If you have a Rottweiler, you may have noticed that they have a tendency to drool. But just how much drooling is normal for Rottweilers?

In this article, we will explore whether Rottweilers drool a lot and if so why.

Let's dive in!

Do Rottweilers Drool a Lot?

Let's jump straight into the answer, do they drool a lot?

Yes, Rottweilers are known to be heavy droolers compared to other dog breeds. This is due to their large jaw and overall breed size.

However, the amount of drooling can vary from one Rottweiler to another. Some Rottweilers may only produce a little bit of drool, while others may have a constant stream flowing from their mouths. It's important to note that drooling is a natural behavior for many dogs, and Rottweilers are no exception.

Why Do Rottweilers Drool a Lot?

There are several reasons why Rottweilers drool more than other breeds. We categorized these reasons into three main categories: physical, behavioral, and medical. Each dog has its own reason as to why they drool so observe your dog and look at the reasons below and check whether they match up.

We'll jump into each one in more detail below.

Physical Reasons Why Rottweilers Drool

Jowls and Lip Structure

Rottweilers have big, hanging lips and jowls. This unique face shape is natural for the breed and makes them drool more. Their loose lips and jowls make it easy for saliva to collect and drip, causing noticeable drooling.

Large Heads

Rottweilers have large heads, and this contributes to their drooling. The size of their heads means they have more space for salivary glands, leading to increased saliva production. This, combined with their loose lips, makes drooling more noticeable in Rottweilers with large heads.

Size

The sheer size of Rottweilers contributes to a larger body mass and, consequently, an increased salivary production. Larger dogs, including Rottweilers, tend to have more significant salivary glands. This can result in a higher volume of saliva being produced, which, when combined with their loose jowls, may lead to more noticeable drooling compared to smaller breeds.

Behavioral Reasons Why Rottweilers Drool

Excitement

When Rottweilers get excited, they may drool more. This is a natural response to heightened emotions. Excitement triggers an increase in saliva production, and with their loose lips and jowls, Rottweilers might drool visibly. So, if your Rottweiler is happy or enthusiastic, you might notice more drooling as a normal part of their excitement.

Anxiety/Stress

If Rottweilers feel anxious or stressed, they might drool more than usual. Anxiety can stimulate saliva production, and this, coupled with their loose lips and jowls, may result in increased drooling. So, if your Rottweiler seems nervous or uneasy, you may observe more noticeable drooling as a response to their emotional state.

Anticipation

When Rottweilers are anticipating something exciting, like a meal or a walk, they might start drooling. Anticipation can trigger an increase in saliva production, especially when they are looking forward to something they enjoy. This, combined with their loose lips and jowls, can result in visible drooling as they eagerly await the anticipated event.

Hot Weather

In hot weather, Rottweilers may drool more as a way to cool down. Dogs, including Rottweilers, release heat through panting, and when that's not enough, they may increase drooling to regulate their body temperature. The combination of their loose lips and jowls makes this cooling process more noticeable, helping them manage heat in warm conditions. So, if it's hot outside, you might observe your Rottweiler drooling as part of their natural cooling mechanism.

Another Dog Nearby

If there's another dog nearby, your Rottweiler may start drooling more. This could be a sign of excitement or arousal triggered by the presence of another canine. The anticipation of social interaction or play, combined with their loose lips and jowls, may lead to increased drooling as a natural response to the presence of another dog.

Medical Reasons Why Rottweilers Drool

Dental Issues

If Rottweilers have dental issues, like gum disease or tooth discomfort, they might drool more. Dental problems can lead to increased saliva production as a response to pain or irritation in the mouth. The discomfort from teeth issues, combined with their loose lips and jowls, can result in noticeable drooling. Regular dental care is essential to prevent and address these problems and, in turn, manage drooling associated with dental health.

Upset Stomach

An upset stomach in Rottweilers can influence drooling due to factors like nausea and discomfort. When a dog is unwell, it may produce more saliva as a response to digestive issues. This, combined with their loose lips and jowls, can result in increased drooling as a secondary effect of the stomach problem. Monitoring drooling patterns can provide insights into the dog's overall health, and addressing the underlying stomach issue may help regulate drooling tendencies.

Bloat

Bloat, or gastric dilation-volvulus (GDV), is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition in dogs, including Rottweilers. Bloat involves the rapid expansion of the stomach, often followed by twisting. While bloat itself may not directly cause increased drooling, it is often associated with signs like restlessness, pacing, unsuccessful attempts to vomit, and excessive salivation.

The excessive salivation, or drooling, in the context of bloat, is primarily due to the dog's distress and discomfort. As the stomach expands, pressure increases on surrounding organs, causing pain and triggering a stress response. This stress response can include heightened salivation.

Should I Be Worried About Rottweilers Excessive Drooling?

While Rottweilers are known to drool more than other breeds, excessive drooling can sometimes indicate an underlying problem. If your Rottweiler's drooling is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, such as vomiting, lethargy, or loss of appetite, it's essential to seek veterinary attention.

However, if your Rottweiler's drooling is within normal limits and they are otherwise healthy, there is no need to worry. It's important to understand that drooling is a natural behavior for many dogs, including Rottweilers, and it's a part of their genetic makeup.

What to Do About Rottweiler Drooling

While you may not be able to completely eliminate drooling in your Rottweiler, there are a few steps you can take to manage it and keep your home clean and dry.

Firstly, it's a good idea to keep a towel or drool rag handy. This way, you can quickly wipe your Rottweiler's mouth when necessary, preventing drool from getting on furniture or floors. Regularly cleaning your Rottweiler's face and mouth can also help prevent any potential skin irritations or infections.

Also, consider using specially designed drool bibs or bandanas for your Rottweiler. These accessories can help catch and absorb drool, keeping your Rottweiler and your home clean and dry.

Can I Train My Rottweiler to Stop Drooling?

While you cannot train your Rottweiler to stop drooling altogether, you can help manage their drooling behavior through training and conditioning.

Start by teaching your Rottweiler a "wipe" or "clean" command. This can be a cue for them to allow you to wipe their mouth with a towel or drool rag. By associating this command with positive reinforcement, such as treats or praise, your Rottweiler will learn that allowing you to clean their mouth is good behavior.

It's also important to address any underlying behavioral issues that may be contributing to excessive drooling. If your Rottweiler drools excessively when they are anxious or stressed, consider consulting a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. They can help you develop a training plan to address your Rottweiler's anxiety and reduce their drooling.

The Bottom Line

So there you have it, Rottweilers do drool a lot more than some other dog breeds due to their physical born into genetics, behavioral responses, and potential medical conditions.

Remember, a little drool is a small price to pay for the joy and loyalty that Rottweilers bring into our lives. Enjoy the time you have with them and try not to focus on the little problems.

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