Boston Terriers are some of the most adorable fur babies around. They’re always so happy to see you and have so much love give, how can you deny them any amount of affection? After all, they’ve turned cuteness into an art form. But, sometimes, they do things that aren’t so adorable, like drooling.
So, do Boston Terriers drool? Yes, they can and do. That said, not all Boston Terriers are slobbering blobs of affection. Some owners say their dog never drools, while others relate that drooling is part-and-parcel to their Terrier. The causes are mostly benign but, sometimes, it can indicate a health issue.
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Do Boston Terriers Drool Often?
The frequency with which a Boston Terrier drools will be individual to the dog. But these dogs aren’t the kind famous for drooling all the time like a Saint Bernard.
On average, Terriers drool when they see people eating food they find delicious or after chewing on something. Some owners say their dogs will drool to keep themselves cool in summer or when they go for a drive.
Why Do Boston Terriers Drool?
There are many reasons why Boston Terriers drool, and, most of the time, it’s nothing to worry about. Most will drool when they want food, after exercising or when they eat something hard. Yet other owners say their dog stopped drooling once they grew out of puppyhood.
So, it’s really more about the individual dog than the breed as a whole. But, if they dribble more often than usual, it could be a sign of some underlying health condition. In rare cases, this could be dangerous. However, some of the more normal reasons could be things like genetics, excitement, hunger, and the like.
Genetics
Because Boston Terriers have downward-shaped mouths, drooling is inevitable. The downturned lips can sometimes stay open at the corners and will almost always lead to dribbling. It’s not a question of if it happens, but when.
As their owner, you simply have to accept this fact and understand it comes with the territory of owning the dog. But, not all Boston Terriers have this feature. Only some of them do.
Seeing & Smelling Food
The anticipation of food usually makes a Boston Terrier salivate. The smell and the sight will cause the dog to pool up water on the floor or under its chin. So, in this instance, the dog is hoping it can have some of that cheeseburger you’re eating.
Teething
All puppies drool while teething; this is a normal process and nothing to panic over. Around six months old, their baby teeth will fall out to make room for the adult set. The vet may have some sort of numbing agent you can put in your Boston Terrier’s mouth to help with the pain.
Temperature Control
If it’s hot outside or the dog exercised, the Boston Terrier will drool to keep itself cool. This is a necessary mechanism to prevent heatstroke and to control body temperature. Always check the weather to see if it will be tolerable for the pooch.
Unlike many other breeds, Boston Terriers are one of those that can easily succumb to heatstroke. This is because of their small stature combined with having a thick layer of fur. So, it’s important to keep them cool and provide them with plenty of fresh, clean water.
Motion Sickness & Anxiety
Boston Terriers will get car sick when they go for a drive. The constant stop-and-go motion may make them nauseous. What compounds it is if they know they’re going to the vet and have anxiety too. So, the result of this can mean plentitudes of drool and puddles of saliva all over themselves and the car.
Upset Stomach
If your dog eats too much too quickly, it could get an upset stomach. Upset stomachs can also occur from something like getting emotionally upset immediately after eating. Regardless of the cause for an upset stomach, a Boston Terrier may very well drool as a means of relief.
Excitement
Let’s face it! Boston Terriers are one of the most excitable breeds of dogs. Whether positive or negative, the sensation overwhelms their body. The onset of salivation often accompanies shaking the moment they get excited. Although not a panic-button issue, it can make for a sopping mess all over your rugs, windows, and furniture.
When Is Drooling a Sign Of Something More Serious?
The biggest sign that a Boston Terrier’s drooling is more serious is when it is excessive, profuse, constant, and not something that’s usual for the dog to do. If you feel something more serious is happening, be sure to take your Boston Terrier to the vet as soon as possible.
There are many possible health causes for a Terrier to drool, but the ones mentioned below are some of the most common.
Toxin or Poison Consumption
It’s possible that the dog consumed something that was toxic or poisonous. Anything like chocolate or a plant from the garden can cause this. In this case, the drooling will accompany other symptoms like seizures, diarrhea, or vomiting. Do not give the dog water until you know what toxic substance is the culprit.
Upper Respiratory Infection
Dribbling can be a sign the Terrier suffers from a throat, nose, or lung infection. What’s more, if there are any other pets in the house, they could catch it. This kind of drooling will also come with other signs like a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing.
Kidney or Liver Disease
For liver or kidney disease indicators, the dog’s drooling might also come with diarrhea, vomiting, difficulty going to the bathroom, and lethargy. Only regular vet visits can diagnosis this with certainty. The earlier your vet can catch this kind of problem, the easier it will be to treat and control.
Dental Issues
When your Boston Terrier is older than six months, they may drool in excess because of problems with their teeth. They may have broken teeth, gum disease, or bad teeth. Getting regular doggie dental visits along with practicing regular oral hygiene will help prevent this.
This means keeping their teeth brushed at least once per week. It may seem strange, but this will help control the plaque that leads to tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems.
How Can You Help a Boston Terrier that’s Drooling Too Much?
The best way to help a Terrier’s drooling is by taking preventative measures. Always observe and note when your dog drools most often. This will help you anticipate the onset of an oral waterfall, so you know how to help and control your Boston Terrier’s issue.
Absorbent Materials
You can put things around your pooch’s neck, like a bib or bandana, to soak up the dribble. But, it might be good to get an absorbent mat to put under the dog too. Remember, whatever things absorb the dog’s dribble, it’s important to wash everything consistently.
If you don’t stay on top of this, it could create a colony of bacteria and other moldy growth, creating more serious health issues.
Traveling
For car rides, especially when there’s anxiety over going to the vet, make the rides fun and special by bringing extra treats. Also, train your Boston Terrier to travel in a carrier, so it gets well accustomed.
Inside the carrier, place a couple of toys along with plenty of clean, dry towels to help control the wetness. A bib and an absorbent mat may be wise ideas for car rides as well.
How Can You Prevent Drooling in the First Place?
Understand you won’t be able to stop a Boston Terrier from drooling altogether. For things like excitement, hunger, chewing on hard things, and lodged objects, salivating will happen. Even though some soggy situations are inevitable, there are things you can do to prevent drooling from happening in the first place.
Food Particles & Lodged Objects
Don’t allow dogs to keep food particles in their mouth after they’ve finished eating. Ensure they chew and swallow their food, not just inhale it as if it were their last meal. Also, when a toy or other object gets stuck in their mouth, be sure to remove it right away. This will not only prevent drooling but also save the poor thing from choking.
Don’t Eat in Front of the Dog
If your Boston Terrier always stares and salivates at you while you eat, don’t eat in front of the dog. This is the best way to prevent dribbling. If you can’t avoid eating in front of the dog, then make dinnertime a household event. Keeping the dog busy with its own food will prevent salivation over yours.
Toxic & Poisonous Substances
Toxic and poisonous substances are something you definitely can control. Study all the foods, plants, and other substances that are dangerous for Boston Terriers to consume.
Keep houseplants out of the dog’s view and sphere of access. Don’t put medications, chocolate, and other food on low tables or other areas the dog can reach.
Walking & Exercising
Avoid taking your Terrier for a long walk or vigorous exercise when it’s too hot outside. Even when temperatures are right, bring plenty of water and observe the dog for signs of heatstroke. Also, allow the dog to rest in a shady spot when you notice salivation that accompanies panting.
When on a walk, keep an eye on your dog and make sure it doesn’t eat something toxic or poisonous. Try not to take your eyes off your dog for too long so you can catch it when it’s trying to eat something it shouldn’t.
Recap
Any drooling a Boston Terrier does will be normal, and you won’t be able to control every instance. But, there are some things you can do to help the dog from unnecessary dribbling all over the place.
By observing the dog’s behavior while it salivates, you can decipher if it’s normal or if there’s an underlying health issue. But, the moment you suspect it’s something serious, take your Terrier to the vet right away. Things like kidney disease or respiratory infections are no joke and can get fatal fast.
Keeping extra towels around will be a great benefit to you, your pooch, and your property. But, make sure you keep these clean and change them often to prevent growing bacteria, mold, or mildew. By taking simple steps, you can help keep your dog’s drooling under control.
