record the responses. For example, a study in 'PLOS ONE' detailed how observing yawning frequencies in dogs while exposed to human yawns helped researchers understand the phenomenon's social aspects.