If you’re considering adding a Bernese Mountain Dog to your family or already have one, you might wonder about their drooling tendencies. After all, no one wants to deal with a slobbery mess constantly. In this article, we’ll explore do bernese mountain dogs drool, shedding light on the factors contributing to their drooling and providing practical tips to manage it. So, let’s jump right in and uncover the truth about Bernese Mountain Dogs and drooling.
Do Bernese Mountain Dogs Drool?
Before diving into drooling, let’s familiarize ourselves with the Bernese Mountain Dog breed. Bernese Mountain Dogs are large, gentle giants known for their friendly nature and stunning appearance. Originating from Switzerland, these dogs were initially bred for herding livestock, guarding homes, and pulling carts. They are beloved family pets today due to their calm and affectionate temperament.
Salivation in Dogs
Salivation, or drooling, is a natural physiological process in dogs. Dogs produce saliva to aid digestion, lubricate their mouths, and regulate body temperature. It’s normal for dogs to drool to some extent, especially when they anticipate food or are excited.
Normal Salivation
In healthy dogs, drooling can vary depending on breed, age, and individual characteristics. Some dogs naturally produce more saliva than others. It’s important to understand that mild to moderate drooling is normal for many breeds, including the Bernese Mountain Dog.
Factors That Can Influence Drooling
Several factors can influence the amount of drool a dog produces. These include:
- Breed characteristics: Certain breeds are more prone to excessive drooling due to their anatomy. This is often influenced by the size and shape of their head, jowls, and lips.
- Temperature and activity level: Dogs tend to drool more in hot weather or after vigorous physical activity.
- Food and smell stimuli: Food, treats, or enticing smells can trigger salivation in dogs.
Now that we have a general understanding of salivation in dogs. Let’s explore whether Bernese Mountain Dogs are prone to excessive drooling.
Do Bernese Mountain Dogs Drool?
Yes, Bernese Mountain Dogs are known to drool. However, the degree of drooling can vary from dog to dog. While some Bernese Mountain Dogs may drool only occasionally or minimally, others may exhibit more pronounced drooling tendencies.
Breed Characteristics
Bernese Mountain Dogs have a few characteristics that contribute to their drooling tendencies. Their large heads, loose jowls, and heavy lips are typical features of the breed. These anatomical factors can increase saliva production and, consequently, more noticeable drooling.
Factors Contributing to Drooling
Apart from breed characteristics, various factors can influence the drooling patterns in Bernese Mountain Dogs. These include:
- Excitement and anticipation: Bernese Mountain Dogs, like many other breeds, may drool more when excited, such as during playtime or when they anticipate receiving food or treats.
- Heat and physical exertion: Like all dogs, Bernese Mountain Dogs drool more in hot weather or after engaging in intense physical activities. It’s their way of regulating body temperature.
- Stress and anxiety: Dogs can also drool excessively when anxious or fearful. Creating a calm and safe environment for your Bernese Mountain Dog is essential to minimize such triggers.
With this understanding of drooling tendencies in Bernese Mountain Dogs, let’s explore some practical tips for managing drooling in these lovable canines.
Managing Drooling in Bernese Mountain Dogs
While it may not be possible to eliminate drooling in Bernese Mountain Dogs, you can take steps to manage it effectively. Consider the following tips:
Grooming and Hygiene
Regular grooming can help keep your Bernese Mountain Dog clean and minimize the impact of drooling. Focus on these areas:
- Facial hygiene: Wipe your dog’s mouth and chin regularly with a clean, damp cloth to remove excess drool and prevent skin irritation.
- Coat maintenance: Brush your dog’s coat regularly to remove loose hair and prevent it from getting tangled with drool.
Training and Behavior Modification
Training can play a crucial role in managing drooling in Bernese Mountain Dogs. Consider these approaches:
- Teach “leave it” command: Train your dog to respond to the “leave it” command, which can be useful when they start drooling excessively around food or objects.
- Distraction techniques: Provide your dog with toys, puzzles, or other engaging activities to redirect their attention and minimize drooling triggered by excitement.
Feeding and Diet Considerations
Your dog’s diet can impact its drooling tendencies. Consider the following tips:
- Slow feeding: Use slow-feed bowls or puzzle feeders to slow your dog’s eating pace, reducing the chances of excessive drooling during mealtime.
- Avoid triggers: Identify specific foods or treats that cause excessive drooling in your Bernese Mountain Dog and consider alternative options.
By implementing these strategies, you can make the drooling more manageable and keep your home clean and comfortable for you and your Bernese Mountain Dog.
Common Misconceptions about Bernese Mountain Dogs and Drooling
There are several misconceptions surrounding Bernese Mountain Dogs and their drooling tendencies. Let’s debunk some of the most common ones:
- All Bernese Mountain Dogs are heavy droolers: While Bernese Mountain Dogs are known to drool, the degree of drooling can vary from dog to dog. Some may drool more than others, but not all Bernese Mountain Dogs are heavy droolers.
- Drooling in Bernese Mountain Dogs is a sign of poor health: Drooling alone is not necessarily an indicator of poor health in Bernese Mountain Dogs. However, if you notice a sudden and significant increase in drooling accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it’s best to consult with a veterinarian.
- Drooling cannot be managed: While it may not be possible to eliminate drooling in Bernese Mountain Dogs completely, proactive measures like grooming, training, and diet modifications can significantly reduce its impact.
Tips for Living with a Drooling Dog
Living with a drooling dog requires adjustments to maintain a clean and comfortable environment. Consider these tips:
- Drool-friendly flooring: Opt for materials that are easy to clean, such as tile or laminate, to minimize the impact of drool on your floors.
- Keep towels handy: For easy cleanup, keep a stack of absorbent towels or drool bibs near your dog’s favorite spots, like their bed or the couch.
- Regular cleaning routines: Establish a regular cleaning routine to wipe down surfaces and floors to prevent the buildup of drool.
If your Bernese Mountain Dog’s drooling is excessive or interfering with its quality of life, it’s crucial to seek professional help from a veterinarian or a professional dog behaviorist.
In conclusion, Bernese Mountain Dogs are prone to drooling due to their breed characteristics and various factors influencing saliva production. While you may not be able to eliminate drooling entirely, you can manage it effectively through grooming, training, and dietary considerations. Remember that drooling is a natural process for many dogs, and with the right approach, you can live harmoniously with your lovable, slobbery companion.
