Do Bernese Mountain Dogs Drool? Vet-Verified Facts & What to Expect

Do you want to bring home a Bernese Mountain Dog? If so, you might be wondering whether they drool. The short answer is yes, Bernese Mountain Dogs do drool, especially compared to low-drool dog breeds. So, be prepared for very soggy doggy kisses!

As is the case for most slobbery breeds, Bernese Mountain Dogs have prominent jowls. Saliva accumulates in those large cheeks and leaks out periodically or whenever the dog shakes their head.

Here, we go over how and why a Bernese Mountain Dog drools so much. We also list potential causes for excessive drooling and possible remedies, so read on!

How Much Do Bernese Dogs Drool?

How much drool you should expect from your furry friend may differ from one Bernese Mountain dog to the next. Some pups drool more than others.

Most Bernese Mountain Dogs drool moderately to heavily compared to the average dog. Many will drool more noticeably after eating or drinking, although drooling can also occur in other situations. Rarely will you find a Bernese Mountain dog that drools all the time or does not drool at all. You might get the latter if you're lucky. But the odds are not in your favor.

Why the Bernese Mountain Dog Drools

Drooling is normal for Bernese Mountain Dogs due to their prominent jowls. However, these pups usually don't drool all the time. Specific things or situations trigger or cause your dog to drool. These include the following.

After Drinking Water

Water can similarly accumulate within the jowls to saliva. So, it is common for dogs to drool a little right after drinking water. For some Bernese Mountain Dogs, that is the most noticeable time they drool.

Upon Anticipating Food

Does your mouth water when expecting to eat a delicious meal? The same thing happens to dogs. Only in this case, the excess saliva leads to drooling.

Due to Excitement

Dogs can also drool when they get excited. Anything from the joy of seeing you to the thrill of play could cause your dog to get slobbery.

Due to Anxiety

When anxious, a dog may start panting. In many cases, this is often accompanied by drooling. Many things can make a Bernese Mountain Dog anxious, including the presence of a stranger in the home or being left alone.

If you suspect your pet is suffering from anxiety, you should contact your vet directly for an assessment. They can provide you with more information and a care plan.

Causes of Excess Drooling

Although drooling is normal, sometimes the behavior can become excessive, thus causing worry. If your furry friend is drooling more than usual, it could indicate an underlying health issue.

There are several reasons that your dog could be experiencing hypersalivation.

Dental Problems

Tartar buildup on the teeth leads to gum disease.¹  It can also cause drooling in your Bernese Mountain Dog, especially if oral discomfort is present.

Excess Heat

If you are observant, you may have noticed that dogs tend to drool more when it's warm. Exposing your Bernese Mountain Dog to excessive heat or direct sunlight in hot weather can lead to heatstroke, thus causing excess drooling.

Respiratory Infections

Drooling can be one of the signs of a respiratory infection, combined often with sneezing, coughing, difficulty breathing, lethargy, or nasal discharge. Look out for other signs affecting the nose or throat if your Bernese Mountain Dog is drooling excessively.

Ingesting Toxic Substances

Eating toxic plants will not only make your Bernese Mountain Dog sick but may also cause drooling. The same thing can happen when they ingest toxic animals, such as spiders, scorpions, toads, and frogs.

Motion Sickness

Some dogs can ride in the car with no problem. However, others are prone to motion sickness, especially when they're not used to it. Does your dog drool more than usual only when riding in your car? That could be a sign of motion sickness.

Foreign Body

A Bernese Mountain Dog may also drool if they have something stuck at the back of the throat or across the roof of the mouth. Usually, this is accompanied by distress, pawing at the mouth, sometimes with retching or gagging. It requires urgent veterinary attention to prevent further complications, including airway obstruction.

Diseases

Kidney disease and neoplasia are among the leading causes of death in Bernese Mountain Dogs.² These conditions can sometimes contribute to drooling in your pup, particularly in more advanced stages of illness, although they are not a common sign of such illnesses.

How to Deal With Drooling

Unfortunately, you can't stop a Bernese Mountain Dog from drooling. The only solution is to learn how to live with it. However, there are a few measures you can take to deal with the problem.

Wipe It Off

Does your dog drool all the time? It can help to have a cloth to wipe the drool off their mouth before it embeds into the pup's fur or stains your furniture.

Don't Let the Stains Dry

The earlier you clean the drool off the furniture, the better. Allowing it to dry can make the stains crusty and difficult to remove. It is advisable to have towels around if your dog drools constantly. That way, you can wipe off the drool immediately after it spills on your furniture.

Cover Your Furniture

We all have that piece of furniture that we can't bear to see ruined. The best way to keep it spotless is to place covers over it to protect it from drool stains.

Brush Your Dog's Teeth Regularly

Regularly brushing your dog's teeth will prevent problems like tartar buildup and irritation of the gums. It is these and other dental issues that may contribute to increased drooling.

Visit a Vet

It is advisable to take your Bernese Mountain Dog to the veterinarian if they are drooling more than usual. It could indicate an underlying health issue that may need urgent attention.

But it would be best if you didn't wait for your dog to get sick. Taking your Bernese Mountain Dog to the vet for regular checkups is ideal. This way, they can identify and treat any health issues before they become too advanced or severe.

How to Clean Drool Stains

A Bernese Mountain Dog is a joy to have. But you cannot say the same about the stains that they leave on your furniture or clothes. Dog drool stains are challenging to remove, especially if you let them sit. Luckily, there are two effective methods you can try.

Using Vinegar

Mix ¼ cup of white vinegar with ¼ cup of water, and add 1 teaspoon of baking soda and another teaspoon of dish detergent. Then, using a spray bottle, apply the solution to the affected area without soaking it. It’s best to test it on a small surface first to ensure it doesn’t damage the material.

If there is no damage, let the solution sit for 15 minutes if you are cleaning a fabric. You can use a damp cloth to remove the stain immediately on hard surfaces.

Allow the spot to dry and inspect it. Repeat the process if necessary.

Using Isopropyl Alcohol

Lightly spray the affected area with 70% isopropyl alcohol. Alternatively, use an absorbent white cloth if you don't have a spray bottle.

After application, use a clean, dry cloth to blot the stain out. But ensure it is white, since you risk staining the upholstery with bleeding dye.

Finally, you need to fluff out the stiff parts. You can use a soft-bristle brush for this part.

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Conclusion

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a drooler. Indeed, they're among the many adorable breeds that drool a fair amount. However, not all Bernese Mountain Dogs drool the same.

While most drool moderately, there are still many who only drool noticeably after eating or drinking water. There is also a tiny minority that either drools all the time or hardly at all.

While a drooling dog may seem inconvenient, the behavior is bearable, as many owners of droolers can attest. Eventually, you get used to it. However, be mindful of excessive drooling that may indicate an underlying health issue.

If you are considering getting a Bernese Mountain Dog, don't let their slobber stop you. You can learn how to manage the problem with the tips mentioned here.

• Related Read: Does a Cane Corso Drool More Than Other Dogs?

Featured Image Credit: Kristesoro, Shutterstock