Drooling in dogs is normal. Some breeds drool more, always unleash bucket-worth of slobber everywhere, while others hardly drool at all.
As for Pitbull, do Pitbulls drool too? Where do they stand in this drooling habit? And how well-prepared are you for this unappealing drooling habit?
In this blog post, we will shed light on why Pitbulls drool and things you can do if your dog is drooling excessively.
Do Pitbulls Drool?
Just like every dog breeds, Pitbulls drool too. Due to their short muzzle, saliva tends to be collected inside their cheeks, which will drip out whenever they shake their heads.
Sometimes, they also drool when hungry, waiting for food or treats, or going for a walk. Still, compared to most dogs, Pitbulls aren’t excessive droolers.
Thus, if you notice your Pitbull drooling excessively and uncontrollably, it is likely they are suffering from issues that require vet attention.
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Reasons Why Pitbulls Drool
Keep in mind that your four-legged friend may produce extra saliva in response to numerous stimuli in a perfectly normal and healthy way.
Other dogs innately drool more than others, but if you are concerned about how much your Pitbull is drooling, consider whether one of the following scenarios may apply.
Just a quick disclaimer. This is purely informational and not vet advice.
We encourage you to consult your vet immediately if you have any concerns about your Pitbull’s health, particularly if its behavior or appearance seems abnormal. Sudden changes could be an indication of a serious health problem.
Allergies
Pitbulls may drool in response to numerous allergens, such as pollen, cleaning products, perfumes, prescription drugs, flea saliva, dust, food, and mold spores.
Allergic reactions can be extremely serious, so bring your dog to the veterinarian if you observe any severe or worsening signs associated with allergies. These may involve:
- swelling of the joints, face, or feet
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- sneezing
- coughing
- hair loss
- scratching or butt scooting
- excessive licking of the paws
You’ll also find things you can do to make an allergic reaction less likely to occur in the first place. For instance, consider wiping your Pitbull’s paws after every walk using a hypoallergenic shampoo. Also, try to avoid feeding them food not made for them.
Dental Problems
Drooling can be an indication that your Bully has serious dental concerns, particularly if they have any of the following symptoms:
- difficulty eating
- lethargy
- lack of appetite
- swollen face
- inflamed or bloody gums
- bad breath
- tooth discoloration
Extra saliva will develop when tartar builds up, or when the teeth or gums become irritated. In some cases, the dog won’t show any signs until they are experiencing serious pain.
Hence, being a responsible Pitbull owner, ensure you take these signs seriously whenever you see them. It could be indications of periodontal disease, oral infections, or tooth fractures.
Overheating
Drooling can also indicate that your dog is overheating, which will get worse when left untreated. If your Pitbull drools while panting heavily, wet them with cool water right away. In addition, motivate them to rest, even when they seem enthusiastic to keep playing.
In case they are collapsing or disoriented, having diarrhea, or convulsing, consult a vet immediately.
To prevent concerns with overheating, bring water with you and feed them water whenever needed, especially when it’s hot outside. Keep an eye on your Pitbull and pay attention to signs of exhaustion. Look for weaknesses or wobbliness and motivate them to slow down when needed.
Remember, hydration and rest are the keys that allow your furry friend to play safely without getting overheated.
Teething
Did you know that Pitbull’s puppies also drool when their teeth start to come out? Teething in Pitbull usually starts at about 5-6 weeks old. The baby teeth will slowly fall out until the pup is 3 months old, making room for adult teeth.
During the teething period, your puppy might act cranky due to the discomfort. They may act naughty, drooling excessively, even eating less than usual
Stress
Drooling can be a response your Pitbull portrays in stressful scenarios like firework events, provocation by other dogs, being yelled at by you, or having restricted movement.
Hence, don’t panic if you notice your Pitbull drools more than usual when such scenarios arise. Instead, stay calm and comfort them until they are able to relax.
Excitement
Your Bully may also drool excessively in response to numerous exciting stimuli, such as sexual desire (during mating season), games, or a walk. Foreign and exciting smells can trigger them to start drooling.
Nonetheless, this is a perfectly normal and healthy response and not something you should worry about.
The Pavlov Reflex
Your Pitbull may begin drooling in anticipation of a meal (often referred to as the Pavlov Reflex).
They often recognize things associated with a meal, such as the sight of you eating, the sound of the food container being opened, or the time of the day.
Foreign Objects
Pitbulls may also drool when there is foreign object stuck like a wood fragment, bone, or other object stuck inside their mouth.
These objects usually lie along the roof of the mouth, pinned between rows of teeth, or stuck along the gums and between the teeth, causing discomfort and pain to your pitbull.
How to Effectively Handle Your Pitbull’s Drool
Understanding the cause of your Pitbull’s drooling helps identify the ideal way to deal with it. Do you sense that your dog is drooling out of excitement? You can try to calm them down by placing your dog in a quiet space when there are other people around.
In addition, treating any underlying medical issues is a vital way to handle a Pitbull’s drool. That’s because the drooling may signify that a foreign object should be removed or teeth must be extracted.
Also, keeping your Bully healthy is the top way to lessen the drool that develops. You can also keep your home cleaner by using home surfaces that can be wiped and forestalling messes. Remember that dog drool carries numerous disease-causing bacteria.
Drooly messes must be cleaned with antibacterial wipes or soap. Further, you may consider outfitting your Pitbull with a bib or bandana to absorb any drool before it can make a mess.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, Pitbulls are known to drool more often than other dogs, as they have big cheeks where saliva can build up. Nonetheless, drooling can also indicate serious health problems. Thus, always ensure you monitor your Pitbull’s other health symptoms, and be certain to consult a vet if you have any worries.
Keep in mind that even though Pitbulls may drool, they still make awesome pets. In most cases, there is nothing wrong with them. Still, this doesn’t mean you should overlook their drooling behavior.