Why Do Dogs Slobber?
You ask yourself this every time your hand or face is soaked in doggie drool. Thankfully, that pooch with the wide grin and floppy jowls is irresistible. One look at that fuzzy face, and all but love is forgotten.
Dog Slobber Comes in all Shapes and Sizes
Short and stocky, tall and muscular, dog slobber happens to breeds of all shapes and head sizes. It’s the way they’re built. Sometimes. If your dog is drooling more than normal, there could be something caught in its teeth or throat. If your puppy is drooling a lot, he could be teething.
When Slobber is a Cause for Worry
If your dog is drooling more than you think is normal, check his throat, gums, and teeth for obstructions or foreign objects.
- Is there something stuck in your pet’s teeth? Look for bits of wood or bone from chewing. Maybe there’s a pine cone seed between his teeth.
- Are your pet’s gums inflamed? Poor dental health can cause painful inflammation of the gums, which causes your dog to drool excessively.
- Tooth decay can also be painful and cause more drooling. Perhaps there’s an abscess that needs medical attention.
- Check to see that your pet’s throat is clear of foreign objects and there are no lumps or bumps in his mouth.
Other health issues that cause dogs to drool include:
- Anxiety
- Car or other motion sicknesses
- Internal organ disease
- Overheating and heat stroke
- Poisoning
- Sinus infection
If you can’t locate the source of the irritation, don’t delay and call us right away at (916) 619-4597. We can provide first-aid information and schedule your pet for an examination with one of our experienced veterinarians.
Which Breeds Are Born to Slobber?
Dogs with loose jowls and droopy lips collect saliva in their cheeks that spills out of their mouths. They don’t think to swallow; they just let it fall. The more excited they are, the more they drool. When you come home from a day away, you could drown in their excited kisses! These beloved breeds are the worst offenders:
- Newfoundland
- Basset hound
- Saint Bernard
- English bulldog
- Bloodhound
- Great Pyrenees
- Shar pei
- Great mastiff
- Boxer
- Great Dane
If these breeds are among your household pets, you may want to stock up on towels and, well, more towels!
Doggie Slobber—There’s Some Good in Everything
Dog drool is not some mystery substance. It’s saliva and helps dogs digest their food. It also keeps your pet’s mouth moisturized, and reduces buildup of oral acid and bacteria, protecting the mouth and teeth from irritation
Pet Care Is Our Superpower
We are just a phone call away at (916) 619-4597 to answer your pet health and safety questions. Is your pet due for a wellness exam or pest preventative treatments? Schedule an appointment today. We can’t wait to see your pets again, even if they are slobbery!