Are you a French Bulldog owner concerned about your French Bulldog’s excessive drooling? While some slobbering is normal, hypersalivation can indicate an underlying medical issue that needs to be addressed. In this article, we will discuss 10 reasons why French Bulldogs may excessively drool and provide you with actionable steps to fix this issue now. As a responsible pet owner, it’s crucial to be aware of the signs and symptoms of excessive drooling and take appropriate action to keep your furry companion healthy and happy. Let’s dive in and learn more about French Bulldog excessive drooling.
Unnecessary slobbering in French Bulldogs isn’t just horrendous but can likewise prompt other medical conditions whenever left unrestrained. As a mindful pet person, you want to comprehend the justifications for why your French Bulldog might be slobbering unreasonably and how to fix it.
In this article, we’ll investigate 12 possible purposes behind over-the-top slobbering in French Bulldogs and give noteworthy hints on the most proficient method to address them. Whether your fuzzy companion is encountering gentle or serious slobbering, our aide can assist you with recognizing the main driver of the issue and guarantee that your pet stays solid and blissful.
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Drooling in Certain Breeds and Its Causes
While drooling or ptyalism is a common occurrence in some breeds such as Bloodhounds, Saint Bernards, and Mastiffs, it can also happen to French Bulldogs. These dogs have a head and lip structure that cannot hold the amount of saliva they produce, leading to drool accumulation in the folds of extra skin around their lips and muzzle.
The drool either drips from their flews or is flung into the air when they shake their heads. Even water can get trapped in the loose skin folds around their mouths after they take a drink. Although this condition does not necessarily require medical intervention, it can be challenging for French Bulldog owners to keep up with the excess drool.
Wiping the dog’s muzzle regularly with a drool rag or using a handkerchief tied around the dog’s neck can be helpful. It is also important to mop up the dog’s face after eating or drinking.
However, excessive drooling in French Bulldogs can be a sign of an underlying health issue. For instance, an inability to swallow normal amounts of saliva or an overproduction of saliva can indicate problems with the dog’s digestive system, liver, or kidneys. In such cases, immediate medical attention is necessary to identify and treat the root cause of the problem.
If you notice your French Bulldog drooling excessively or exhibiting other unusual symptoms, it is best to consult a veterinarian to prevent any complications.
Why is My French Bulldogs Drooling?
Despite their adorable and devoted nature, French bulldogs, like any other breed, are susceptible to health issues. Quite possibly of the most widely recognized issue that French bulldog proprietors face is unnecessary slobbering, and it can have many causes. While some drooling is normal, particularly in breeds like bulldogs and St. Bernards, excessive drooling may indicate a more serious issue.
Possible causes of French Bulldogs drooling include:
- Emotional reaction (excitement, fear or nervousness)
- Side effect of some medications
- Nausea
- Motion sickness
- Dental problems
- Injury
- Infection
- Irritation of the mouth or lips
- Something stuck in their mouth, teeth or throat could also be to blame.
- Ingested a toxin or poison
- Heatstroke
- Breed disposition
1. Emotional Reaction (Excitement, Fear or Nervousness)
French Bulldogs may drool due to an emotional reaction such as excitement, fear, or nervousness. For example, after playing with their owner, they may drool with bits of grass, dirt, or leaves sticking to the saliva, which is commonly known as “lip hangers.” This type of drooling is a normal response and is not a cause for concern.
2. Side Effect of Some Medications
Certain medications can cause your French Bulldog to drool excessively. If you have recently started your dog on a new medication and noticed an increase in drooling, it could be a side effect of the medication. It’s important to read the medication’s label and talk to your vet about potential side effects so you know what to expect.
In some cases, the drooling will subside as your dog’s body adjusts to the medication. However, if the drooling persists or becomes more severe, you should contact your vet as soon as possible to determine the best course of action.
3. Nausea
Nausea is one of the reasons why French Bulldogs may drool excessively. If your dog is feeling queasy or sick, you may notice them drooling more than usual. This could be due to an upset stomach or a more serious underlying condition. If your dog is experiencing nausea and excessive drooling, it’s important to monitor them closely and seek veterinary attention if necessary.
4. Motion sickness
Motion sickness is a common cause of drooling in dogs, including French Bulldogs. Puppies who are not used to traveling are more prone to it. To prevent motion sickness and excessive drooling during car rides, it is recommended to have the dog sitting forward, possibly using a dog seatbelt.
Air circulation in the car can also help, so leaving windows open a bit is a good idea. Limiting how much the dog eats before the journey can also help, as well as working up slowly to bigger trips, bringing special toys along, and even changing vehicles to avoid unpleasant associations.
5. Mouth disease and tooth decay
Just like humans, French Bulldogs are also susceptible to teeth and gum problems that can cause excessive drooling.
One should keep an eye on the red and swollen gums, receding gums, bad breath, bleeding, bloody dribble, lumps in the mouth, not wanting their head to be touched, and loose teeth in their French Bulldog. All these symptoms indicate mouth disease, and the dog’s mouth will work harder to medicate itself by producing more saliva.
To prevent mouth disease and tooth decay in your Frenchie, it is essential to provide them with good quality food, chew toys, and regular cleaning of their teeth. One can use a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste to clean their teeth, or one can give them dental chews that help remove plaque and tartar buildup.
Regular checkups with a veterinarian can help catch and prevent tooth decay and gum disease in French Bulldogs before they become serious problems.
6. Injury
Dogs, including Frenchies, have a natural tendency to heal themselves with their mouth by producing drool. If a Frenchie starts excessive drooling suddenly, it could be a sign of mouth injuries. It is important to do a mouth inspection to check for any cuts or injuries.
Additionally, Frenchies, like young babies, enjoy exploring things by putting them in their mouth, which can cause things to become stuck in their mouth or throat, resulting in excessive drooling.
7. Infection
Excessive drooling can also be a sign of infection in French Bulldogs. Oral infections, bacterial or viral infections, and throat infections can cause drooling, along with other symptoms such as fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
In some cases, infections can be serious and require immediate medical attention, so it’s important to keep an eye out for any unusual symptoms and seek veterinary care if necessary. Regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene can also help prevent infections and other dental problems in French Bulldogs.
8. Irritation of the mouth or lips
Irritation of the mouth or lips can be one of the reasons for excessive drooling in French Bulldogs. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including allergies, insect bites, or even exposure to certain chemicals.
If your Frenchie is drooling excessively, it’s important to check for any signs of irritation, such as redness or swelling around the mouth or lips. You can help alleviate the discomfort by gently cleaning the affected area and avoiding any potential irritants. If the drooling persists, it’s best to consult with a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
9. Something stuck in their mouth, teeth or throat could also be to blame.
If your French Bulldog is excessively drooling, it could be due to something stuck in their mouth, teeth, or throat. Frenchies, like young children, are naturally curious and can easily get something lodged in their mouth or throat.
It is important to inspect your Frenchie’s mouth to check for any foreign objects that may be causing excessive drooling. If you suspect something is stuck, it is recommended to seek veterinary care immediately to avoid any complications or further issues.
10. Ingested a toxin or poison
French bulldogs are known to put almost anything in their mouths, which can be harmful. Items such as cleaning products, cosmetics, plants, drugs, deceased animals, and another dog’s excrement can cause poisoning if ingested. Ingesting toxins or poisons can lead to excessive drooling and can be fatal if left untreated. If you suspect that your Frenchie has ingested something harmful and you notice excessive drooling, seek veterinary help immediately.
Other symptoms to look out for include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, seizures, and difficulty breathing. As a responsible pet owner, it is essential to keep harmful items out of your French bulldog’s reach and to seek immediate medical attention if you suspect they have ingested something harmful. Taking preventative measures can help ensure that your furry friend stays healthy and happy.
11. Heatstroke
One of the most common reasons for French bulldogs to drool excessively is heat stroke, which can be life-threatening for your furry friend. French bulldogs have a harder time regulating their body temperature due to their short snouts and flat faces, making them more susceptible to overheating. When they are hot or overworked, they will drool excessively as a natural way to cool themselves down.
Therefore, it is essential to keep them cool, especially during the hot summer months. It is recommended to cut their walks down by half, and only take them out during the early morning or late evening when the temperature has cooled down. You can also help them cool down by providing plenty of cool water and finding a nearby stream or pool for them to take a dip.
However, it’s important to note that excessive drooling, along with other symptoms such as panting, vomiting, and collapse, can indicate heat stroke, which requires immediate veterinary attention. To avoid this, keep your Frenchie cool, avoid overexertion, and never leave them in a parked car or outside in hot weather.
12. Breed disposition
All dogs drool to some extent, but certain breeds are more prone to excessive drooling than others. Breeds like Saint Bernards, Newfoundlands, Mastiffs, Great Danes, and Bloodhounds are known to drool the most. This is due to their breed disposition, as some dogs have larger jowls and more active salivary glands than others.
On the other hand, there are some breeds that drool the least. This can be a relief for pet owners who find excessive drooling to be a nuisance. Some of the breeds that are known to drool the least include the Austrian Cattle Dog, Afghan Hound, Basenji, Greyhound, Deerhound, Whippet, Saluki, Borzoi, Brittany, Cardigan Welsh Corgi, and Chihuahua.
It’s important to keep in mind that even if a breed is not known for excessive drooling, individual dogs can still experience it due to various factors such as heat, stress, excitement, and medical conditions. If you notice excessive drooling in your dog, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues. With proper care and attention, excessive drooling can be managed and your furry friend can stay happy and healthy.
Conclusion
“French Bulldogs are prone to excessive drooling, which can be caused by a variety of factors such as dental issues, heat stroke, anxiety, and more. It’s important for owners to address the underlying cause and take preventative measures to keep their Frenchies comfortable and healthy.”
Dr.Chandrika
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In conclusion, French Bulldogs are known to drool, and in most cases, it is not a cause for alarm. However, excessive drooling could be a sign of an underlying health issue or discomfort. Therefore, it is essential to monitor your dog’s drooling habits and seek medical attention if necessary. Some of the reasons why a French Bulldog may drool excessively include dental problems, oral infections, allergies, heatstroke, anxiety, and motion sickness.
The article provides various tips on how to fix excessive drooling in French Bulldogs, such as regular teeth cleaning, providing a balanced diet, avoiding allergens, keeping your dog cool, and seeking behavioral training. Additionally, pet owners should pay attention to their French Bulldogs’ breed disposition, as some breeds tend to drool more than others.
Overall, understanding the reasons behind excessive drooling and taking appropriate action can help improve the quality of life for your French Bulldog and maintain their health and happiness.
Reference
Reiter, Alexander. Merck Veterinary Manual. Salivary Disorders in Small Animals. May 2014.
Reiter, Alexander. Today’s Veterinary Practice. Effects of Diets, Treats, and Additives on Periodontal Disease. December 2019.
By Mayo Clinic Staff. Heatstroke – Symptoms & causes.June 25, 2022.
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