The endearing dribble of drool cascading out of Fido’s mouth after chowing down on dinner or waking from a nap can be an unexpected surprise when you’re first getting to know each other. What causes it? Several things, but certain breeds are definitely predisposed to it. Do bulldogs drool? And how. Read on for the nitty gritty on all things hot and sticky.
You can thank genetics on this one
Examine the manner in which your dog’s lips rest. The lack of seal caused by that irresistible under-bite is usually the culprit.
Much like that time you fell asleep in fifth period with your mouth agape, when your mouth’s not all the way closed, the natural trajectory for salivation is right down your chin.
A dog’s flews are the part of the upper lip that hang down—if you have a jowly breed like a bulldog or St. Bernard, you’ll quickly see exactly what we mean. Because of this overhang, things like eating and drinking can become a slobbery affair.
A Hot Mess
If you find that your Bulldog tends to get extra slobbery after walks, you might want to reconsider the time of day you go out for your daily jaunt.
Going for walks in the early hours of the day or toward the end of it will ensure your pooch isn’t getting overheated—a big cause of excessive slobbering.
Hats Off to Pavlov
In his research, renowned Russian psychologist Ivan Pavlov closely studied dogs and discovered the concept of classical conditioning.
Man’s best friend is smart. If the door to the cupboard where you stash your dog’s treats creaks every time you open it, your buddy will take notice over time and begin to drool in anticipation of receiving a treat whenever he hears a similar sound.
What to Do
English bulldogs are one of the the most popular breeds in the country, according to the American Kennel Club, and slobbering is a healthy and totally normal part of digestion. Things you can do to combat the excess slime include:
- Tying a bandanna around you dog’s neck to catch the drool
- Keep towels handy around peak slobber times like eating and drinking
- Give your buddy chew toys and bones to keep his teeth nice and healthy
- If you have a straight up Niagara Falls situation going on with your pooch’s slobber, you might want to contact a vet. It could be a sign of a bigger underlying medical problem.
The information provided in this article is not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Top image via Flickr/D. Garding
