What You Need To Know About Dog Drool

Some dog breeds are notorious for their drooling tendencies, and the culprits are often those with large, floppy jowls. These jowls collect saliva, which eventually spills over, leaving you to deal with the mess. If you’re particular about keeping your home spotless, you may want to think twice about adopting one of these breeds.

Big-time droolers include basset hounds, boxers, Saint Bernards, bloodhounds, bulldogs, Newfoundlands, Bernese mountain dogs, French mastiffs, and Great Danes. While their slobbery tendencies might be a challenge, their adorable personalities often make up for the extra cleanup.

Excessive drooling can sometimes indicate health issues. For instance, if your dog starts drooling more than usual, it might be preparing to vomit—so you’ll want to redirect them to an easy-to-clean area. A single bout of vomiting could result from eating too much or too quickly, but repeated episodes warrant a vet visit.

Additionally, hypersalivation could signal allergies or that your dog ingested something harmful. If your furry friend also has bad breath despite a regular dental care routine, it might be time for your vet to investigate. Monitoring your dog for additional symptoms will help you determine whether it’s a minor issue or something more serious.

Dogs drool in anticipation of food, especially when they smell something tasty. However, their saliva doesn’t aid digestion the way it does in humans. Unlike us, dogs don’t have salivary amylase to break down food in their mouths. Instead, dog saliva’s primary role is to help food slide smoothly down their throats.

Interestingly, dog saliva is less acidic than human saliva, making dogs less prone to cavities. However, saliva does trap bacteria, so brushing your dog’s teeth regularly is still crucial to prevent gum disease and pain while eating.

Dogs use saliva to help regulate their body temperature, especially in hot weather. When dogs pant, saliva evaporates from their tongues, aiding in heat dissipation. This natural cooling mechanism is crucial for thermoregulation.

However, excessive panting accompanied by thick saliva could indicate heat exhaustion. If you notice these signs, move your dog to a shaded area, offer small amounts of cool water, and monitor for symptoms like a rapid pulse or fever. In severe cases, contact your vet immediately to avoid complications.

The idea that dog saliva has healing properties isn’t entirely a myth—it does have mild antibacterial qualities. Stray dogs, for instance, may lick their wounds to remove dirt. However, in domestic settings where clean water and veterinary care are available, wound licking can do more harm than good.

Excessive licking can delay healing and even introduce infections. To protect your pup, keep a first aid kit stocked with wound care products and consider an e-collar if licking becomes a problem. Always consult your vet for proper wound treatment to ensure your dog recovers quickly.

Dogs often lick their lips as a stress response, not just when they’re anticipating a treat. This behavior is a form of communication that signals anxiety. You might notice it when your dog encounters a strange animal or after being scolded. It’s often accompanied by other calming signals like yawning or averting their gaze.

These gestures are your dog’s way of saying, “I’m nervous, but I mean no harm.” Removing the source of stress can help your dog relax. Without intervention, chronic stress can lead to defensive or even aggressive behaviors, so it’s essential to address these signals promptly.

While pet allergies are often linked to dander, dog saliva is another major culprit. Proteins in saliva can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Since dogs lick their fur, these proteins spread and can become airborne once the saliva dries.

Different dogs produce varying levels of these proteins, so some breeds may be less likely to trigger allergies. If you’re prone to allergies, limiting direct contact with your dog’s saliva and keeping their living area clean can help minimize symptoms.

Contrary to popular belief, dog saliva isn’t cleaner than human saliva. In fact, dogs frequently lick their genitals, sniff other dogs, and even eat feces, which can introduce harmful bacteria into their mouths.

While rare, dogs can transmit intestinal parasites to humans through their saliva. Avoid letting your dog lick your face, especially if you’re pregnant, immunocompromised, or have young children in the home. Taking these precautions will help keep everyone healthy and safe.

Dogs with light-colored coats often develop reddish stains caused by porphyrins, molecules that result from the breakdown of red blood cells. These molecules are present in saliva, tears, urine, and feces, and frequent licking can leave visible marks.

To clean these stains, you can use a saline solution or a contact lens cleaner. Regular grooming and cleaning around the eyes and mouth can also help reduce staining and keep your dog looking fresh.

In rare instances, dog saliva can pose significant health risks. One such case involved a man in Germany who developed a severe bacterial infection after his dog licked him. The bacteria, Capnocytophaga canimorsus, is typically found in healthy dog and cat saliva. While most infections occur through bites or scratches, this individual had no such injury and sadly passed away.

Such cases are extremely uncommon, but they highlight the importance of hygiene. If you experience flu-like symptoms after a dog bite or excessive licking, seek medical attention immediately. Early antibiotic treatment can prevent complications and ensure a full recovery.