Most dogs drool, even if you don’t always see it. They may do it when they’re really happy or excited, and especially when they know they’re about to get a treat. Producing saliva is a normal response to stimulation, and you want your dog to do it! Saliva lubricates the mouth, helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease, and is one of the first steps to breaking down food for digestion.

That said, some breeds that have flews, or loose upper lips, drool more than dogs that don’t. More accurately, their mouths are constructed in a way that makes holding saliva difficult. Perhaps unfairly, they’re regarded as “slobbering” breeds, but Bloodhounds, Basset Hounds, Newfoundlands, Mastiffs, Saint Bernards and a few others are such terrific breeds that a few “love strings” aren’t enough to keep the people who love them from owning them.  A “drool towel,” and maybe a bib do help when the dog is stationery, but these dogs seem to have a special talent for flinging their ” loogies” with abandon.

We like the approach of our friend, Jen Costello, the talent behind the popular blog,  My Brown Newfies. “Drool happens, she says, “Wipe it off and move on. A little bit of drool is good for the soul.”

All that said, for the owners of breeds not known for excessive drooling, be aware that too much drool (or hypersalivation) can be a sign of illness. Mention it to your vet.

Image by Patrick Reid O’Brien. Find it here