We’ve all seen the Beethoven clip, right? There he was wet and muddy and sat on the bed and the next moment there was mud and dog drool (oh boy, masses of drool) everywhere! It is a really important factor to consider when buying a dog. Does dog drool have an impact on allergies? Are dogs prone to drooling higher maintenance? What causes dog drool, and can it be stopped? Are there products on the market to help or combat dog slobber?
Bernedoodles aren’t typically known as dogs that drool. However, drooling comes down to many factors including genetics, facial structure, furnishings and other factors so your Bernedoodle may drool from time to time.
When you read a list of dogs which are likely to drool you may not see the Bernedoodle on it. This doesn’t mean they will never drool though. Many factors can cause a dog to drool including personality, temperament and environment. So much to discuss so let’s get started.
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What Is Dog Drool?
Pytalism, more widely known as dog drool, is the process of dripping saliva from the mouth. This drool is produced in sets of glands and has the job of keeping the mouth moist at all times. You may not see visible signs of your dog slobbering but it’s still there doing a job.
Drooling plays an important role in the digestive process enabling your dog to swallow lumps of food and to keep food from becoming stuck in the mouth. It can also help to keep your pooch cool during those hot sunny days.
Causes of Natural Dog Drool
Some dog breeds have terrible drooling traits while others have none that are visible. Why is this? Put simply it is down to the facial structure of your dog’s breed. Certain breeds have a head that is formed in such a way it causes excess saliva. Extra folds of skin around the mouth means saliva is not held and will drip from the top lips. It will also drip when your dog shakes their head. Natural dog drool is nothing to be concerned about and is perfectly normal for some breeds.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are up there near the top of the dog drool radar. This is due to their loose lips and their lack of ability to lick the excess saliva away. When you search for the top dogs that drool this breed will always be there. Poodles are at the other end of the drool spectrum. Their clean looking faces and tight mouths mean they will not drool excessively. They are generally kept well-groomed and clipped so excess drool does not drip into their facial hair.
Bernedoodles aren’t known for being droolers generally speaking. However, at this point, I feel it’s important to point out that it can and does come down to the parents and therefore the generations of Bernedoodle and genetics can play a part in the drool factor. Dogs with furnishings (mustaches and beards) will be prone to more water getting caught in these areas. If you have allergies to dog saliva, then it’s important to look into all these factors and ask about the parents too.
Other Causes of Dog Drool
Should you be concerned if your dog suddenly starts to drool or drools at certain points in the day? That all depends – let’s take a look at some of the other reasons for dog drool.
We talked earlier about drool playing an important role in the digestive system. When a dog thinks that a nice treat may be on the horizon then you can fully expect some drool to be released. This will not always be noticeable because dogs do lick their lips to remove it often before it gets to the dripping stage. This is just a case of them looking forward to that lovely treat and thinking of it in all its glory! If your Bernedoodle, therefore, drools at mealtimes or when it’s treat time it’s quite normal.
As well as drooling when something tasty is in store dogs can also drool when faced with something not so agreeable. Your Bernedoodle may require medication during its life and this may not taste so good. Or your Bernedoodle may eat or lick something while walking which looks good but in hindsight didn’t taste so nice. Drooling in this instance is to dispel the nasty taste. Do make sure what they sampled wasn’t dangerous or poisonous. If unsure seek advice from your Vet’s office.
An upset tummy can cause your Bernedoodle to drool and this can also be the case in the car if they feel a bit sick. Your dog may also get anxious in the car, again this will be displayed through drool. Heat can cause dog drool too, whether in the car or in the general environment. When a dog pants a lot, they will produce drool too. You can discuss car sickness with your vet to discuss treatments and medication.
Dental issues can cause the onset of drooling. Gum conditions such as gingivitis can cause teeth to fall out and excess saliva to be released. This will require veterinary treatment. Also, if a foreign object gets stuck in your dog’s mouth and they cannot dislodge it then this also leads to drooling. Mouth ulcers, tooth decay or growths can also be a common cause of drooling. Basically, if your dog’s mouth feels uncomfortable and not quite right then drooling may be a side effect of this.
Anxiety is a very common reason for drooling in dogs. They get nervous or scared and their body reacts by getting hot and panting/drooling. Anxiety in dogs can be quite common and your Bernedoodle may feel anxious if they are left alone too long. Bernedoodles do enjoy company so when left for too long this could become an issue. Fears can trigger panting, such as fireworks, thunder and lightning storms and any other dislikes your dog may have. They need a safe space where they feel reassured.
Drooling can also be a sign of organs not working properly so any sudden onset of drooling that continues over a length of time should be explored further.
Are Drooling Dogs Higher Maintenance?
In a word – yes, but with a well-established routine, the drooling will just become a part of everyday life. Dogs with furnishings won’t necessarily drool more than those without but they may well be more noticeable and cling to their faces. You may need to keep lots of scrap rags around which you can use to dry your dog’s face. Your mop and bucket may become your best friend (well, perhaps second best after pooch!). A dog that drools may also need more regular cleaning.
Products Available on The Market Today
You can purchase slobber bibs for your pooch in a whole host of colors, styles and sizes. This will help them with some of the drip-factor and will catch some of the drool which would otherwise end up in puddles on your floor. You can also buy all in one romper suits for your furry friend which may help keep them drier. However, if the reason for their drooling is overheating then covering them in yet another layer is not wise.
Car seat covers or a washable cover for the boot might be a good idea for dogs who drool on car rides. You can also get help with your dog’s motion sickness though by speaking to your vet. Shades for your car windows will help keep the temperature down, as will a small car fan fitted near to your dog’s space in the car. You can also keep some small towels handy.
You can purchase special water bowls which reduce the mess made by dogs with loose jowls. These work by controlling the flow of water coming through therefore your dog will drink more slowly causing less spillage
Dog chews can help promote better dental hygiene so investing in a decent chew may well be worth it.
Conclusion
To summarize – by nature Bernedoodles shouldn’t drool very much. However, as we have covered in this article lots of different issues can trigger dog drool so it will depend very much on your pooch and their individuality. It can depend on the generation and also your dog’s triggers so no one can 100% guarantee your Bernedoodle won’t drool. The good news is that there are products available to help as you now know.
Related Questions
Do Bernedoodles Need Hair Cuts?
Bernedoodles should visit the groomers every few months and will need regular brushing at home too. You can trim your own dog’s furnishings and use clippers too if you feel comfortable doing so.
Do Bernedoodles Bark a Lot?
Generally speaking, Bernedoodles are calm so they do not tend to bark very often. Their docile nature makes them a perfect family pet. They do need socializing from an early age to get used to other dogs when out walking and playing.