Mastiffs are known to be heavy droolers, and it's not uncommon for them to produce a significant amount of saliva.
Their broad, flat heads and short noses make them prone to breathing difficulties, which can lead to excessive drooling.
Mastiffs have a unique characteristic called a "gummy" mouth, where their teeth are spaced far apart, allowing their tongues to slide back and forth and creating a perfect environment for drooling.
Their slobbery reputation is often due to their natural instinct to swallow air, which can cause them to produce more saliva than usual.
What Causes Drooling in Mastiffs
Mastiffs are known for their large upper lips, which can cause them to drool more than other breeds. This is because their anatomy allows the liquid to dribble out, making it seem like they're drooling excessively.
One of the main reasons Mastiffs drool is due to their physical formation. The Bloodhound, Mastiff, St. Bernard, and Newfoundlanders are all breeds that are prone to drooling because of their saggy lips and drooping jowls.
Dental problems can also lead to excessive drooling in Mastiffs. Tartar accumulation traps bacteria and causes gingivitis and periodontitis, which can make their gums sore and their teeth loose.
Injuries and growths in the mouth can also cause drooling in Mastiffs. Abrasions from chewing hard objects, ulcers, cuts, and burns can all lead to excessive salivation. Even harmless lumps, like warts, can cause drooling.
Here are some common causes of drooling in Mastiffs:
- Physical formation: Their large upper lips and saggy lips can cause them to drool more than other breeds.
- Dental problems: Tartar accumulation, gingivitis, and periodontitis can make their gums sore and their teeth loose.
- Injuries and growths: Abrasions, ulcers, cuts, and burns can all lead to excessive salivation.
- Organ disease: Liver and kidney disease can cause an increase in salivation.
- Cancer: Squamous cell carcinoma is a highly invasive and usually fatal form of cancer that can cause excessive salivation.
Dog Breeds
So you're wondering about mastiffs and their drooling habits? Well, let's start with the basics. Mastiffs are known to be one of the breeds that suffer from excessive drooling, especially when it comes to their larger jowls and loose mouth skin.
Some breeds that are prone to excessive drooling due to their anatomy include Neapolitan and English mastiffs, Scottish Deerhounds, and Great Danes. These breeds have a harder time holding saliva in their mouths because of their short noses and loose mouth skin.
Giant breeds like mastiffs tend to drool more than smaller breeds, and it's not just because of their size. Breeds like Basset Hounds, Great Pyrenees, and Newfoundlands are also known for their excessive drooling.
If you're considering getting a mastiff, it's a good idea to be aware of their drooling habits. Some breeds that are known for their extra drool include St. Bernards, Bulldogs, Bloodhounds, and Bernese Mountain Dogs.
Here's a list of some breeds that are prone to excessive drooling:
- Neapolitan and English mastiffs
- Scottish Deerhounds
- Great Danes
- Basset Hounds
- Great Pyrenees
- Newfoundlands
- St. Bernards
- Bulldogs
- Bloodhounds
- Bernese Mountain Dogs
Understanding and Treating Excessive Drooling
If your Mastiff is drooling excessively, it's essential to understand the underlying cause to provide the best treatment. Your vet will perform a physical exam, check your pup's mouth and neck, and take a full medical history to diagnose the issue.
Depending on the cause, treatment may include dental treatment, medication, surgery, or a combination of these. In some cases, pain medication and anti-inflammatory medications may also be prescribed.
To prevent excessive drooling, it's crucial to maintain your Mastiff's oral health by brushing their teeth regularly. You can also use dental wipes, powders, or water additives if your pup dislikes brushing. Additionally, be vigilant about preventing GI upset and ingestion of foreign bodies.
Here are some common symptoms of excessive drooling in dogs:
- Not eating
- Holding the head in an unusual position
- Pawing at the face
- Irritability and aggressiveness
- Sudden vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Saliva that's white and foamy
- Dog drooling excessively from one side of mouth
Common Symptoms
If your dog's drooling is suddenly more than normal, you'll likely notice some other changes too. Not eating is a common symptom.
You may also notice your dog holding its head in an unusual position. This could be a sign that something's off.
Pawing at the face is another behavior you might see. It's a way for your dog to try and relieve discomfort or pain.
Irritability and aggressiveness can also be symptoms of excessive drooling. If your dog is normally calm and gentle, this could be a red flag.
Sudden vomiting or diarrhea can be a sign that something's seriously wrong. Keep an eye out for these symptoms, especially if they're accompanied by excessive drooling.
Some dogs may drool excessively from one side of their mouth. This could be a sign of a dental issue or other underlying problem.
Here are some common symptoms to watch out for:
- Not eating
- Holding the head in an unusual position
- Pawing at the face
- Irritability and aggressiveness
- Sudden vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Dog drooling excessively from one side of mouth
Treatment of Excessive
Excessive drooling can be a frustrating and uncomfortable issue for both you and your furry friend. Many people think that Mastiffs just walk around with constant slobber hanging out of their mouths, but the truth is that drooling is often a symptom of an underlying issue.
Dental problems can cause excessive drooling, so it's essential to keep your dog's teeth clean. Brushing your pet's teeth can help prevent dental problems, and there are many options available for dogs who dislike brushing, including dental wipes, powders, and water additives.
If your dog is experiencing excessive drooling due to dental problems, your vet may advise cleaning or teeth removal. Medication, such as antibiotics, may also be prescribed if the cause of your dog's drooling is bacterial.
Treatment for excessive drooling can be quite varied, depending on the underlying cause. Surgery may be necessary if the cause is trauma, tumors, or congenital defects. Your vet may also recommend pain medication and anti-inflammatory medications to help manage your dog's symptoms.
Here are some common treatment options for excessive drooling:
- Dental treatment (teeth cleaning or removal)
- Medication (antibiotics, pain medication, anti-inflammatory medications)
- Surgery (for trauma, tumors, or congenital defects)
- Radiation or chemotherapy (for tumors)
- Medicated mouthwash (with diluted chlorhexidine or benzoyl peroxide)
Diagnosing and Managing Drooling
To diagnose excessive drooling in dogs, your vet will perform a physical exam, checking your pup's mouth and neck, and take a full medical history.
They'll want to know about vaccinations, medications, exposure to potential poisons, and any foreign objects your dog might have eaten.
Your vet may recommend diagnostic tests, like bloodwork and X-rays, depending on the suspected cause.
If the issue appears serious, they might refer you to a specialty referral facility for advanced diagnostics, such as CT, MRI, ultrasound, or endoscopic or surgical biopsies.
Once a diagnosis is made, your vet will recommend a treatment plan tailored to your dog's specific needs.
Treatment may include dental treatment, like cleaning or teeth removal, if the cause is periodontal disease.
Medication, like antibiotics for bacterial causes, may also be prescribed.
In some cases, surgery might be necessary to address trauma, tumors, or congenital defects.
Your vet may also recommend pain medication, anti-inflammatory medications, medicated mouthwash, or radiation or chemotherapy for tumor treatment.
Here are some possible treatment options for excessive drooling in dogs:
- Dental treatment (cleaning or teeth removal)
- Medication (antibiotics, etc.)
- Surgery (for trauma, tumors, or congenital defects)
- Radiation or chemotherapy (for tumors)
- Pain medication and anti-inflammatory medications
- Medicated mouthwash (with diluted chlorhexidine or benzoyl peroxide)
Frequently Asked Questions
What breed of Mastiff drool the least?
The American Mastiff drools less than other Mastiff breeds, but still requires regular cleaning due to its slobbery nature. If you're looking for a Mastiff with minimal drooling, the American Mastiff may be a good choice.
How to stop a Mastiff from drooling?
To reduce excessive drooling in your Mastiff, maintain good oral hygiene by regularly brushing their teeth to prevent tartar buildup and gum irritation. Proper dental care can help minimize drooling and promote a healthier mouth.
What age do Mastiffs start drooling?
Mastiff puppies typically start drooling excessively between 18 to 24 months old. This is due to their jowls growing and increasing salivation.
Why has my dog suddenly started drooling?
Sudden drooling in dogs can be a sign of an underlying health issue. Check for potential causes such as dental disease, nausea, or overheating, and consult a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment
Sources
- https://hillarymuelleck.com/2019/03/22/truths-about-living-with-a-mastiff/
- https://cloud9vets.co.uk/reasons-for-excessive-dog-drooling/
- https://www.petmd.com/dog/symptoms/excessive-drooling-in-dogs
- https://www.thesprucepets.com/dog-breeds-that-drool-4776096
- https://www.kleinpeter-vet.com/site/blog/2023/10/15/drooling-dogs
Featured Images: pexels.com