Poodles are known for their elegant appearance, but what about their drooling habits? It’s a common misconception that poodles don’t drool, but the truth is that they can produce saliva just like any other dog breed. In this blog post, we will explore the drooling habits of poodles and provide the necessary information to understand why they might drool and what you can do to minimize it.

Do Poodles Drool?

The answer is yes, they do drool, but to a less than other dog breeds. The amount of drooling varies between individual dogs. It can be influenced by health, age, and excitement level.

Poodles have loose lips and jowls that can cause drooling, but their clean mouth and strong jaw also make them less prone to excessive drooling than other breeds. A poodle might be a good choice if you want a breed that drools less.

However, it is essential to remember that all dogs have the potential to drool, so it is always a good idea to keep a towel or cloth handy to wipe away any drool. While poodles drool, it is not typically a significant issue and is usually well-contained.

Why Do Poodles Drool?

Poodles are considered low-maintenance dogs, but they have some quirks that may surprise their owners. One such quirk is that poodles drool. There are several reasons why poodles may drool.

Anatomy

Poodles are known for their drooling tendency due to their mouth’s shape and loose lips. This allows saliva to escape quickly and results in drooling. Additionally, their large, floppy ears can trap moisture and food, which can cause additional drooling.

Health

Health issues such as dental, digestive, and liver disease can cause excessive drooling in poodles. It is crucial to seek veterinary help if your poodle is drooling excessively, as this can be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition.

Environment

Extreme temperatures, stress, and excitement can also trigger drooling in poodles. In these situations, drooling is a normal physiological response and should not be a cause for concern.

Diet

Poodles may drool more if they eat or drink, as they tend to swallow much air during these activities. This can cause discomfort and lead to excessive drooling. Feeding your poodle in a quiet and relaxed environment to minimize stress and reduce drooling is essential.

Hunger

Poodles, like all dogs, drool when they are hungry. This is because their salivary glands produce saliva in anticipation of the food about to enter their mouth. This is a natural response and nothing to be worried about. The drooling will stop once the poodle has had its meal.

Stress

Stress can also cause poodles to drool. This is because saliva production increases when a dog feels anxious or stressed. This can be caused by various factors such as loud noises, unfamiliar surroundings, or changes in routine.

Teething

Puppies drool as a result of teething. During this stage, their baby teeth are replaced by adult teeth, which can cause discomfort and pain. To ease the discomfort, puppies will often chew on things, stimulating saliva production. This is normal and nothing to be worried about.

Female’s Heat Cycle

Female poodles can also drool during their heat cycle. This is due to hormonal changes in the body, which can increase saliva production. This drooling is usually not excessive and should stop once the heat cycle has ended. Female poodles should be spayed to prevent heat cycles and related health issues.

How to Stop a Poodle from Drooling?

• Identify the Cause: Identify the cause of drooling, which could be anxiety, overstimulation, heat, or a health issue.
• Distract the Dog: Provide toys and bones, or engage in play to distract the poodle from drooling.
• Reduce Anxiety: Provide a comfortable and calm environment and avoid stressful situations.
• Train the Dog: Teach the dog to associate positive commands with stopping drooling.
• Visit the Veterinarian: If the drooling persists, consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.
• Maintain Dental Hygiene: Regular dental cleaning and brushing can reduce drooling and bad breath caused by dental issues.
• Medication: If all else fails, consult a veterinarian for possible medication options.

How to Prevent a Poodle from Drooling?

Health Check

If your poodle is drooling excessively, it is essential to take them to the vet for a check-up. This will ensure that no underlying health issues are causing the drooling.

Reduce Stress

Stress can also cause poodles to drool more. To reduce stress, owners can provide a calm and relaxed environment, spend time with their dogs, and engage in positive reinforcement training.

Watch What They Eat

Owners should also be mindful of what their poodle is eating, as large or hard objects can cause drooling. Offer a balanced diet and supervise your poodle while they are eating to prevent choking and drooling.

Keep Them Cool

Hot weather can cause poodles to drool more. To reduce drooling in hot weather, owners can provide shade and ventilation to keep their poodles cool. Also, they can ensure that the poodle has access to fresh water to hydrate.