Dog Flews: Causes, Management, and Prevention Tips

Dog flews can be a real nuisance for our furry friends. They're essentially small, skin-colored bumps that appear on a dog's belly or chest.

Caused by a skin fold, these flews can trap moisture and create a warm, humid environment that's perfect for bacteria and yeast to grow.

This can lead to skin irritation, infections, and even unpleasant odors.

To manage dog flews, owners can try gently wiping the area with a damp cloth to keep it clean and dry.

Drooling can be a normal occurrence in some breeds, but it's essential to know the causes behind it.

Drooling is often seen in breeds with extra skin around their lips and muzzle, which allows saliva to collect in the folds.

These breeds include the Bloodhound, Saint Bernard, and Mastiff, whose head/lip conformations can't retain the amount of drool they produce.

Their flews, or large, pendulous upper lips, allow saliva to drip from their mouths.

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Even dogs that don't slobber all the time can drip a bit of drool when they're anticipating something delicious.

Saliva plays an important role in digestion, and the thought of exciting food can get your dog's mouth watering.

A disagreeable taste, like that of some medications, can also cause drooling.

Some breeds have an extra skin around their lips and muzzle that can trap water after they take a drink, leading to excessive drooling.

Drool, or ptyalism, is an excessive flow of saliva that's common in breeds like Bloodhounds and Saint Bernards due to their head and lip conformations.

These dogs have extra skin around their lips and muzzle that allows saliva to collect in the folds and drip from their flews.

A drool rag is a must-have for owners of slobbery breeds to wipe their dog's muzzle regularly.

Keeping a washcloth on hand makes quick work of cleaning up drool before it hits the floor or furniture.

Mopping your dog's face after eating or drinking is also a good habit to get into.

A handkerchief or bandana tied around your dog's neck can help absorb the drool.

Some breeds, like Neapolitan Mastiffs, produce drool that's a category of its own.

Dog owners of drooly breeds have developed hacks to deal with the slobber, including dog drool bibs and microfiber towels.

Magic Erasers are great for removing slobber stains from walls, and baby wipes can be used to clean up dog drool on car seats and furniture.

Drool, or ptyalism, is an excessive flow of saliva that can be a challenge for pet owners, especially those with breeds like the Bloodhound, Saint Bernard, and Mastiff.

These breeds have extra skin around their lips and muzzle, which allows saliva to collect in the folds and drip from their flews or be flung into the air when they shake their heads.

A drool rag is a must-have for owners of these slobbery breeds, and keeping a washcloth on hand makes it easy to regularly wipe your dog's muzzle before the drool hits your floor or furniture.

Mopping your dog's face whenever they eat or drink is also essential to prevent drool from getting everywhere.

Drool bibs, microfiber towels, and drool rags in every room can be lifesavers for pet owners dealing with excessive drooling.

Magic Erasers are great for removing slobber off of walls, and baby wipes can be used to remove dog drool off of car seats and covers on every piece of furniture.

Some breeds, like the Neapolitan Mastiff, produce so much drool that they deserve their own category!

Saint Bernards, in particular, can benefit from wearing drool bibs to catch the drool before it hits the floor or ceiling.

Their breed standards even mention the need for drool bibs, with a focus on the flews of the upper jaw being strongly developed and slightly overhanging.

Basset Hounds are notorious for their sparkling strings of drool that they smear over their family's furniture.

Their short coat and loose hanging flews make it easy for them to produce excessive saliva.

Basset Hounds are powerful dogs, but their small size can be deceiving.

Their massive paws and strong legs help them move around, but they're still relatively short, standing at only about 14 inches tall.

Their drool can be a real challenge to manage, especially with their tendency to smear it everywhere.

The Clumber Spaniel is a breed that's often underestimated due to its size, but they're actually quite drooly.

They're the largest of the AKC flushing spaniels, which means they're built for retrieving game.

Clumber Spaniels love swimming and playing fetch, making them great family companions.

However, they do need proper training to manage their drooling.

Their muzzle is broad and deep, which helps them retrieve game, and their nose is large and square, colored in shades of brown.

Their flews, or upper jaw, are strongly developed and overlap the lower jaw, giving them a square look when viewed from the side.

This unique facial structure might contribute to their drooling, so it's essential to keep them clean and well-groomed.

With the right training and care, Clumber Spaniels can thrive and make wonderful pets.

A swollen face or mouth in your dog can be a concerning issue. The causes can vary significantly in size, shape, firmness, and location.

Facial swelling can be minor or life-threatening, and it's essential to take it seriously. The significance of the swelling can also vary greatly.

Some common causes of facial swelling in dogs include allergic reactions, insect bites, and infections.

English Bulldogs are prone to breathing difficulties due to their short muzzle, which can make it hard for them to breathe, especially in hot weather.

Their massive face and short muzzle also lead to drooling, which can be a real challenge for owners who need to keep their homes clean.

The Bulldogs' facial structure, with their thick, broad, pendant "flews" that completely overhang the lower jaw, can make it difficult to keep their teeth clean.

Regular cleaning of their teeth and face is crucial to prevent the buildup of bacteria and dirt.

Their facial structure also makes it hard to notice their teeth when their mouth is closed, which can make it difficult to detect any dental problems early on.

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A swollen face or mouth in your dog can be a concerning issue. The causes of facial swelling in dogs and cats are numerous and can vary significantly in size, shape, firmness, and location.

Facial swelling can range from minor to life-threatening, so it's essential to take it seriously. A swollen face or mouth can be a sign of an allergic reaction, which can be caused by anything from food to environmental factors.

Some common causes of facial swelling include insect bites, stings, or bites from other animals. Insect bites and stings can cause swelling, redness, and pain in your dog's face or mouth.

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If your dog's swelling is caused by an allergic reaction, it's crucial to identify and remove the allergen. If the swelling is severe or doesn't improve with treatment, seek veterinary attention immediately.

The significance of facial swelling can vary, but it's always best to err on the side of caution and consult with a veterinarian if you're unsure.

Facial swelling in cats can be caused by a variety of factors, including allergies and insect bites.

Allergies are a common culprit, with environmental allergens like pollen and dust mites triggering reactions that can lead to facial swelling.

Insect bites, particularly from mosquitoes and flies, can also cause facial swelling in cats.

Infections such as abscesses and cellulitis can cause facial swelling, often accompanied by redness and discharge.

Tumors and cysts, whether benign or malignant, can cause facial swelling in cats, and may require surgical removal.

In some cases, facial swelling can be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition, such as kidney disease or heart failure.

In these cases, prompt veterinary attention is essential to determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment.

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Dogs bark for various reasons, and it's often a sign of something going on with their health. Some breeds, like Bloodhounds, are naturally more vocal.

Barking can be a sign of anxiety, just like open-mouth panting and breathing. If your dog is barking excessively, try to identify the cause and address it. For example, if your dog gets car sick, they might bark due to stress.

If your dog is barking more than usual, take a closer look at their mouth. Tarter buildup on their teeth can cause them to drool, and if left untreated, it can lead to more serious health issues. Regular brushing and professional cleanings can help prevent this.

Dogs can also bark due to organ disease, such as liver or kidney disease. As dogs age, they're more likely to get sick, so it's essential to keep an eye on their behavior and schedule regular check-ups with your vet.

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