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If dogs could use napkins or their sleeves to wipe away drool, they probably wouldn’t. They don’t care about being neat and tidy. Dog slobber is a characteristic that dog lovers tend to (begrudgingly) overlook. In trade, dog people get an abundance of affection and loyalty. That’s worth every bit of slobber!

Dog Breeds to Avoid if You Just Can’t Handle the Mess

Some dogs are indeed heavy droolers who drip rope-like slobber from their bouncy jowls. If that’s not for you, avoid these breeds:

• Newfoundland
• Basset Hound
• Saint Bernard
• English Bulldog
• Bloodhound
• Great Pyrenees
• Shar Pei
• Great Mastiff
• Boxer
• Great Dane

Why Do Dogs Drool So Much?

Drool is escaped saliva. Some dogs, like Saint Bernards and bloodhounds, have heavy jowls and saggy lips that can’t block drool. If your dog is not a drooling breed, he’ll slobber when excited, especially about food. The saliva may collect so fast that he can’t help but drool. There can be other reasons that your dog is drooling more than normal that could indicate a health issue:

• Tooth decay or gum infections
• Motion sickness or other stomach upset
• Cuts, splinters, or injuries from chewing on hard objects like animal bones and wood
• Oral growths
• Anxiety

My Dog Is Drooling More than Usual. Should I Be Concerned?

If your dog is showering you with slobbery kisses, he’s just happy to see you. Excitement makes a doggie’s mouth water whether he’s greeting you, it’s playtime, or there’s a snack in view.

When he’s excited, his mouth is open, the saliva is building, and he drools! Sometimes though, there is cause for worry. Symptoms to watch for include:

• Changes in behavior
• Less interest in food
• Trouble swallowing
• Overheating
• Blood or odor in the saliva

Any of these symptoms could indicate a serious health issue and may require immediate treatment. If you notice a troublesome symptom, contact us right away!

The Good News About Doggie Slobber

Did you know that dog saliva has health benefits? Drool isn’t there for slobbery kisses alone! Unlike human spit, a dog’s saliva does not help break down food for easier digestion. It contains an enzyme, amylase, that gets doggie’s digestive juices engaged, making the food move easily through the digestion process. Dog saliva health benefits include:

• Saliva is a moisturizer and keeps the mouth lubricated
• Helps move the food through the esophagus for digestion
• Reduces acid in the mouth
• Protects from a buildup of bacteria

The bad news is that a dog’s saliva is likely the source of a human’s allergic reaction to canines. And those sweet kisses can transfer bacteria to the adored human.

Wellness Checkups and Your Pet’s Health

All may be well in the slobber department, but your pet could be hiding other health issues. We encourage our pet families to visit at least once a year (two times for senior pets) to get caught up on immunizations and for a thorough wellness examination.

We will check your pet’s teeth, gums, and general oral health and make any recommendations needed to keep your dog happy and healthy. The happier the dog, the more slobbery kisses you can expect to receive!

Please contact us with any pet health or pet care questions. We are your pet’s partner in health care.