If you’re a French Bulldog owner or considering adopting one, one of the many questions that you might think about is, “do French Bulldogs drool“? This question is even more valid for dog owners who have dogs that a prone to much drooling.Yes, French Bulldogs do drool. This is partly due to their unique facial structure, which includes a short muzzle and nasal passages that can contribute to increased drooling.
Generally, a Frenchie’s drooling can be attributed to various factors such as excitement, eating, or drinking. They might also dribble saliva from their mouths for no particular reason. However, if you notice that your Frenchie is excessively drooling or slobbering uncontrollably, it could be a sign of a bigger problem, such as a medical condition or health issue. So, it’s essential to keep an eye on your French Bulldog’s drooling habits and consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns.
Why Do French Bulldogs Drool
Brachycephalic Features
A Brachycephalic Dog Breed is a breed of dog that has a short, broad head with a shortened snout or muzzle, resulting in narrow nostrils and smaller airways. This can cause breathing difficulties and significant compromise to their welfare and quality of life. Popular brachycephalic breeds include English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Bull Mastiffs, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Pugs, Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos, and Pekingese, among others.French Bulldogs therefore have short muzzles and flat faces. These features can lead to increased saliva production, causing your Frenchie to drool more than other dogs. Additionally, their wrinkled faces can trap saliva because of the thick folds, making it appear as if they are drooling even more.
Excitement and Anxiety
When your French Bulldog gets excited or anxious, they might start drooling excessively. Excitement can be triggered by various factors such as food or playtime. On the other hand, anxiety can be brought on by fear, unfamiliar environments, or separation from their owner. If you notice your Frenchie drooling due to excitement or anxiety, try to find ways to calm them down and reduce their stress levels.
Eating and Digestion
A dog’s drool plays a vital role in eating and digesting food. In French Bulldogs, their drooling habits can help them consume and process their meals. However, if you notice that your Frenchie is drooling excessively during or after they eat, it could be a sign of an issue with their digestive system. Make sure to keep an eye on your pet’s drooling patterns to detect any potential health concerns early on.
Medical Issues Related to Drooling
Dental Problems
A French Bulldog drooling excessively can also be because of dental issues. Tooth decay and gum disease can lead to drooling, as your dog may be trying to soothe the pain and discomfort in their mouth. Regular dental check-ups and maintaining proper oral hygiene for your pet can help reduce the risk of dental problems and the resulting drool. That said, brushing your French Bulldog puppy or even adult is just hard. They tend to not like it and move their heads constantly. It can be pretty frustrating!
Mouth Disease and Infections
Mouth diseases, tooth decay and infections, such as sinus or a throat infection or a respiratory infection, can also lead to excessive drooling in French Bulldogs. These conditions may cause inflammation or discomfort in your dog’s mouth, leading to increased saliva production. It’s crucial to consult with your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has a mouth disease or infection, as timely treatment can prevent complications and reduce drooling.
Organ Disease and Poisoning
Organ diseases, such as kidney diseases, can be another factor causing your French Bulldog to drool excessively. Furthermore, if your dog has ingested a poisonous substance, they might also exhibit a significant increase in drool. This can typically happen if they have ingensted a toxic plant or other foreign objects (even certain food items from the kitchen are toxic foods, such as chocolate, grapes and raisins, onions and garlic, Avocado and Macadamia nuts). We have had this situation happen with us several times. And as a result have very carefully removed all non-safe/toxic foods, so our dogs can move about safely both inside the house and in the gardens!
It is important to familiarize yourself with possible causes of organ disease and poisoning. This knowledge can help you take preventive measures and promptly address any issues that may arise, ensuring your dog’s well-being and happiness.
Identifying the Causes of Drooling
Stress and Motion Sickness
Drooling in French Bulldogs can be caused by stress or anxiety. When your dog feels threatened or stressed, their body’s natural fight-or-flight response may cause them to drool excessively. Similarly, motion sickness is another reason your Frenchie may drool. This happens when they are in a moving vehicle and become nauseous. Help calm your dog during stressful situations or before a car ride to reduce their anxiety levels and the possibility of drooling. It’s best to training your Frenchie puppies while they are still puppies to ride in a car. Introduce them to smaller rides and help them get familar.
Heat Stroke and Overheating
French Bulldogs, like other brachycephalic breeds, are more susceptible to heat stroke and overheating because of their short snouts. This can lead to excessive drooling as a symptom. Keep an eye on your dog’s body temperature during hot weather and ensure they have access to fresh water, shade, and air circulation to minimize their risk of overheating and drooling. Avoid excessive exercise especially during hot days.
Nausea and Other Illnesses
Nausea can cause drooling in your French Bulldog, and this can be a result of an upset stomach or a more severe illness. It’s essential to monitor your dog’s health and consult with a veterinarian if you notice any concerning symptoms alongside excessive drooling. Additionally, illnesses such as rabies can lead to drooling.
Shock Or Trauma
Experiencing shock or trauma, such as cuts, scrapes, bites, or other injuries inside your French Bulldog’s mouth, can cause excessive drooling. Swallowing difficulties due to irritation or blockage might also cause your dog to drool more than usual. Always check your dog’s mouth area for any signs of injury or swelling, and seek veterinary help if necessary.
Our dog Waffles, fell from the stairs and went into shock as a puppy. While we rushed him to the vet, he keep drooling excessively along the way. Thankfully Waffles, survived without any permanent issues!
Preventing and Managing French Bulldog Drool
Drooling in French Bulldogs can be prevented and managed by addressing anxiety and fear, promoting dental care, and providing grooming, chew toys and a safe environment.
Addressing Anxiety and Fear
Fear and anxiety can make your Frenchie drool more than usual. It’s essential to identify the signs of anxiety in your dog, such as trembling, hiding, reduced activity, and panting. To help your pet feel more at ease, create a comfortable environment and gradually introduce new situations or experiences. If your French Bulldog suffers from separation anxiety, consider crate training or providing a designated safe space when you’re away from home.
Promoting Dental Care
Regular dental care can also help minimize drooling in French Bulldogs. Tartar buildup may lead to gum disease, which can cause excessive drooling in any dog breed. Brush your Frenchie’s teeth regularly with dog-safe toothpaste, and schedule professional cleanings with your vet as needed. Providing dental chews and toys that help control tartar can also promote better oral health for your furry friend.
Grooming and Chew Toys
Grooming your French Bulldog allows you to examine their face for excess saliva or mucus. Keeping the area around their mouth clean can prevent irritation that could cause drooling. Use pet-safe wipes or a moist cloth to gently clean your Frenchie’s face daily, paying close attention to the skin folds.
Finally, consider offering your dog chew toys. These can not only help alleviate stress and anxiety but also stimulate saliva production that aids in keeping teeth clean. By providing a range of chew toys, you ensure that your French Bulldog remains entertained, comfortable, and drooling to a minimum.
Should I Take My Frenchie to the Vet if He is Drooling?
While it is common for French Bulldogs to drool, there are certain circumstances in which you should consider taking your Frenchie to the vet. Let’s go through a few scenarios where a visit to the vet is necessary:
- Excessive drooling: If your Frenchie is drooling more than usual, it could be a sign of an underlying issue. This might be due to a problem with their health, such as kidney or liver disease, or even a reaction to poisonous plants or toxins.
- Motion sickness: Some dogs experience motion sickness when traveling, which can cause them to drool more than usual. If you suspect your dog is suffering from motion sickness, keep them well-hydrated and discuss potential treatments with your vet.
- Heatstroke: Heatstroke is a serious concern, especially for French Bulldogs living in hot areas. Excessive drooling could be a way for your Frenchie to cool down their body. If you notice drooling accompanied by heavy panting, irregular or fast heartbeat, and fatigue, seek veterinary care immediately.
- Possible poisoning: If you suspect your Frenchie has ingested a toxin or poison, increased drooling could be a sign. In this case, seek immediate veterinary attention as this can be life-threatening.
Remember, if you are ever unsure of your Frenchie’s drooling, it is always better to consult your vet for advice. They can help you determine the cause and provide appropriate treatment to keep your furry friend healthy and happy.
Comparing Drooling in Other Dog Breeds
When talking about drooling, it’s important to know that not all dog breeds are the same. While French Bulldogs do drool, some breeds tend to drool more or less than others. Let’s compare the drooling of French Bulldogs with a few other breeds.
Boxers: These dogs are similar in to French Bulldogs but have more jowls, making them more prone to drooling. However, they don’t drool as much as some larger breeds like Mastiffs or Saint Bernards.
Basenjis: Known as “barkless dogs,” Basenjis are quite different from French Bulldogs when it comes to drooling. They have a more slender face and less jowls, which means they typically drool less than French Bulldogs.
Greyhounds: As large, elegant dogs, Greyhounds also have thinner faces than French Bulldogs. Their lack of jowls contributes to their relatively low drooling levels, making them a good choice if you prefer a dog that drools less.
In general, the likelihood of a dog drooling can be influenced by the size and shape of their jowls. Larger breeds with big, loose jowls tend to drool more, while breeds with smaller, tighter jowls drool less. It’s essential to consider this when choosing a dog breed that suits your preferences and lifestyle.
Finally, remember that drooling levels can vary within a breed. Regardless of the breed, if your dog is drooling much more than what’s considered normal, it might be a good idea to consult your veterinarian to rule out any potential health issues.
Conclusion
In conclusion, French Bulldogs do drool, but the amount can vary depending on several factors. A little bit of drool is alright but excessively drooling is not!
There are the main reasons that your French Bulldog might be drooling:
- Over-exertion
- Excitement and food
- Mouth disease and tooth decay
- Heat stroke
- Motion sickness
- Anxiety and stress
- Poisoning
- Mouth injuries
- Rabies
- Organ disease
Remember to monitor your French Bulldog’s drooling and take note of any changes or patterns. If you notice excessive drooling or suspect that there may be an underlying health problem, do not hesitate to consult a veterinarian for professional advice and guidance.