Definition
The Slobbery Saga: Embracing and Managing Drool in Giant Breed Dogs
Giant breed dogs, with their majestic size and heartwarming loyalty, are a sight to behold. However, along with their grandeur comes a less glamorous aspect of pet ownership: Drool. Yes, the slobbery, stringy, and sometimes omnipresent drool that can find its way onto every surface imaginable, from the living room walls to your favorite pair of jeans.
But fear not, dear dog lovers! There are ways to embrace and manage this drooly dilemma. Let’s dive into the world of giant breed dogs and their drool, exploring the whys, the wherefores, and the cleaning hacks that will help you live harmoniously with your big, slobbery companion.
Symptoms
Why Do Giant Breed Dogs Drool?
Drooling is a natural process for dogs, and it serves several important functions, such as aiding in digestion and keeping the mouth moist. Giant breeds, especially those with loose, floppy skin around their mouths, tend to drool more because their expansive jowls and lips can’t always contain the saliva. Breeds like the Saint Bernard, Mastiff, and Newfoundland are famous for their drool-producing prowess.
Natural Process: Why Dogs Drool
Drooling is a completely normal and natural function for dogs. It serves several important purposes, including:
1. Aiding Digestion: Dogs produce saliva to help break down food, lubricate it for swallowing, and kickstart the digestive process. When a dog sees or smells food, drooling increases as the body prepares to eat. This is often referred to as “anticipatory drooling.”
2. Cooling Down: Unlike humans, dogs don’t sweat through their skin; they regulate their temperature through panting and drooling. Saliva helps to cool them off when they’re hot, especially after exercise or in warm weather.
3. Mouth Structure: Some breeds, particularly giant breeds like St. Bernards or Mastiffs, naturally drool more due to their physical makeup. These dogs have looser jowls, which makes it harder for them to keep saliva inside their mouths, causing drool to escape more frequently.
4. Oral Health: Drooling can also be a natural part of keeping a dog’s mouth moist, washing away food particles, and maintaining healthy gums and teeth. However, excessive drooling related to oral health could also be an early sign of dental disease.
Behavioral Reasons for Drooling
Drooling can also occur as a result of emotional or behavioral triggers, including:
1. Anxiety or Stress: Dogs can drool when they are nervous, stressed, or anxious. Common triggers include visits to the vet, separation anxiety, or unfamiliar environments. This type of drooling is often accompanied by other signs of stress, like panting, whining, or pacing.
2. Excitement: When a dog is overly excited, such as when greeting their owner or during playtime, their body may produce excess saliva. This excitement-based drooling is usually short-lived and tied to specific events or situations.
3. Fear: Drooling due to fear can occur during thunderstorms, fireworks, or encounters with other animals. This type of drooling is often linked with other fear responses like trembling, hiding, or avoidance behaviors.
4. Nausea or Motion Sickness: Drooling is a common symptom of nausea in dogs. Whether they’re car sick or feeling queasy for another reason, nausea can trigger excessive salivation as a prelude to vomiting.
How to Tell the Difference?
Here are some ways to distinguish between natural and behavioral drooling:
Context: If your dog drools around mealtime or when they see food, it’s likely a natural response related to digestion. If drooling happens during hot weather or after exercise, it’s part of their cooling process. If your dog is naturally drool-prone due to their breed, you’ll likely see a consistent pattern of drooling.
Other Symptoms: If your dog’s drooling is accompanied by behaviors like panting, pacing, whining, or shaking, it might be anxiety, stress, or nausea. Behavioral drooling usually happens alongside visible emotional or physical signs, while natural drooling tends to be more isolated.
Duration: Natural drooling usually follows a regular pattern and stops once the food is eaten or the dog cools down. Behavioral drooling might be more sporadic or last as long as the stressful event is happening.
In short, natural drooling helps with functions like digestion and cooling, while behavioral drooling can indicate anxiety, stress, or other emotional factors. Identifying the cause depends on the situation, timing, and other accompanying signs.
Prevention (there is none)
Living with a giant drooler can feel like navigating an obstacle course of slobber. If you’re the proud owner of a giant breed, you’re probably all too familiar with the *splat!* of drool hitting your face unexpectedly or watching helplessly as your dog shakes their head and sends drool flying across the room like it’s auditioning for a slow-motion movie scene. Those “dog kisses” you signed up for? Yeah, they come with a side of drool that ends up on your walls, ceilings, and even places you’re certain your dog has never been!
The reach of a determined drooler is impressive. One minute your dog is lying peacefully on the couch, and the next, a tiny river of drool has somehow managed to spread across the coffee table, your favorite book, and even the TV screen. Giant breeds don’t just drool—they *broadcast* it. And you might wonder, “Can I really live with this slobbery mess?”
Well, the good news is, yes! While we can’t stop the drool, we can definitely manage it (more on that later!). You’ll learn to dodge the slobber mid-air like a ninja, keep a towel handy for those drool waterfalls, and eventually master the art of strategic home décor—hint: washable furniture covers, and drool-resistant fabrics might just become your best friends.
In the end, the drool may be mighty, but so is your love for that big, goofy furball.
Products to Help
Cleaning Off the Drool
When it comes to cleaning, the key is to act quickly. Fresh drool is much easier to clean than dried, crusty drool. For walls and hard surfaces, products like Magic Erasers can work wonders, effortlessly lifting away drool marks with minimal scrubbing. A mixture of vinegar and water is another effective solution, cutting through the grime and leaving your surfaces sparkling clean.
For Ceilings and Walls
1. Mr. Clean Magic Eraser: This handy sponge is great for removing those mysterious drool splatters that somehow made it all the way to the ceiling. It works on most painted surfaces and walls without damaging the paint.
2. Microfiber Cloths + Vinegar Solution: Mix one part white vinegar with two parts water in a spray bottle. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down walls and ceilings without leaving streaks behind.
For Furniture
1. Bissell Pet Stain & Odor Remover: If your couch has become a drool magnet, this enzyme-based cleaner is great for fabrics. It breaks down the proteins in saliva and leaves no sticky residue.
2. Scotchgard Fabric & Upholstery Protector: While this is more of a preventative option, it makes it easier to clean off future drool disasters. Spray it on furniture to create a barrier, so saliva doesn’t soak in.
3. Folex Instant Carpet Spot Remover: Not just for carpets, this can work wonders on furniture fabrics too. It’s non-toxic and doesn’t require rinsing, which is perfect for drool spots.
For Electronics (TVs, Monitors, etc.)
1. Screen Cleaner Kit (e.g., Screen Mom or Ecomoist): These cleaners are specially formulated for sensitive electronics like TVs and monitors. They’re gentle, streak-free, and safe to use on all screen types. Just spritz it on the microfiber cloth and gently wipe away the slobber!
2. Microfiber Cleaning Cloths: Paired with a little distilled water or an electronics-specific cleaner, these cloths will get drool off your screens without leaving streaks or scratches.
For Clothing (Both Yours and Your Dog’s)
For clothing, pre-treatment with stain removers followed by a cold wash cycle can help remove saliva stains. It’s important to avoid hot water, as it can set the protein in the saliva, making the stain more stubborn. A simple vinegar solution can also be used to treat fresh drool spots on fabrics.
Protecting Yourself and Your Home
To protect yourself from the slobbery onslaught, keeping a drool rag handy is a must. It’s a simple and effective way to wipe away drool before it lands on you or your belongings. For your home, consider using furniture protectors or throws in areas where your dog likes to lounge. Regularly wiping your dog’s mouth after meals and drinks can also reduce the amount of drool that ends up around the house.
1. Tide To Go Stain Remover Pen: Great for on-the-go cleaning when your dog surprises you with a slobbery “kiss” right before work. It helps remove the stain until you can do a proper wash.
2. OxiClean MaxForce Laundry Stain Remover Spray: This is powerful stuff for those dried drool stains on your clothes. It works on a variety of fabrics and can tackle even the toughest spots.
3. Nature’s Miracle Laundry Boost: Add this to your regular detergent to break down drool stains and any lingering odors on clothes or washable pet bedding.
For Windows and Car Windows
1. Windex Ammonia-Free Glass Cleaner: Ammonia-free is important for avoiding damage to tinted car windows. Windex works great for getting rid of dried drool and keeping windows streak-free.
2. Invisible Glass Cleaner: Another great glass cleaner specifically for car windows, this one is designed to leave no streaks and no sticky residue, ideal for wiping down after a slobbery car ride.
3. Rain-X Glass Treatment: While this won’t help clean drool, it’s a preventative product that helps make future cleanings easier. It causes liquids to bead up and roll off, so your dog’s drool won’t stick to your windows as stubbornly.
With these products in hand, you’ll be fully prepared to tackle the aftermath of drool flinging sessions from your slobbery companion!
Home Remedies
Yes, there are several home remedies that are both effective and environmentally friendly for cleaning up dog drool. Many of these are made with ingredients you probably already have in your home, like apple cider vinegar. Here’s how you can use them for different surfaces:
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) Solution
Apple cider vinegar is a versatile, natural cleaning agent with antibacterial properties. It’s a great alternative to harsh chemicals and can be used in various areas of your home.
Ceilings, Walls, and Windows: Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar with 2 parts water in a spray bottle. Spray directly onto the surface and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth. For windows, this solution will help prevent streaks while effectively removing drool splatters.
Bonus: ACV also helps repel bugs like ants and fruit flies, which is a nice side effect!
Furniture (Fabric or Upholstery):
Mix equal parts ACV and water, add a few drops of dish soap, and spray on fabric or upholstery. Gently blot (don’t rub!) the drool stain with a microfiber cloth or sponge until it’s clean. The ACV helps neutralize odors and removes stains without soaking your furniture.
Hard Floors (Wood or Tile): For hard surfaces, mix 1 cup of ACV with 1 gallon of warm water. Mop your floors with this solution to clean up any drool spots. ACV is great for cutting through grime without leaving a sticky residue.
Baking Soda Paste
Baking soda is another environmentally-friendly product that works wonders for absorbing and neutralizing drool odors, as well as removing stains.
For Upholstery and Carpets: Make a paste using 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Apply the paste directly to drool stains on furniture or carpets, allow it to sit for 10–15 minutes, and then vacuum it up. This will help lift the stain while also neutralizing any drool smells.
For Hard Surfaces: Sprinkle baking soda directly onto surfaces like tile or wood where drool has dried. Spray a little water or vinegar on top, let it fizz and sit for a few minutes, then scrub and wipe it away with a damp cloth.
Lemon Juice Solution
Lemon juice is a natural cleaner and deodorizer due to its acidity. It cuts through grease and stains, making it ideal for dog drool.
For Windows and Glass: Combine the juice of 1 lemon with 1 cup of water and a few drops of dish soap. Spray on windows or glass surfaces where drool has dried, and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth. The acidity helps break down the saliva while leaving behind a fresh citrus smell.
For Furniture and Floors: For furniture or hard surfaces, dilute lemon juice with equal parts water and use a cloth to wipe down drool spots. It helps lift stains and adds a fresh scent to the room.
Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda Combo
Hydrogen peroxide is a gentle disinfectant and can help with more stubborn drool stains, especially on fabrics or upholstery.
For Fabrics: Combine 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide with 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Spray onto the drool-stained area, let it sit for a few minutes, then blot it away. This works well on fabric furniture and clothes.
Note: Always do a patch test first, as hydrogen peroxide can have a mild bleaching effect on certain fabrics.
Castile Soap Solution
Castile soap is a natural, plant-based soap that’s gentle on surfaces but tough on grime.
For General Cleaning: Mix a few drops of Castile soap with warm water and use it to clean drool off hard surfaces, walls, or even some furniture. It’s safe, biodegradable, and non-toxic, making it a great eco-friendly option.
Essential Oils for Deodorizing
While essential oils don’t necessarily clean, they can help deodorize and repel future drool splatters.
Lavender or Tea Tree Oil: Add a few drops of lavender or tea tree oil to your vinegar cleaning solution. Both oils have antibacterial properties and leave behind a pleasant scent while helping to neutralize drool odors.
By using these natural, eco-friendly remedies, you can tackle the dog drool mess without resorting to harsh chemicals—and keep your home fresh and clean, naturally!
Creating a Drool-Friendly Environment
Embracing the drool means accepting it as part of the giant breed experience. Create a drool-friendly environment by choosing easy-to-clean surfaces and fabrics and maintain a good sense of humor about the occasional drool decoration.
Risk Factors
Dog drool, while mostly harmless, can pose certain health and environmental risks, especially if not managed properly. Here’s a breakdown of the potential risks associated with dog drool:
Health Risks to Humans
1. Allergies to Dog Saliva: Some people are allergic to proteins found in dog saliva. When dogs drool or lick, these proteins can transfer to surfaces and airborne particles, which can trigger allergic reactions such as sneezing, itchy eyes, and skin irritation. Those with more severe allergies may experience respiratory symptoms like coughing or difficulty breathing.
If a person with a dog saliva allergy is constantly exposed to dried saliva on furniture, clothes, or bedding, their symptoms can persist or worsen over time. In these cases, frequent cleaning and minimizing direct contact with the drool can help manage the allergy.
2. Infection Risks: Dog saliva contains bacteria. While most of these are harmless, there are a few species that can pose a risk to humans. **Capnocytophaga canimorsus** is a bacterium found in some dogs’ mouths and can lead to infections in humans, especially those with compromised immune systems. These infections are rare, but they can cause severe complications if untreated.
If dog drool gets into open wounds or cuts, it could increase the risk of infections. While dogs’ saliva is sometimes said to have healing properties, it’s better to clean wounds with antiseptics rather than letting a dog lick them.
3. Dermatitis: Prolonged exposure to dog drool on the skin can sometimes cause irritation or even allergic dermatitis. This is especially true if a person is already prone to skin sensitivity. Drool can carry allergens from other sources like pollen, dust, or food particles that may aggravate the skin upon contact.
4. Asthma Trigger: For people with asthma, dog drool can become a trigger if it’s allowed to dry on surfaces and combine with other allergens like dander or dust. When disturbed, these dried particles can become airborne and provoke an asthma attack or cause breathing difficulties.
Health Risks to Dogs
1. Drool as a Symptom: Excessive drooling can sometimes be a sign of an underlying health issue in dogs. While natural drool is part of a dog’s physiology, drooling that is excessive, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms (such as vomiting, lethargy, or difficulty swallowing) could indicate dental disease, infections, or gastrointestinal problems.
If left untreated, these underlying conditions could worsen, affecting the dog’s overall health and quality of life.
2. Bacterial Growth: Dog drool is moist, and if it accumulates on surfaces like beds, blankets, or food bowls, it creates an ideal environment for bacteria and mold to grow. Over time, this can lead to environmental contamination, putting both dogs and humans at risk for infections.
Dogs, particularly those prone to allergies, may develop skin irritations or rashes if they regularly come into contact with drool-soaked bedding or toys. Proper cleaning and hygiene are essential to prevent this.
Environmental Risks of Dog Drool
1. Bacteria Accumulation: While dog drool itself isn’t typically harmful to the environment, the bacteria it can harbor, such as **Staphylococcus**, **Pasteurella**, or even E. coli (if the dog has licked contaminated objects), can accumulate on surfaces and become a problem if not cleaned regularly. This is particularly relevant for homes with small children or immunocompromised individuals.
2. Odor: If dog drool isn’t cleaned up promptly, it can lead to an unpleasant smell, particularly if the drool mixes with food particles, dust, or other substances in the home. This is more of an environmental comfort issue than a direct health risk, but it can degrade the cleanliness and hygiene of your living space.
What Happens If Drool Isn’t Managed?
If drool is left uncleaned on surfaces or on the dog’s skin:
Stains and Odors: It can lead to stubborn stains and lingering smells, especially on porous materials like fabric or upholstery. These stains can be challenging to remove once they set in.
Bacterial Growth: As mentioned, bacterial colonies can thrive in drool-laden areas, potentially leading to infections in both humans and dogs. This is especially important if the drool gathers in areas like toys, food bowls, or bedding.
Increased Allergic Reactions: For people who are sensitive to dog saliva or have other allergies, the accumulation of dried drool can heighten allergy symptoms.
Are You Missing Anything?
Cross-Contamination: If your dog eats raw food or has recently been chewing on bones or scavenging, their drool could contain harmful bacteria from these sources. While it’s rare, certain bacteria from food can be transmitted through drool, making it important to clean surfaces regularly, especially in households with children.
Teething and Gum Issues: Puppies or dogs with dental problems may drool excessively. If the drool is thick and accompanied by blood, it may indicate gum disease or a tooth issue. In this case, ignoring the drooling might allow a minor dental problem to become more severe, leading to further health complications for your dog.
Dehydration in Dogs: Excessive drooling can sometimes lead to mild dehydration in dogs. While this is rare, it’s important to monitor your dog’s water intake if they’re drooling excessively, especially during warmer months.
In summary, while drool is a natural part of dog life, it’s important to clean it up regularly to avoid potential health or environmental risks. Proper hygiene and a proactive approach to managing drool can minimize these risks for both dogs and their owners.
Genetic and Breed Considerations
Some giant breed dogs are known for being heavy droolers due to their loose lips and jowls, which make it harder for them to contain saliva. Here’s a list of the biggest “culprits” for being droolers among the giant breeds:
1. Mastiffs
English Mastiff: These gentle giants are one of the most notorious droolers. Their large, sagging lips and jowls make it nearly impossible for them to keep drool in check.
Bullmastiff: A cousin to the English Mastiff, Bullmastiffs also drool a lot, especially when they are excited, hot, or anticipating food.
Neapolitan Mastiff: Known for their incredibly loose and wrinkled skin, Neapolitan Mastiffs are heavy droolers and can leave slobber trails wherever they go.
2. Saint Bernard : Famous for their role as rescue dogs in the Swiss Alps, Saint Bernards are also famous for their drooling habits. Their large mouths and floppy lips lead to constant dribbling, especially after drinking water or eating.
3. Newfoundland: Newfoundlands, or “Newfies,” are another giant breed with a serious drooling habit. Their lips are loose, and they tend to drool after drinking, eating, or during hot weather.
4. Great Dane: While not all Great Danes drool excessively, many do due to their large mouths and the shape of their lips. This can lead to plenty of slobber, especially after drinking water or physical activity.
5. Bloodhound: Bloodhounds are often associated with their strong sense of smell, but they are also droolers. Their saggy jowls and lips lead to a lot of slobber, especially when they are tracking scents.
6. Dogue de Bordeaux (French Mastiff): This breed, with its large head and loose lips, is a notorious drooler. Like the other Mastiff breeds, the Dogue de Bordeaux is known for producing large amounts of slobber after eating, drinking, or exercising.
7. Bernese Mountain Dog: Though not as heavy of a drooler as some other breeds, Bernese Mountain Dogs can still produce a fair amount of drool, particularly when they are overheated or anticipating food.
8. Leonberger: Leonbergers are another giant breed with a tendency to drool. Their loose lips and large size make it easy for drool to escape, especially when they are active or excited.
9. Irish Wolfhound: Irish Wolfhounds, while not the heaviest droolers on this list, can still be fairly slobbery, particularly when eating or drinking.
10. Great Pyrenees: The Great Pyrenees, known for their protective nature, can also be droolers. While they aren’t as constant in their drooling as some other giant breeds, it can still be an issue for owners.
What Makes These Breeds Drool So Much?
The structure of the jowls, lips, and face plays a major role in why certain breeds drool more than others. Breeds with loose, floppy skin around their mouths (such as Mastiffs, Bloodhounds, and Saint Bernards) tend to accumulate more saliva, which eventually dribbles out. Additionally, the larger the dog, the more saliva they produce.
These “culprits” are beloved for their gentle, affectionate nature, but their drooling habits are definitely something owners need to prepare for. Regular cleaning, drool towels, and protective covers for furniture can go a long way in managing the mess.
Final Thoughts
Living with a giant breed dog is an adventure filled with love, laughter, and yes, a bit of drool. By understanding why, they drool and implementing some practical cleaning and prevention strategies, you can enjoy the companionship of your gentle giant without being overwhelmed by the slobber. Remember, every drool mark is a reminder of the unconditional love and joy these wonderful dogs bring into our lives. Happy drool management!
Shaking off Drool
Preventing a giant breed dog from shaking off drool can be a bit of a challenge, but there are several strategies that owners can employ to minimize the mess. One effective method is to keep a cloth or drool rag handy to regularly wipe the dog’s muzzle, especially after meals or drinks, which can help catch the drool before it gets flung around. Additionally, some owners find that tying a handkerchief around the dog’s neck can help absorb some of the saliva.
Another approach is to train the dog to shake on command, or a command we teach all our dogs is to “lick your lips” on command. This is especially useful after they drink water from their bowel or the bathroom sink, allowing the owner to control when and where the dog shakes off excess drool. This can be done by observing the dog’s behavior and issuing the shake command just before the dog is about to do it naturally, then rewarding the dog for shaking on command. Over time, the dog can learn to wait for the command before shaking.
It’s also helpful to mop the dog’s face with a damp cloth periodically throughout the day to keep the drool at bay. For dogs that drool excessively, consulting with a veterinarian is advisable to rule out any underlying health issues that may be contributing to the problem.
Maintaining a clean environment for the dog, with easily washable surfaces and dog-friendly fabrics, can also make it easier to manage drool and keep the home clean. While it may not be possible to prevent all instances of drool shaking, these tips can certainly help reduce the frequency and impact of slobbery surprises. Remember, patience and consistent training are key to managing your giant breed’s drool in a loving and effective way.