If you are a Pitbull owner, then you are sure to have dealt with your pooch’s drooling. Drooling is a common phenomenon in most dogs; however, some dogs drool more than others and tend to leave a slobbery mess wherever they go. Dogs usually salivate in order to cool down and drooling and slobbering also helps your pooch to digest his food. So, drooling is a very natural and normal process; however, dogs with open, floppy lips tend to be more drooly compared to those with tighter lips.
So, the question is, “Do Pitbulls Drool?” Well, yes just like any other dog breed. Pitbulls also drool and the reasons for this are the same. There are several reasons as to why your Pitbull may be drooling. However, if you notice your pet drooling excessively (hypersalivation) or drooling irregularly, then this could be a sign of some injury or a serious health issue that you must look into immediately.
Is It Normal for Pitbulls to Drool?
If your Pitbull is drooling, then this may be an indication that your pet may be keenly waiting for something, either to eat or play. This is the most common reason why Pitbulls drool and this type of drooling is part of the Pitbull’s disposition. On the contrary, if your Pitbull is drooling as he normally does or is drooling excessively, then this could indicate some sign of nervousness.
If your pet is stressed, then excessive drooling could be an indication of anxiety. However, once the cause of his stress is removed, the drooling should stop. However, if he continues to drool, then it means that there is something wrong with your pooch. Let us look in more detail at some of the other causes of drooling.
What Is Causing My Pitbull to Drool Excessively?
If your Pitbull is drooling excessively, it could be a sign of some underlying issue. It is very important to understand why your pet is drooling a lot. Here are some reasons why your Pitbull could be drooling.
Mouth Disease and Tooth Decay
Anything that stops your Pitbull from swallowing normally can cause him to drool a lot because the saliva builds up until it begins to drip from his mouth. Tartar can easily build up in your pet’s mouth and when it rubs against your Pitbull’s lips, it can make him drool. You can check your pet’s mouth to see if he’s suffering from tartar buildup, tooth decay, a fractured tooth or mouth disease by pulling his lips towards his ears and checking inside his mouth.
If you notice your pet’s teeth are brown or concrete colored or if you see any swelling, bleeding or redness, then there is something wrong with your Pitbull and it is a good idea to take him to the vet. Any foreign body lodged in your pet’s throat or teeth such as a bone sliver can be a serious problem and cause your dog to slobber. Check inside your pet’s mouth if anything is stuck inside and remove it.
Also, brushing your pet’s teeth regularly can help to prevent tartar buildup and other dental problems. Monitor your Pitbull’s oral health with vet checkups every year and in case he is older, then twice a year.
Related: Are Pitbulls Smart?
Organ Disease
Your Pitbull could be suffering from liver or kidney disease, which could be causing your pet to drool excessively. As they become older, Pitbulls tend to be more prone to health problems. So, it’s very important to look out for these health issues which can be a major cause of your Pitbull’s drooling.
Stomach Ache
Dogs tend to eat anything that may be lying around your home and Pitbulls have been known to eat many strange things such as tennis balls, a sock, toy stuffing, socket wrenches, etc., which can cause stomach pain, discomfort, vomiting and excessive drooling. Try and keep such things away from your pet and maintain a pet-friendly environment for him.
Heatstroke
Usually dogs with short noses such as Pitbulls, Boxers, pugs, Bulldogs, etc. are prone to suffering from heatstroke during the warmer months, which can cause excessive drooling. Ensure that your Pitbull remains indoors during the day or rests in the shade. Take him for walks or exercise him during the cooler hours of the morning or evening. Make sure that your pet has plenty of drinking water to help him cool off and prevent dehydration.
Upper Respiratory Infections
If your Pitbull is suffering from any kind of throat, nose or sinus infection, this can make him drool a lot. If you suspect that your pet is having some upper respiratory infection, take him to the vet immediately.
Anxiety and Motion Sickness
You may notice that whenever your pet gets into the car, he gets anxious or nervous. This can cause your pet to open his mouth and pant and breathe loudly. Anxiety can also cause your pet to drool excessively. Your Pitbull could also be suffering from motion sickness, causing him to drool a lot. Check with your vet for some medication, which can help to calm your pet down and prevent anxiety while traveling in a vehicle. Also, take some time to ensure that your pet is settled and comfortable before you set off.
Toxic Substances
Your Pitbull could be drooling a lot because he may have eaten some poisonous plant in your garden or backyard or some cleaning chemical that you have stored under your kitchen sink, which is making him very sick. Your curious Pitbull may be sick from eating or licking some animal or insect such as a spider, frog, toad, scorpion, etc., which can be quite toxic for your pet, causing him to drool a lot.
So, if you notice your Pitbull chewing something, make sure to check what it is that he has in his mouth. And, if you notice other symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy and shaking along with excessive drooling, take your pet to the vet immediately.
Other Conditions
If your Pitbull is suffering from any neuromuscular condition like tetany, palsy, botulism, etc., bloat or rabies can cause excessive drooling. Bloat is a very serious condition and in some cases, it can even be life threatening and a visit to the vet is essential.
If you see your Pitbull drooling a lot, then keep a watch for any changes in your pet’s appetite or behavior. See if he is finding it difficult to stand and having neurological symptoms like seizures, retching and vomiting saliva. Check if there are any changes in your Pitbull’s saliva such as blood in the saliva, thicker saliva than is normal or foul-smelling saliva. If you notice any of the above symptoms, then take your pet to the vet immediately. Also, if you notice that your Pitbull’s drooling has increased a lot, then speak with your vet.
Related: Can Pitbulls Swim?
Tips to Stop Your Pitbull from Drooling Excessively
If you notice that your Pitbull is drooling more than what is normal, then it is a good idea to take him to the vet, who can check him out and treat him in case of any health problem. So, read on tips to prevent your Pitbull from drooling:
- Try and keep your Pitbull indoors, away from other pets.
- If you’re handling different animals, then always wash your hand before touching your Pitbull.
- Keep your pooch away from toxic or harmful items.
- If you see your Pitbull drooling excessively, check for any nose, throat or sinus infection.
- Ensure that your Pitbull has a medical checkup every year. This can help to diagnose any disease and treat it before it can do more harm to your pet.
- If you’re traveling with your pet, ensure that he is comfortable before setting off. Try and put your Pitbull in a pet harness. This may help to alleviate his motion sickness.
- If your Pitbull suffers from anxiety when he gets into the car and he is not responding to any of the measures you try, then check with your vet and get him some prescription medication for relief.
- In the hotter months, keep your Pitbull indoors or in the shade and limit his exercise. Ensure that he has plenty of clean and fresh water to drink.
- Brush your Pitbull’s teeth at least 3-4 times in a week to clean the tartar buildup and maintain oral hygiene.
In conclusion, some amount of drooling is quite normal for any dog and while your Pitbull’s drool may be rather gross and messy, it is a way of life and there is not much that you can do to stop your pet from drooling completely.
As a new dog owner, you can make out if your Pitbull’s drooling is normal by spending some time observing your pet. You are the best judge of your pet’s comfort and behavior. And, if you do notice that your Pitbull is drooling excessively, is very nervous or anxious or is behaving very strangely, then it is a good idea to have him checked by the vet immediately.