The Golden Retriever is adored by families for a reason. They're boisterous, delightful, clever, and tenacious workers. They're great at everything they do, whether it's hunting, being guide dogs, or simply being devoted companions.
One thing that few people know about them however, is how much they drool.
Do Golden Retrievers Drool?
Drooling is a normal and natural component of canine existence, and is no different for Golden Retrievers.
Golden Retrievers, like all dogs, have salvia glands that produce saliva for several purposes. The primary purpose is to aid in digestion by lubricating food and drink as they pass through the esophagus into the stomach. Another common use of drool is to help cool the dog in hot conditions.
A drooling Golden could be about to eat a meal, greet a visitor or even just go outside and play in the backyard. However, it is important to note that although Golden Retrievers drool, they do not do so excessively when compared to other large breeds.
Why Golden Retrievers Drool
Like a majority of dogs, Golden Retrievers drool for a variety of reasons. One of the main reasons Golden Retrievers drool is to aid in digestion. When your dog ingests food or drink, saliva helps to break down these items as they pass through the esophagus into the stomach. Due to this helpful purpose, dogs produce more saliva when digesting a substantial amount of food.
Another reason that Golden Retrievers drool is to cool themselves. Dogs are not able to sweat, which means they rely on other methods to regulate their body temperature. One common method dogs use for this purpose is by panting. As the dog pants, moisture forms on the tongue, which can then be spread around the mouth via drooling. Evaporation on the tongue and mouth helps to cool down the dog in this regard.
- Heat stroke
- Anxiety
- Motion sickness
- Poisoning
- Stomach ache
- Tooth decay
- Disease
- Upper respiratory infection
- Distemper
- An intruding foreign object
- A drug side effect
- Epilepsy
Controlling Drooling
The best mitigation technique for limiting dog drooling is whatever countermeasure you think fits the suspected cause. For example, if your dog drools frequently in the heat, consider adopting some strategies in aiding them stay cool. There are a range of ways in which dog owners can manage drool in this regard
- Attaching a bandana or bib to your dog's neck. This will minimize the amount of saliva secreted and provide something for it to drip on.
- Dry your dog's mouth following a lengthy stroll or run. This can assist them in not building up excess amounts of drool.
- Lay a rug or towel on the floor by your dog’s food bowl. This can help in managing salivation that occurs due to food.
When To Be Concerned About Drooling
While it is normal for dogs to drool occasionally, excessive or continuous drooling might be an indication of a problem. One of the most common causes for excessive drooling is separation anxiety. This condition can be caused by many things, including changes in environment or schedule, but usually involves the dog being left alone.
Another concerning cause for Golden Retrievers to drool excessively is tooth pain or tooth decay. When dogs are suffering from dental problems, they might try to alleviate the pain by chewing at their mouths. This can sometimes produce drooling if the dog's gums are irritated.
Essentially, the best way to know if your Golden Retriever's drooling is a cause for concern is to evaluate their condition as well as the circumstances in which they drool most. If they tend to follow patterns similar to what you might expect for salivation simply caused by food or heat, there should be little cause for concern. However, if you notice any other changes in your dog or reason to suspect a greater underlying problem, it may be best to seek out treatment options.
Ultimately, best judgment is key when it comes to getting your dog the right help for their drooling. If something doesn't seem right with your Golden Retriever or their drooling becomes unusual, it is often better to be safe and consult with a professional on the matter.
Golden Retrievers are a delightful, family friendly breed. They are beloved for their playful nature and affectionate demeanor. As with all dogs, Golden Retrievers drool to help cool themselves in hot conditions or smother food.
While they do drool from time to time, in most cases this is perfectly normal and not a cause for concern. If excessive drooling is an issue for your dog, consult with your veterinarian to identify the cause of the behavior.
For more helpful articles about pet-parenting tips, check out the Off Leash blog at TryFi.com.
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