Do French Bulldogs Drool?
French Bulldogs are a popular breed and they have been since the mid-18th century when they rose to popularity in Paris as a perfect breed for city dwellers. By the 1900s they became fashionable all over Europe and the United States. Now they are the 4th most popular breed out of the 195 breeds the American Kennel Club recognizes. So, it isn’t surprising if you own one or are looking to. They are goofballs of the dog world, with their bat-like ears and wrinkled short snouts; it is hard not to love French Bulldogs. With their short snout though comes some other not so cute breed traits, but do French Bulldogs drool due to this? This may be an important, altering, and mind-changing fact for you or maybe you’re just worried about your little dude.
The Anatomy of it All: Why Do French Bulldogs Drool
French Bulldogs’ snouts are shorter and wider than most dogs with thick folds over their lips. The arrangement of their jaw and lips is also a factor. French Bulldogs’ lips are thick and tend to droop downwards, and they also suffer from prognathism in their jaws. Prognathism is when the lower jaw comes out in front of the lower jaw. You can also see this in other dogs such as English Bulldogs.
Their short snouts also cause them to snort and also snore on occasion when sleeping. Fortunately for them, piglet snorts sounds are pretty darling.
So, Why All the Drool?
Frenchies’ are clean dogs, only needing grooming and bathing every so often. This is due to their fine smooth coats. Unfortunately, this does not translate to French Bulldogs’ drooling habits. French Bulldogs drool and slobber quite a lot. If you’re allergic to dogs, this may be a problem for you.
So, if you catch your little guy drooling, don’t always jump to worst-case and simply get used to it. It’s completely natural for the breed and others in the bulldog family to drool. So Do French Bulldogs Drool?
Reasons your French Bulldog might be drooling:
- Excitement for food: Drooling when food is presented is a pretty normal dog trait, so it comes as no surprise if you pull out their bowl a few drops might spill. Treats can also be blamed for drooling, so make sure you’re prepared for a little more sprinkle if this is added to their daily routine.
- Anxiety or fear: These two are the most common reasons a French Bulldog may be excessively drooling.
Signs of anxiety and fear:
- Reduced activity
- Panting
- Trembling
- Hiding
- Heatstroke: Large amounts of drool can be a sign of heatstroke, which French Bulldogs are sensitive to due to their smooshed snouts that affect their breathing.
Other Symptoms of Heat Stroke:
- Irregular and fast heartbeat
- Heavy Panting
- Frequent lying down
Try cooling your Frenchie down by using a cool wet towel or moving to a cooler area, if this doesn’t help take them to the vet immediately. Heatstroke can be deadly.
- Motion sickness: If you catch your French Bulldog leaking an unwarranted amount of drool while in the car, they may be feeling motion sickness.
Other signs of motion sickness:
- Continues licking of lips
- Whining or crying
- Afraid to move
- Vomiting
- Yawning
Motion sickness may desist after multiple rides in the car for your pup, but this isn’t always so and can persist for the rest of their life.
- Mouth disease or decay: Tartar buildup, mouth ulcers, tumors, and gingivitis can cause unnecessary drooling. Make sure to check your French Bulldog’s mouth every so often.
- Organ Disease: Kidney disease or liver disease can create a disproportionate amount of drooling for French Bulldogs.
- Rabies: This is a deadly viral disease that is spread through being bit by an infected animal and can cause excessive and frothy drooling, along with high aggression. Your French Bulldog should always be up to date on their rabies shot to avoid this.
Signs of Rabies
- Fever
- Pica
- Seizures
- Hydrophobia
- Incontrollable excitability
- Attitude change
- Irritability
- Strange bark
- Unusual aggression
- Unusual shyness
- Inability to swallow
- Paralysis
Injury to mouth: Another important reason to check your Frenchie’s mouth, especially when they are drooling more than usual, is they could have an injury such as a bite, scrape, cut, or other injuries. Difficulty swallowing is another explanation for unnecessary drooling.
If your French Bulldog is excessively drooling and slobbering, this could be a sign of a bigger more serious problem then some spit.
Become the Master of Drool
Frenchies might drool if you start using a new cleaner, shampoo, and plants they may be inhaling or when chewing something new. So always check these products aren’t causing the puddles you keep finding.
For heat-related drool keep a bowl of cold water out or take them for a supervised swim during the summer, as they drool to keep their temperature down during hot weather. You can also layout a kiddy pool for them to soak in.
Reduce any anxiety they may be feeling, watch for triggers and stressors that could be causing them to drool out of fear or anxiety.
Other than these tips, just accept your little French Bulldog is going leave you some wonderful drool somewhere or another and carry a rag for cleanup. There is no real way to remove their artful craft of drooling.
Accept the French Bulldogs Drool
So yes, French Bulldogs drool, it comes with the territory. Spit is something you will have to get used to if you own one or are looking to adopt. It’s part of the lifestyle really. Learn to love it or leave the French Bulldog dream behind!
If you already own one make sure your pooch isn’t overdoing it and if so, look for simple causes, or take them to the vet for a checkup. Remember it can be frustratingly cute but also a worrisome symptom of an underlying condition.
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