French Bulldog Drooling: What You Need to Know?

If you’re a proud French Bulldog parent, you’re likely familiar with their adorable snorts, goofy expressions, and affectionate nature. But what about their drooling? If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why is my French Bulldog drooling excessively?”—you’re not alone. 

In this blog post, you’ll find out the most common reasons of your French bulldog’s drooling habit.

Do French Bulldogs Drool a Lot?

First things first: Yes, French Bulldogs can drool. However, their drooling habits vary from dog to dog. Some Frenchies are light droolers, while others seem to turn into little fountains at the sight of food or after a long nap. It’s all part of their muzzle and mouth. Since Frenchies have flat skulls, they are natural droolers. Unlike dogs with standard muzzles, French bulldogs tend to drool excessively 

 But, when your French Bulldog starts drooling a lot more than usual, it’s natural to wonder if something’s wrong.

Why Is My French Bulldog Drooling?

Drooling, or salivation, is a normal process for all dogs. However, French Bulldogs, with their flat faces and wrinkled skin, are particularly prone to a bit of slobber. Here are the main reasons your French Bulldog might be drooling:

1. Natural Anatomy

French Bulldogs are brachycephalic dogs, which means they have short snouts and flat faces. This adorable feature often makes it harder for them to swallow saliva efficiently, leading to occasional drooling. You’ll notice this more after exercise, during hot weather, or when they’re relaxing.

2. Food Anticipation

Have you ever caught your Frenchie staring at you while you cook, with strings of drool dangling from their lips? That’s food anticipation! The sight or smell of a tasty treat can trigger excessive drooling in French Bulldogs (or any dog, really).

3. Teething (For Puppies)

Teething could be the culprit if your French Bulldog is still a puppy. Just like human babies, puppies produce extra saliva when they’re teething. This is normal and usually subsides once their adult teeth are fully in.

4. Heat or Overexertion

Drooling can be your Frenchie’s way of cooling off. Dogs don’t sweat like humans, so they pant—and sometimes drool—to regulate their body temperature. If your pup has been running around or lounging in the sun, drooling is likely their way of staying cool. The best way to keep your Frenchie protected in the sun is to dress him/her in a cooling vest. Dog cooling vests are made from a special heat-resistant fabric that should be worn wet. As your dog walks, the vest will cool down your dog and help him/her keep the body temperature within optimal limits.

Why Is My French Bulldog Suddenly Drooling Excessively?

If your French Bulldog is drooling a lot more than usual, it could indicate an underlying issue. Here are some common causes of excessive drooling:

1. Dental Problems

One of the most common reasons for a drooling French Bulldog is dental trouble. Plaque buildup, gum disease, or an abscessed tooth can irritate the mouth, causing drooling. Regular dental checkups and teeth cleaning are essential for preventing these issues. To escape any problems with your dog’s teeth, we advise you to brush their teeth with dog-safe toothpaste regularly. Besides, you can also add a dental water additive to your dog’s water bowl.

If your dog doesn’t feel comfortable brushing teeth, dental treats can help a lot. Give your dog to chew bones to keep the jaw strong and make sure he has chew toys that help in reducing plaque.

2. Ingesting Something Toxic

If your Frenchie ingests something they shouldn’t—like a toxic plant, household chemical, or even certain foods—excessive drooling can be a symptom. Watch for additional signs like vomiting, lethargy, or difficulty breathing, and contact your vet immediately. If your Frenchie acts strange and also breathes heavily, then you have to react fast. Take your pooch to the vet so he/she can receive a shot to make him feel better. 

3. Nausea

Just like humans, dogs can feel queasy. If your French Bulldog has car sickness or an upset stomach, they might drool excessively. This could happen during car rides or after eating something that didn’t agree with them. If your French bulldog drooling always gets worse during car rides, then you can ask your vet to prescribe you a spray or a medicine that can help your dog feel calmer.

4. Foreign Object in the Mouth or Throat

Sometimes, French bulldog drooling occurs when a foreign object, like a piece of a toy, a stick, or even a bone shard, gets stuck in your dog’s mouth or throat. If you suspect this, carefully check their mouth and call your vet if you can’t find or safely remove the object. Since French bulldogs have wide jaws, they can often get a bone stuck in the mouth. That’s why you should be very careful with giving them bones to chew.

5. Respiratory Issues

Due to their short snouts, French Bulldogs are prone to breathing issues like Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). In some cases, respiratory problems can cause drooling because your dog is struggling to breathe comfortably.

6. Illness or Infection

Infections, especially in the mouth or throat, can lead to excessive drooling in French bulldogs. Tonsillitis, kennel cough, or even a viral or bacterial infection could be to blame. If your dog seems lethargic or has a fever, it’s time to consult your vet. 

7. Allergic Reaction

Allergic reactions to insect bites, stings, or even certain foods can cause swelling and drooling in Frenchies. In severe cases, these reactions can lead to difficulty breathing, which is a medical emergency. Since French bulldogs are prone to allergies, you should be very careful when exposing them to certain allergens.

When Should I Worry About My Dog Drooling Excessively?

Occasional drooling isn’t a cause for concern, but if your French Bulldog is drooling uncontrollably, it’s time to pay attention. Here are some red flags to watch for:

• Persistent or sudden excessive drooling with no obvious cause.
• Signs of pain, such as whining, pawing at their mouth, or refusing to eat.
• Vomiting or diarrhea alongside drooling.
• Swelling in the mouth, face, or throat.
• Difficulty breathing or unusual wheezing.
• Blood in the saliva.

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

How to Stop a French Bulldog from Drooling Excessively

While you can’t eliminate drooling entirely (especially for a breed like French Bulldogs), there are steps you can take to minimize it and address excessive drooling when it occurs.

1. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Brush your Frenchie’s teeth regularly with dog-friendly toothpaste, and provide dental chews to keep their mouth healthy. Routine dental checkups with your vet can also catch problems early.

2. Provide a Cool Environment

Since French Bulldogs are prone to overheating, ensure they always have access to shade, fresh water, and a cool environment. Avoid strenuous exercise during hot weather to reduce drooling caused by heat. In our store, you can also find practical dog cooling beds that can provide your little gremlin with immediate cooling relief.

3. Feed Them Carefully

Avoid giving your Frenchie bones or toys that could splinter or break into small pieces. Supervise their chewing habits to prevent foreign objects from getting lodged in their mouth or throat.

4. Use Anti-Nausea Measures

If your Frenchie gets carsick, try using a dog-specific anti-nausea medication (with your vet’s approval) or take steps to make car rides more comfortable, such as limiting food intake before trips.

5. Watch What They Eat

Keep toxic foods and plants out of reach, and always supervise your Frenchie during outdoor adventures. If you’re unsure whether something is safe for dogs, it’s best to err on the side of caution.

6. Regular Vet Visits

A yearly checkup can catch potential health issues before they become major problems. If your French Bulldog starts drooling excessively, don’t hesitate to book an appointment for a thorough evaluation.

How Much Do French Bulldogs Slobber?

So, how much slobbering is “normal” for a Frenchie? The answer is: it depends. Some French Bulldogs are relatively tidy, while others are drool factories. Factors like age, activity level, and environment can all influence their drooling habits. For example, if you live in a warmer climate, then your Frenchie will drool more. These dogs can’t stand going on walks in hot weather and drooling is one of the ways they want to inhale enough air.

If your French Bulldog is drooling a lot but seems otherwise healthy, it’s probably just their personality. Some little gremlins love to drool when they see their owners eating. However, if the drooling is excessive or accompanied by other symptoms, it’s worth investigating further. 

French Bulldog Drooling: Wrapping Up

Drooling is part of life with a French Bulldog, and in most cases, it’s nothing to worry about. From their unique anatomy to their lovable quirks, Frenchies bring a lot of joy (and a little mess) into our lives. By understanding the reasons behind French Bulldog drooling and knowing when to seek help, you can ensure your pup stays happy, healthy, and ready for all the cuddles.

And hey, if the slobber gets out of hand, just keep a stash of doggy towels nearby—problem solved!