Buzz
As a dog owner, it’s often tough to acknowledge that our pets aren’t perfect. Racing around the house right after a bath is one example. Taking over your spot on the couch is another. And some breeds have a drooling habit that can easily soak everything in sight—enough to fill a pool.
Entire films, like 1992's Beethoven, have highlighted the challenges of dog drool. But what exactly causes it?
Most of the time, visible drool in dogs is harmless. Like humans, dogs produce saliva to aid in digestion. It moistens food—which might explain why some dogs can inhale dry food as if it were liquid—and helps cleanse the mouth of bacteria to ensure healthy teeth. When a dog starts drooling, it's often a sign they're excited for their next meal. (Though, to be fair, dogs are often eager for their next meal, but that's a whole other discussion.)
If a dog is excessively slobbery, it could indicate an underlying issue such as digestive discomfort, swallowing a foreign object, or even a tumor. It's essential to have a dog checked by a vet if drooling becomes excessive or if blood is present in the saliva.
Certain breeds, such as the St. Bernard, Basset Hound, or Mastiff, are notorious for drooling large amounts, but it’s not necessarily because they produce more saliva. Instead, their specific mouth structures or uneven lips make it hard for them to keep their drool contained, causing it to leak out.
