Boston Terrier

Do Boston Terriers Drool A Lot?

Boston Terriers are certainly adorable, there is no denying that. The little bug-eyed beauties are playful, energetic, and quite intelligent. They can also be stinky little buggers as Boston Terriers are also known for their gassiness.

Although not the Saint Bernards of the dog world, Bostons can also be prone to some drooling. Drooling typically occurs in breeds that have droopy lips, and/or large jaws and mouths such as Saint Bernards, German Shepherds, or Mastiffs (and they like to shake their heads to spread the love).

The reason behind the drooling of the Boston Terrier is down to the fact that they are a brachycephalic breed. What this means is that these breeds have pressed-in snouts and shorter nasal passages. This can cause them to snort, snore, reverse sneeze, and yes, drool.

How Much Do Boston Terriers Drool?

Now here is where it gets murky. The amount of drooling is going to be unique to the individual dog. Some canines do not drool at all while, some could give a Boxer a run for his money. On a high note, your Boston is not likely to drool rivers like Beethoven.

You know your dog better than anyone and will likely notice if your pooch has an increase in salivation, if so, contact your veterinarian.

Why Is My Boston Drooling?

One of the normal reasons for drooling in Boston Terriers is, as we said, due to his smooshed-in, compact, snout. However, if your dog is not normally a major drooler, and starts to hyper-salivate, it can be a sign of an underlying medical condition.

Dental issues such as an abscess, or periodontal disease, nausea, car-sickness, and more seriously, a neurological condition, or heat stroke. Heatstroke is incredibly common in brachycephalic breeds, and if left untreated, it can be fatal.

These dogs are at a higher risk for this possibly life-threatening condition because they are unable to cool themselves as efficiently as a dog would, that is not brachycephalic, thereby dangerously overheating.

boston excess drool

What Do I Do If My Boston Terrier Is Drooling Excessively?

The first thing you need to do is figure out why your Boston is drooling in the first place. If you’re eating a steak and they’re sitting beside you and drooling, this doesn’t mean they have rabies; they just want a piece of your steak.

Knowing why your dog is drooling is key if there is a possible medical issue that is bringing on the excess drool. Consider these four simple steps when you find that your Boston Terrier is drooling.

  1. Check their mouth for any possible foreign debris that could be causing excess drooling. Remove it.
  2. If there is no excess debris, check the teeth to see if any are rotten or bleeding. If there is, contact your vet.
  3. If you returned from a walk or exercise, provide plenty of water and gradually cool your Boston Terrier off. If they’re still drooling, contact your vet.
  4. If you can’t find any external signs as to why your Boston Terrier is drooling, contact your vet right away.

The unfortunate truth of the matter is there isn’t much you can do in a situation like this. If the problem is internal such as a disease or poisoning, your vet will be the one to take care of it. Either by inducing vomiting for something poisonous, or running tests to see if there was any internal diseases.

Don’t feel too bad, though. You still caught the issue before it developed!

How Do You Treat Excessive Drooling?

If your dog is simply just a slobbery pooch, you may just have to learn to live with it. There are surgeries that can fix the issue but those are invasive and require anesthesia, and carry their own set of risks. There are a few things that you can do to help cope:

Be prepared during feeding time: Anticipation, especially for food, can cause an increase in drool. Placing an absorbent mat or towel down during feeding can help contain the messiness.

Bib or bandana: Yes, I’m serious. A bib can help catch the excess drool preventing it from traveling down the chest and front legs of your pooch.

Homeopathic assistance: Certain things such as lemon extract can help reduce the amount of drool, although too much can cause oral dryness which can bring about its own set of problems.

While it may be an inconvenience, dog drool does serve a purpose other than to gross you out. It is an important part of digestion, and aids in gum and teeth health by effectively washing the teeth. It is a completely normal part of being a dog parent to a slobbery pup.

If your dog experiences sudden-onset drooling or starts salivating excessively, especially if exhibiting other symptoms (tremors, dilated/constricted pupils, loss of consciousness, etc.), you should make an appointment with your veterinarian to make sure there is not a more serious cause.

Otherwise, pick up some galoshes, put on your goggles, (and maybe a raincoat) and enjoy the slobbery ride.

How Do You Prevent Excess Drooling?

Your dog will still drool no matter what, but with Boston Terriers this is thankfully not as bad compared to hounds or Pit bulls. To avoid excess drooling, here are some things to consider.

  • When walking your dog, always keep an eye on them. It’s easy to get distracted on your phone or talking with another walker, and it takes just a moment for your Boston Terrier to bite or eat something they weren’t supposed to. You don’t have to be an eagle eye dog owner, just be aware of your surroundings.
  • Be sure that your dog eats all their food and doesn’t just inhale it. Keeping food particles from staying in the mouth not only cuts down on drooling, but also keeps their teeth healthy.
  • Brush your dog’s teeth at least once a week. Plaque build-up and stuck food particles can lead not just to drooling, but tooth decay which is quite painful for your dog.
  • Visit the vet on a regular basis for check-ups. They’ll be able to spot anything wrong with your dog before you do, and it can be addressed early on before your dog even knows something was wrong!
  • Be aware of the temperature when walking or playing with your Boston Terrier. Some drooling is to be expected, but keep plenty of water on hand and watch out for any signs of heatstroke

So, do Boston Terriers drool a lot? No. That’s one of the reasons they’re beloved, along with their wonderful personalities. This is why any excess drooling should be taken seriously.

You want the best for your dog, so never feel afraid to contact your vet if you think something may be wrong. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry!

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