Boxer dogs are known for their adorable wrinkled faces, but one thing that can be a bit of a challenge is their tendency to slobber. This is largely due to their unique facial structure, which can cause their lower jaw to protrude, leading to excessive saliva production.
Boxers have a relatively short upper jaw compared to their lower jaw, causing their lower teeth to be more exposed. This can result in a lot of slobbering, especially after eating or drinking.
Their slobbery reputation is also partly due to their high energy level and love of exercise. Boxers need to be active, and this can lead to more drooling as they pant and exercise.
It's worth noting that not all Boxers slobber excessively, but it's a common trait in the breed.
Related reading: How Much Exercise Do Boxer Dogs Need
Do Boxer Dogs Slobber?
Boxer dogs are known to slobber, and it's not just because of their playful and energetic nature. Their brachycephalic face, which is characterized by a flatter face and shorter snout, is the main reason they tend to drool.
This unique facial structure restricts airflow, causing saliva to accumulate and leading to excessive drooling. It's ironic that their adorable face is also the culprit behind their slobbering.
Dogs with brachycephalic faces, including Boxers, drool more than dogs with longer snouts. This is because their saliva can't evaporate fast enough, leading to excess drooling.
Some Boxers may drool more than others, but it's a common trait among the breed. If you're a Boxer owner, you're likely no stranger to the sight of your furry friend's slobbery face.
Drooling is a natural cooling mechanism for dogs, but in Boxers, it's often exacerbated by their brachycephalic face. So, the next time you catch your Boxer slobbering, just know it's a result of their unique anatomy.
Additional reading: Boxers Good Apartment Dogs
Reducing Drooling
Some Boxers will inevitably drool more than others, and there's not a lot you can do about it besides having a towel handy at all times to wipe it off their face.
You can try to keep your pup's drooling to a minimum by providing proper at-home dental care and having your vet perform regular cleanings to help keep your dog's teeth healthy and avoid drooling issues that develop with dental disease.
Preventing problems that result in excessive drooling is key, and regular dental care can make a big difference.
By being vigilant about picking up items that could potentially cause a foreign body obstruction, and keeping all toxic houseplants and chemicals out of reach of your dog, you may be able to avoid medical issues that result in drooling.
A bandanna can also help manage dogs whose breeds are prone to excessive drooling by acting as a bib to help catch some of that extra slobber, although it's not a preventative tool.
If your dog is experiencing excessive drooling due to a medical concern, you'll need to correct the issue for the salivation to cease, which may require medications or even surgery in some cases.
Health and Care
If your Boxer is prone to excessive drooling, it's essential to identify the root cause. Depending on the reason, the drooling may resolve on its own with a snack or once enticing smells go away.
However, if the drooling is due to a medical concern, you'll need to correct the issue for the salivation to cease. Medications to decrease nausea, treat pain, and counteract toxic chemicals may be necessary to treat the drooling.
Providing proper at-home dental care and regular vet cleanings can help keep your Boxer's teeth healthy and avoid drooling issues that develop with dental disease. Regular cleanings can also help prevent problems that result in excessive drooling.
Sign of Health Issues?
Excessive drooling in dogs can be a sign of underlying health issues. Sometimes, it's caused by an underlying health issue, not just their brachycephalic face.
Kidney disease, rabies, sinus infections, liver disease, and botulism are just a few health issues that can cause excessive drooling in dogs. If your dog has recently started drooling heavily, it's essential to take them to the vet for a health exam.
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Dental problems, such as gingivitis and periodontal disease, can also cause excessive drooling in dogs. Tumors in the mouth, throat, or esophagus can also cause drooling.
If you notice any of the following, it's a good idea to take your dog to the vet:
- Recent changes in appetite or water intake
- Lethargy or depression
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Difficulty swallowing or eating
- Bad breath or yellow teeth
Here are some possible health issues that can cause excessive drooling in dogs:
Keep in mind that some breeds, such as Boxers, are prone to drooling due to their brachycephalic face. However, if your dog is drooling excessively, it's always a good idea to rule out any underlying health issues.
What Can You Do to Reduce Your Dog's Stress?
Reducing your dog's stress is crucial for their overall well-being, and it's not always easy, but it's definitely possible. You can start by creating a calm environment, just like having a towel handy to wipe off your Boxer's drool.
Some dogs will inevitably get stressed more than others, just like Boxers will inevitably drool more than others. You can try to minimize their stress by providing regular exercise and mental stimulation.
You can also try to establish a daily routine for your dog, just like having a towel handy for unexpected drool. This will help them feel more secure and in control.
If you're unable to get to a vet in person, you can try an online service like PangoVet to get personalized advice for your pet. This can be especially helpful if your dog is experiencing stress or anxiety.
Protecting Your Pet When Outside
If you find yourself out and about with your Boxer on a hot day, look for a shady place where they can stay cooler. They might not stop drooling but will probably drool a lot less.
Providing enough water is crucial when spending time outdoors with your pet. Don't assume they'll drink enough from their bowl, so make sure to offer water frequently.
Shady places are not just for hot days; they're also a great spot to take a break from the sun's rays on a cloudy day. Your pet will appreciate the relief.
If your pet is panting heavily, it's a sign they're overheating. Move them to a cooler area immediately.
Boxers are prone to overheating, so it's essential to keep an eye on them during outdoor activities.
Broaden your view: Dogs Eating Hot Dogs
Drooling in Dogs
Boxer dogs are known to slobber, and it's not just because of their adorable wrinkles. Drooling in dogs is a common phenomenon that can be caused by various factors.
Some dogs drool excessively due to food response, and it's not just because they love food. When a dog smells food, especially something delicious like bacon or cookies, their salivary glands go into overdrive, leading to excessive drooling.
Dental problems can also cause a dog to drool excessively. Tartar and bacteria can lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease, causing inflammation and irritation around the mouth.
Giant breeds, like Saint Bernards and Newfoundlands, are prone to drooling due to their mouth anatomy. Their saggy lips and drooping jowls can't hold saliva in, causing it to dribble out.
Foreign bodies, like wood fragments or plant matter, can cause a dog to drool excessively. This is especially common in dogs that don't floss regularly.
Providing fresh, cold water can help reduce a dog's need to salivate and pant, which can lead to less slobber.
General Care
Providing your Boxer with fresh, cold water can help reduce slobbering. Giving them a cool drink will lessen their need to salivate and pant.
To keep your Boxer's slobber under control, it's essential to keep them well-hydrated. Fresh, cold water is always the best choice.
Provide Fresh Water for Boxer
Providing fresh water is essential for your Boxer's overall well-being. Fresh, cold water will help to cool them off.
Give your Boxer access to cold, fresh water at all times to reduce slobbering and panting.
Will a Boxer Puppy Grow Large?
When you bring home a Boxer puppy, it's natural to wonder about their adult size. Boxer puppies can grow to varying sizes, but on average, they typically reach 20-25 inches in height and weigh between 50-70 pounds.
Their adult size is largely determined by their genetics and parentage. If your Boxer puppy's parents were on the larger side, it's likely your puppy will grow to be bigger too.
Boxers can be prone to joint issues due to their rapid growth rate, so it's essential to monitor their growth and provide proper care to prevent any potential problems.
Regular exercise and a balanced diet are crucial for a Boxer puppy's healthy growth.
A different take: Growth Chart for Boxer Dogs
Sources
- Dealing with Drooling (vcahospitals.com)
- 10 Dog Breeds That Drool the Most (thesprucepets.com)
- https://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/why-does-my-dog-drool-so-much (vetstreet.com)
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/why-do-dogs-drool/ (akc.org)
- https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/boxer/ (akc.org)
- https://www.vets-now.com/pet-care-advice/dog-drooling/#:~:text=Drooling%20can%20also%20be%20a,that%20will%20need%20veterinary%20treatment (vets-now.com)
- https://www.petmd.com/dog/symptoms/why-your-dog-excessively-drooling (petmd.com)
- Disorders of the Mouth in Dogs (merckvetmanual.com)
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