Why Do Wrinkly Dogs Drool So Much?
Do you own a wrinkly dog? If so, then you know that they drool a lot! In this blog post, we will explore the reasons why these dogs drool so much. It turns out that there are several factors that contribute to their excessive slobbering.
The saliva glands generate saliva all the time; it is immediately consumed and almost instantly replaced. It's a never-ending process. Saliva turns into drool when too much of it is produced and it escapes from the mouth.
Anatomy of a Wrinkly Dog
One reason wrinkly dogs such as English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, and Pugs drool so much is because of their anatomy. Their long, soft palate hangs down over their lower jaw, and when they breathe, this causes the soft palate to vibrate. This vibration stimulates the production of saliva, which leads to increased drooling. In addition, these dogs often have narrow nostrils, which can also contribute to excessive drooling by making it difficult for them to breathe properly.
Wrinkly dogs are often they are prone to a condition called “brachycephalic syndrome.” This syndrome is characterized by a number of anatomical abnormalities, including a shortened muzzle, narrowed airways, and an enlarged tongue. These abnormalities make it difficult for these dogs to breathe, and they often have to pant excessively to get enough oxygen. This panting leads to increased drooling.
Eating and Drinking
When dogs are anticipating food, they may drool excessively. If your dog starts drooling when you pull out a treat or their food bowl, it’s likely they’re just really excited about what’s to come.
Another reason why wrinkly dogs drool so much is because they often have a hard time eating and drinking. Their short muzzle makes it difficult for them to eat without making a mess, and their loose skin can get in the way of their mouth and food. In addition, many of these dogs are also prone to “reverse sneezing” episodes, which can cause them to drool excessively.
Reverse sneezing is caused by spasms in the soft palate and throat, which lead to increased production of saliva. This condition is usually not serious and goes away on its own, but it can be very frightening for dog owners who are not familiar with it.
Reducing the Drool
If you own a wrinkly dog, there are a few things you can do to help reduce their drooling. First, make sure that they are getting enough exercise. Dogs that are well-exercised tend to pant less, and this can help reduce drooling. You should also avoid feeding your dog food that is high in fat or salt, as this can lead to dehydration and increase the amount of saliva produced. Finally, if your dog is having difficulty breathing, talk to your veterinarian about possible treatment options.
Cleaning the Drool
While you can take measures to help reduce the drooling, if you have a wrinkly dog, drooling is just a part of life. Although their sweet faces are super squishable, all of those folds and wrinkles can also trap the drool. Anything trapped in the folds can irritate the skin. Moist skin folds are an ideal home for bacteria and fungus. If not cared for properly, the trapped debris can lead to an infection
Wrinkly dogs are prone to skin infections so daily cleaning and care is essential. It is also is an excellent way to monitor the wrinkles on your dog and ensure they don’t get infected.
In between baths, you can easily clean your wrinkly dog using Squishface Wrinkle Wipes. Our Wrinkle Wipes are perfect for cleaning between wrinkles and skin folds to prevent bacteria and germs from breeding. The alcohol-free wipes are great for sensitive and allergy-prone dogs and won't irritate the skin.
After the dirt and debris are removed, apply Squishface Wrinkle Paste. The hypoallergenic paste creates a water-repellent barrier that helps prevent moisture, bacteria, and fungus from collecting in your dog’s skin folds and wrinkles.
The Bottom Line
While they may not be the most low-maintenance of dogs, if you have a wrinkly dog, there are steps you can take to help reduce their drooling and keep their skin healthy. With a little bit of daily care, you can help your furry friend stay happy and healthy for years to come.
Be sure to come back regularly to check out our other blog posts for more great tips and all things wrinkly dogs.