As a French Bulldog owner, you may have noticed that your furry friend drools more than other dogs. This can be a cause of concern for many pet owners. In this article, we will explore the question, Do French Bulldogs drool, its causes, and how to manage it effectively.
Understanding French Bulldogs
Before we delve into the topic of drooling, let’s first have a brief overview of the French Bulldog. French Bulldogs, also known as “Frenchies,” is a small breed originating in England and then France. They are known for their friendly and affectionate personalities, as well as their unique physical features, such as their “bat ears” and short, stocky build.
Unfortunately, French Bulldogs are also prone to several health issues, including breathing difficulties and skin allergies. These issues can contribute to excessive drooling in some cases.
Video: Do French Bulldogs Drool?
Do French Bulldogs Drool?
The short answer is yes; some French Bulldogs do drool. However, it is not a trait that is inherent in the breed. Some Frenchies drool, and some do not.
Do French Bulldogs drool a lot? No, not every French Bulldog will drool excessively. The amount of drool varies from dog to dog and can be influenced by several factors.
Factors Affecting Drooling in French Bulldogs
While some drooling in French Bulldogs is normal, excessive drooling can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying health issue. Here are some factors and diseases that might cause a French Bulldog to drool excessively:
Age
One primary factor contributing to drooling in French Bulldogs is age. Young Frenchies tend to drool more than adult dogs. This is because their salivary glands are still developing, and they are still learning how to control their drooling. As a French Bulldog ages, they tend to drool less as their salivary glands mature. However, senior dogs may also experience increased drooling due to age-related health issues.
Anxiety
Anxiety or stress can cause dogs to drool excessively. This is because anxiety triggers the body’s “fight or flight” response, which causes an increase in saliva production. Frenchies are known for their sensitive personalities and may drool more when feeling stressed or anxious. French Bulldogs are also prone to separation anxiety, which can cause them to drool excessively when left alone.
Breed
Some dog breeds, such as the English Bulldog and the Bloodhound, are known to be heavy droolers. However, French Bulldogs don’t have the same reputation for drooling as these breeds. This is because they have a shorter snout and a smaller mouth, which means they don’t produce as much saliva.
Dental Issues
Dental issues, such as periodontal disease or gum infections, gingivitis, or stomatitis, can cause dogs to drool excessively.
These infections can be caused by bacteria or viruses and can be treated with medication prescribed by a veterinarian.
Dental problems can be painful for your dog and should be treated by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Diet
Diet can affect drooling in French Bulldogs. Foods high in sodium or containing artificial additives may contribute to increased drooling. Feeding your French Bulldog a balanced diet is important to help prevent drooling.
Genetics
Genetics also play a role in French Bulldog drooling. Some Frenchies may simply be more prone to drooling due to their genetics, while others may not experience excessive drooling at all.
Health Issues
Excessive drooling can be a sign of health problems in French Bulldogs. Dental issues, as already mentioned, can cause dogs to drool excessively. Other health conditions, such as gastrointestinal issues, respiratory infections, or neurological problems, can also lead to excessive drooling.
Heat Stroke
French Bulldogs are prone to overheating due to their short snouts and stocky builds. Heatstroke is a serious condition that can be caused by prolonged exposure to hot weather or strenuous exercise. Symptoms include excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, and vomiting.
Note: Heatstroke can be life-threatening and requires immediate veterinary attention.
Hunger or Thirst
Hunger or thirst can also cause your French Bulldog to drool excessively. If your dog is drooling and licking their lips, it could be a sign that they need food or water.
Motion Sickness
Motion sickness can make your dog feel nauseous and uncomfortable. You may see this when a French Bulldog goes for car rides or other forms of transportation, leading to increased drooling.
If your French Bulldog drools excessively while traveling in a car, it could be a sign of motion sickness.
If your dog experiences motion sickness, you can try acclimating them to car rides by taking short trips and gradually increasing the duration.
Organ Diseases
Liver disease can lead to excessive drooling due to the buildup of toxins in the bloodstream. Kidney disease can also cause drooling, as the kidneys play an important role in regulating fluid balance in the body.
Additionally, conditions that affect the nervous system, such as epilepsy or brain tumors, can cause drooling in dogs.
It’s essential to consult with a veterinarian if your French Bulldog is experiencing excessive drooling, as it can indicate an underlying health issue.
Poisoning
Ingesting toxic substances can cause excessive drooling in dogs, including in your French Bulldog. Common poisonous or toxic substances include certain plants, medications, cleaning products, and human foods like chocolate and grapes.
If you suspect your dog has ingested a poisonous substance, seek veterinary attention immediately.
Rabies
Rabies is a serious condition that can cause excessive drooling in dogs, including French Bulldogs. Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system, and it can cause various symptoms, including fever, aggression, seizures, paralysis, and excessive drooling.
In advanced stages of the disease, dogs may experience “foaming at the mouth” due to excessive drooling.
Note: It’s important to note that rabies is a serious disease that can be fatal to dogs and humans, and it requires immediate veterinary attention.
Tips for Managing Drooling in French Bulldogs
Fortunately, there are several ways to manage drooling in your French Bulldog, including:
- Regular Grooming – Keeping your French Bulldog’s face and mouth clean can help prevent excess drool buildup.
- Regular Dental Care – Regular dental care can help prevent dental issues that can lead to excessive drooling. Brush your dog’s teeth regularly, and take them for regular dental checkups.
- Manage Anxiety – If your French Bulldog’s excessive drooling is due to anxiety, there are several things you can do to manage their anxiety. Provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, and consider crate training to help your dog feel more secure when left alone.
- Proper Feeding and Hydration – Make sure your French Bulldog is well-fed and hydrated. Provide plenty of fresh water throughout the day, and feed your dog high-quality food that meets their nutritional needs.
- Using a Bib or Bandana – Some pet owners use bibs or bandanas to help prevent drool from getting on furniture or clothing.
- Address Health Issues – If your French Bulldog’s excessive drooling is due to a health condition, it’s important to address them as soon as possible. Take your dog to the vet for a checkup, and follow your vet’s recommendations for treatment.
How French Bulldogs Drooling Compares with Other Bulldog Breeds
French Bulldogs are not the only bulldog breed that drools. English Bulldogs, for example, are known for excessive drooling due to their short, stocky build and respiratory issues.
On the other hand, American Bulldogs tend to drool less than French or English Bulldogs, but they still produce more saliva than most other breeds.
It is important to consider these differences when considering a dog breed that suits your lifestyle.
Drooling vs Salivating
To clear up a common misconception; drooling is not the same thing as salivating. The terms “drooling” and “salivating” are often used interchangeably, however, they refer to slightly different things.
Drooling typically refers to saliva flowing out of the mouth uncontrollably, while salivating refers to producing saliva in anticipation of food or other stimuli, as was shown in Pavlov’s experiment with dogs.
A Brief Explanation Pavlov’s Experiment:
The experiment, commonly known as the “Pavlovian response,” was an experiment that involved conditioning a dog to associate a sound (such as a bell) with the delivery of food, which would eventually lead to the dog salivating at the sound of the bell alone and eventually even in the absence of food.
In the context of Pavlov’s experiment, though it’s possible that some small amount of drooling occurred, the dogs were salivating. The experiment was focused on the production of saliva in anticipation of food in response to a conditioned stimulus (the sound of the bell) and not the condition of drooling. But it’s easy to see how the words became used interchangeably by the public.
FAQs
Below are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding French Bulldog drooling:
Do all French Bulldogs drool?
It is a common misconception that all French Bulldogs drool; the truth is it varies from dog to dog. Some Frenchies may drool more than others due to genetics, health issues, or stress. However, drooling is not a trait that is inherent in the breed, and not all French Bulldogs will drool excessively.
Is excessive drooling a cause for concern in French Bulldogs?
Excessive drooling can be a sign of underlying health conditions in any dog breed, including French Bulldogs. If your Frenchie suddenly starts drooling excessively, it is important to monitor them for any other symptoms and consider taking them to a vet if the drooling persists.
However, it is also important to note that some Frenchies may drool more than others, and this may not necessarily be a sign of a health problem.
How can I prevent my French Bulldog from drooling excessively during car rides?
Many French Bulldogs tend to drool excessively during car rides due to motion sickness or stress. To prevent this, start by taking shorter car rides with your Frenchie and gradually increasing the duration over time.
Additionally, make sure they have access to fresh air and consider opening a window or turning on the air conditioning. You can also try using natural remedies such as ginger or lavender to calm your Frenchie’s nerves before a car ride.
Finally, speak with your veterinarian about medication options if your Frenchie continues to experience excessive drooling during car rides despite these measures.
Should I worry if my dog drools when sleeping?
It is not uncommon for dogs to drool or have a slight saliva buildup when they sleep. This can occur because the muscles that control the swallowing reflex tend to relax during sleep, allowing saliva to accumulate in the mouth.
However, excessive drooling while sleeping may indicate an underlying health issue, such as a dental problem or an infection in the mouth.
If you notice your French Bulldog drooling excessively while sleeping, it is recommended to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any potential health problems.
Additional Reading
Conclusion
In conclusion, while French Bulldogs are not known to be heavy droolers, they can still drool more than other breeds. Excessive drooling can indicate health issues, anxiety, hunger, or thirst. By addressing the underlying cause of excessive drooling, you can help manage the problem and ensure your French Bulldog is healthy and happy.
Also, if you notice that your French Bulldog is drooling excessively and exhibiting other symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, or diarrhea, it’s important to take them to a veterinarian for a checkup. Excessive drooling can be a sign of a serious underlying health issue, and early diagnosis and treatment can improve your dog’s chances of a full recovery.
If you want to learn more about French Bulldogs, you can check out this guide to French Bulldogs by the American Kennel Club.
If you want to learn more about how to care for your French Bulldog, you can check out our other articles on Bulldog Pros.
Thank you for reading, Do French Bulldogs Drool? Do you have any tips for living with a dog that drools? Please comment below.
