One question prospective French Bulldog owners often ask about Frenchies is whether or not they drool. Unfortunately, the answer is yes – French Bulldogs drool.
It’s important to note that this isn’t necessarily bad, as drool is a natural part of life with any other dog breed.
In general, Frenchies tend to be milder droolers than other breeds of dogs. They’re not known for having excessive saliva and don’t usually drool when relaxed or at rest.
However, just like any other dog, Frenchies may let go of some saliva when excited or anxious.
If you’re concerned about drooling from your Frenchie, it’s essential to be aware of any triggers that may cause them to drool and address these.
Common Reasons Why French Bulldogs Drool
All kinds of things can trigger your French Bulldog to drool.
Some causes are completely normal and shouldn’t cause any concern, but others may be health-related and require attention from a veterinarian.
Here are some common reasons why French Bulldogs drool.
Brachycephalic Breed
French Bulldogs have flat faces with short muzzles, which can cause them to have difficulty breathing.
This can lead to drooling due to the effort it takes for them to breathe. Additionally, French Bulldogs’ tongues are more extensive than other breeds and protrude from their mouths, so they often collect saliva, leading to drooling.
Heatstroke
French Bulldogs are prone to overheating, which can cause them to suffer from heatstroke.
When this happens, the dog may drool more than usual to cool down and rehydrate their bodies.
It is essential to keep Frenchies cool in warmer weather and make sure they have access to plenty of water.
Anxiety, Stress, and Fear
Stress can cause French Bulldogs to drool more than usual. When a Frenchie feels anxious or threatened, they may drool due to their body’s natural fight-or-flight response.
Your dog might drool when you get home from work because of separation anxiety. You can try to minimize the amount of time they are alone.
Food
Some dogs have increased production of saliva when they eat. This can be especially true for French Bulldogs, who often eagerly anticipate their food and may salivate in anticipation.
If your Frenchie drools excessively during meal times, it is likely due to the anticipation of food rather than any medical condition.
Mouth Disease
Drooling can sometimes be related to a dental or mouth disease.
If your French Bulldog has bad breath, swollen gums, cracked teeth, or any other signs of an oral issue, you should take them to the vet as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.
Motion Sickness
Motion sickness can be another cause of drooling in French Bulldogs. If your Frenchie is easily prone to car sickness or nausea, you may notice them drooling more than usual when traveling in a vehicle.
Symptoms of motion sickness in Frenchies include the following:
- Excessive drooling
- Constant licking of the lips
- Whining or crying
- Yawning
- Vomiting or regurgitation
- Immobility or afraid of moving
It is essential to provide your Frenchie with plenty of breaks during long car rides and ensure they sit safely and securely.
Poisonous, Toxic Foods
If your French Bulldog is drooling excessively, it could be a sign of poisoning. Poisoning can occur if your dog ingests something harmful, such as a poisonous plant or chemical.
Symptoms of poisoning in Frenchies can vary depending on the substance involved but may include:
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Seizures
- Difficulty breathing
If you suspect that your dog has been poisoned, it is essential to seek veterinary care immediately.
Too Much Exercise
Exercising too much can lead to overheating, which can cause more saliva production to cool your Frenchie down. Since he produces so much saliva and can’t keep it in his mouth well, it falls out as drool.
Try not to overwork your French Bulldog. Allow them to exercise comfortably and ensure they have access to rest and adequate hydration.
How to Stop Excessive Drooling in French Bulldogs?
If your French Bulldog is drooling excessively, there are a few steps you can take to help minimize the problem.
Cool environment
Ensuring your Frenchie has access to a cool and comfortable environment can help reduce excessive drooling due to heat or stress.
Consider providing them with ample shade, ventilation, and plenty of fresh water. If possible, take them for regular walks in cooler areas to help keep their temperature down.
Stress reduction
Stress can be a significant contributor to excessive drooling in French Bulldogs.
Try to create a calm and relaxing environment for your pup and ensure they have plenty of opportunities for positive experiences, such as playtime or treats.
You may also consider speaking with a certified dog behaviorist about strategies to help reduce your Frenchie’s stress levels.
Nutrition
Nutritional deficiencies can cause excessive salivation in some cases. Speak with your vet to ensure your Frenchie gets the right amount and type of food for their breed, size, and age.
In addition, consider supplementing their diet with natural supplements or vitamins that contain enzymes, amino acids, and other essential nutrients.
Dental care
Good dental hygiene is essential for your dog’s health and can help reduce drooling due to dental issues.
Ensure you regularly brush your Frenchie’s teeth with a toothbrush and dog-safe toothpaste and provide them with dental chews or toys.
Additionally, take them for regular veterinary checkups to ensure their teeth and gums are in good condition.
Allergy management
If your Frenchie is allergic to something, they may experience an increase in salivation.
Consider eliminating any potential allergens from their diet and environment, and speak with your vet about ways to manage their allergies.
You may also want to consider a hypoallergenic food option if necessary.
Grooming
Regularly grooming your Frenchie can help reduce drooling by removing dirt, debris, and any food particles that may be stuck around their mouth.
Brush and comb their fur regularly to prevent mats from forming, and make sure to keep their nails trimmed so they don’t scratch themselves when trying to clean their face.
Additionally, consider wiping their face with a damp cloth after meals to help keep the area clean and reduce drool.
Following these tips can help minimize excessive drooling in French Bulldogs, but if your pup still has trouble, you may want to speak with your vet about other options.
By taking the time to understand the causes of drooling and implementing the appropriate strategies, you can help keep your Frenchie comfortable and happy.
Chewing Toys
If your French Bulldog is exhibiting excessive drooling and there is no underlying medical condition, there are some home remedies that you can try to reduce salivation.
Providing plenty of chewing toys or designing a specific play area for them can help keep their mind off drooling.
Offering them treats or giving them a massage can help relax them and reduce stress, which in turn helps reduce their drool production.
When to See the Vet About Your French Bulldog Drooling
You should visit the vet about your French Bulldog drooling when you notice excessive drooling that is sudden, profound, or persistent, especially if it’s not associated with anxiety or stress.
Excessive drooling could be a sign of a physical or organ disease, and it’s essential to seek medical advice early on to ensure a prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Additionally, if your French Bulldog is drooling excessively and showing other signs of anxiety, such as shaking, pacing, or whining, you should also consult with a vet to rule out any underlying medical issues that could be causing these symptoms.
Wrap-Up: French Bulldog Drooling
French Bulldogs, while having a reputation as a low-drool dog breed, still drool occasionally.
On the surface, this may seem like an annoying trait, but there can be medical reasons for why they drool, and you should see the vet if there is excessive drooling.
While you might not completely prevent your Frenchie from drooling altogether, you can certainly minimize it by providing them with fresh water, brushing their teeth often, and eliminating irritants that make them salivate more.
