Do Bulldogs Drool? Why It Happens And When To Call Your Vet

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Many bulldogs drool, and some drool a lot. Bulldogs are affectionate family dogs, and a bit of slobber is usually part of the deal. This page explains why it happens, how heat and eating make it worse, which kinds of drooling are a reason to call your vet, and a few ways to cope with the everyday mess. It is general information, not veterinary advice. Our page Do French Bulldogs Drool? 5 Best Ways to Prevent covers the flat-faced Frenchie.

Do Bulldogs Drool? Often, Yes

The American Kennel Club says that dogs with loose lips and loose facial skin hold saliva poorly, so it spills out. Many bulldogs have exactly that: hanging lips, folds of skin around the mouth and a broad, short face. Drooling is also normal when a dog expects food: the AKC says dogs may drool in anticipation of a meal, and some drool when they feel sick in a car.

Bulldogs are also messy drinkers. Water collects in the lips and folds and runs out afterwards, so expect a trail of drips after a drink. A bowl that is easy to reach, with a towel or dry mat underneath, makes the clean-up quicker.

Heat, Panting And Drooling

Excessive drooling can be an early sign of heatstroke. The AKC lists heavy panting and excessive drooling among the early signs of heatstroke, says breeds with short snouts need extra caution in warm weather, and warns that heatstroke can develop within minutes. A Royal Veterinary College study of 905,543 dogs under UK vets in 2016 found that exertion was the main trigger of heat-related illness (74.2% of cases with a known trigger), and that flat-faced breeds had greater odds of it than other dogs.

So walk and play in the cooler parts of the day, bring water, and stop if your dog is panting hard or drooling more than usual. Never leave a dog in a parked car. If you think your dog is overheating, move them to a cool, well-ventilated place, sponge or spray them with tepid or cool (not cold) water, and call a vet. The AKC warns that extremely cold water can cause shock. If your dog does not cool down quickly, get to a vet right away.

Related reading: Living With An English Bulldog – 4 Important Considerations.

When Drooling Is A Sign Of A Problem

The AKC lists several medical reasons for drooling. Look out for:

• a problem in the mouth: a fractured tooth, tartar, gum irritation, an infection, a lump or something stuck in the mouth;
• nausea or an upset stomach, including from eating something that is not food;
• poisoning, for example from a plant or a cleaning product, usually with vomiting, shaking or lethargy;
• heatstroke, as above;
• less common conditions, including seizures, throat or sinus infections, and kidney or liver disease.

Call your vet if the drooling is new or has increased, or if you see a change in appetite or behaviour, difficulty standing, retching or vomiting saliva, or saliva that smells foul, looks thicker than usual or has blood in it. Bloat can be life-threatening and needs an emergency vet at once. If you think your dog has swallowed something toxic, call your vet immediately.

Everyday Tips For Dealing With Drool

There is no training or treatment that stops normal drooling, but you can limit the mess:

• keep a towel near the water bowl and the feeding spot, and wipe your dog’s mouth and folds after eating and drinking;
• put the bowls on a surface that is easy to wipe or wash;
• try a washable cotton bandana, which catches drips at the neck.

Ask your vet to check your dog’s teeth and mouth at their regular check-up, since dental problems are one of the causes the AKC lists.

The Dog Bandanas listing describes a washable cotton triangle in small (about 58 cm along the long edge) and large (about 76 cm) sizes, machine washable on cold and laid flat to dry. Measure your dog’s neck first and leave room to tie the knot.

So, Why Do Bulldogs Drool?

• loose lips and loose skin around the mouth;
• anticipating food or water;
• a messy drink or meal;
• heat, exercise and hard panting;
• nausea, for example in the car;
• a health problem such as a sore tooth, an upset stomach or poisoning.

Final Words About Bulldog Drool

Bulldogs and drool often go together, and for most owners it is a small price for a loyal companion. Get to know what is normal for your dog, and if the drooling changes, call your vet.