The Ins and Outs of Dog Slobber
There are certain badges of honor that we pet lovers wear. Be it traces of fur on our black pants or a carefully hidden toy in our flower arrangement, our animals are a proud part of our lives.
Dog slobber is one of those parts of pet ownership, though, that can be a little trying to live with. While Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital can’t do away with drool altogether, we do think it’s helpful for pet owners to know why dog slobber happens and what they can do to minimize its impact on their lives.
The Physiology of Drool
If you are a mammal, drool is a part of life. Dogs, cats, and humans all produce saliva through specialized glands in the mouth. This saliva serves several important functions in the body. Without it, things wouldn’t work quite right.
We know that saliva:
- Contains enzymes that start to break down food
- Aids in chewing
- Moistens and lubricates food to help form an easy-to-swallow food bolus
- Has antibacterial activity to support dental health
- Moistens teeth and gums
- Plays a role in body temperature regulation
When it comes down to it, slobber is pretty amazing.
Doing Battle with Dog Slobber
Sometimes, though, dog slobber can seem pretty excessive. While it has some pretty cool functions within the body, it can become an issue when it is outside.
In general, the lips help to keep saliva where it belongs–inside the mouth. We do understand, though, that certain breeds of dogs have adorably floppy faces that result in drool spilling out into the world. Breeds like Newfoundlands, Great Pyrenees, mastiffs, Saint Bernards, and basset hounds are known for their drool. They don’t really produce more than any other pet, they just are not as able to keep it contained.
If there is a sudden change in your dog’s drooling habits, it is best to come in to visit us. Problems like dental disease, nausea from a systemic issue, or a toxin exposure can cause an uptick in drooling.
If dog slobber is a constant for your pet, though, all hope is not lost. Be sure to:
- Use cute bandanas or doggy bibs to control the mess
- Keep a dedicated supply of dog drool rags in strategic locations around the house to help clean up
- Train your pet to go to a crate or other dog-friendly space while you have meals so that any increase in drooling at the sight and smell of food is less troublesome
- Get in the routine of having your dog wait outside or in a crate while you prepare their meals
- Use furniture protectors or towels to protect your belongings
- Keep up on dental care
- Don’t ignore a change in drooling habits as they may indicate a medical problem
- Let us know about situational increases in slobber so that we can combat anxiety, car sickness, and other temporary causes of increased drool
Dog slobber may not be the most glamorous part of pet ownership, but in most situations it is a manageable challenge. Drool is a natural part of being a mammal and once you embrace that it’s there it usually isn’t a big deal.