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Mastiffs are incredibly adorable and good-natured dogs, but their massive size can be intimidating for many. After all, the English Mastiff is the world’s largest dog breed! So, it’s natural to get scared when these dogs approach or even look at you. They make great family dogs and excellent protectors. But before you bring them home, know that it drools uncontrollably, mainly because of their sagging and loose lips. If you have an English Mastiff, expect them to drool throughout the entire day.
How Much Does an English Mastiff Drool?
Mastiffs are big droolers, and that’s not because they are always hungry. Their drooling is primarily associated with the shape of their mouth. They have prominent jowls, which accumulate saliva. The saliva hangs consistently from the mouth and drops wherever they go.
That’s why a Mastiff’s mouth is wet and sloppy most of the time. If you have an English Mastiff, you can expect them to salivate all day. Typically, a dog’s drooling level varies according to its age, underlying condition, or facial structures.
For some people, the drooling characteristic of this dog is a deal breaker. However, many consider this quality natural and cute. If you are the former, know that this dog can be messy sometimes, and you may have to deal with slobber occasionally. So, adopt wisely!
When Does a Mastiff Start Drooling?
A Mastiff puppy doesn’t start drooling excessively until they turn 18 to 24 months old. This is because their jowls are tight and less noticeable at a young age. But once they start growing, salivation increases, leading to a high drool tendency.
Drooling is a natural quality of this dog breed. Some Mastiffs start drooling earlier if their growth is fast. Alternatively, a few dogs don’t show signs of expected drooling even if they have reached the 2-year mark.
Why Do Mastiffs Drool?
Mastiffs drool due to their distinct face structure, but there are many other reasons that can contribute to this characteristic. These include the following:
- Excitement. If your Mastiff sees you preparing the food, they will drool more than usual. This is called “food excitement,” which triggers the dog’s brain to produce constant saliva. Your dog may also start drooling when they hear the rattle of their leash or see you putting on your boots and coat.
- Heatstroke. A Mastiff also drools more during a heatstroke. Their bodies get overheated because of the size and the number of muscles in their body. Therefore, even if your dog likes basking in the sun, avoid letting them be out for an extended period.
- Motion Sickness. A Mastiff may drool constantly due to motion sickness. Traveling in a car may cause your dog to lose their sense of balance, making them drool rapidly to overcome the feeling.
- Car Anxiety. Many dogs develop car anxiety. Suppose your dog visited a vet with you in a car, which was a traumatic experience for the pet. As a result, they may feel anxious when placed in the same car every time, leading to drooling.
- Separation Anxiety. It can cause unnatural drooling, panting, and licking.
- Hypersalivation. If you notice a sudden increase in drooling, your pet might be a victim of hypersalivation. A psychological or health problem usually causes this condition.
- Dental Issues. Dogs also develop dental problems. Sometimes, a blockage in the throat can lead to abnormal drooling. In a worst-case scenario, your dog may have a tumor, leading them to release saliva more than usual.
- Respiratory System Infection. An infection in the upper respiratory system or stomach can trigger your dog’s drooling habit. In that case, see the signs and visit a specialist immediately.
Can You Manage Your Mastiff’s Drool?
Using wipes to clean your dog’s mouth while you are on a walk can be a massive hassle at times. Yet, you can’t stand your dog’s saliva landing on your belongings.
If you don’t want the saliva to stick to your carpets and ruin your furniture, here are a few tips for managing your Mastiff’s drooling. What if you can’t stop the dog from releasing saliva from the mouth? You can take a few measures to control its effect and keep your home safe and clean!
Use Towels Efficiently
Ensure you own many towels in all sizes to manage your dog’s drool efficiently. These towels can help clean the floors and furniture when the saliva drops. Small-sized towels make it easier to clean the pet’s mouth without letting their saliva splash on your body.
Keep all these towels handy to clear the mess before it worsens.
Invest in Bandanas or Bibs
Your Mastiff needs a bib or bandana to keep the neck and rest of the body clean from the dropping saliva. Make sure to tie the bandana loosely without suffocating your dog. You can invest in colorful bibs to make your furry friend look cool and clean while they go out for a walk.
Keep Your Mastiff Away From Heat
Long hours under the sun can lead to excessive panting and drooling. Therefore, instead of exposing your dog to the sun, keep them indoors. This can protect them from any heat-related problems and excessive drooling.
You can also control the time your dog runs or exercises outside. If your Mastiff loves being outdoors, build a kennel and increase their time spent in the sun.
Spread Out the Mealtimes for Your Mastiff
You may see your dog drooling more than normal when they are hungry. So, when you feed them meals every now and then, they won’t stop secreting saliva, causing more mess than you can handle.
This is why opting for meals rather than free feeding is imperative. How can you do that?
Instead of providing food throughout the day, prepare a strict schedule and train your dog accordingly. Therefore, if your Mastiff drools due to hunger and food excitement, they would only do it when it is time for their meal.
Mastiffs learn quickly. This trick can help them control their slobbering to a great level.
Manage Limited Exercise for Your Dog
Do you often notice that your dog slobbers when tired? Normal drooling after training and exercise is normal as it balances the dog’s breathing and heart rate. However, vigorous training can make your dog’s muscles oxygen thirsty. This may result in heavy panting and excessive drooling.
Therefore, make sure to set a specific daily exercise limit for your dog. Don’t cross the schedule so your pet doesn’t suffer from unnecessary breathing issues or heat strokes.
Manage Hypersalivation Through Proper Hygiene
Keep your dog’s teeth clean and brush them regularly. Invest in plenty of dental chews for healthy teeth and visit a vet for a check-up regularly.
Surgery
If your dog has a lip infection or tumor, surgery may help reduce the drooling these problems may cause. Cheiloplasty is a form of lip surgery that can modify a Mastiff’s mouth structure, allowing the dog to salivate less.
However, it isn’t safe or ethical to change your dog’s structure only to stop the pet from drooling. If you wish to do that, ensure you give your pet to someone else who accepts the dog for who they are and find another breed instead.
Give Your Dog Love and Attention
Finally, giving your dogs all the attention required to keep them healthy is imperative. Keep a watchful eye on issues like infections, overheating, and injuries.
You should also take your dog’s mental health seriously. If they have developed anxiety, take measures to reduce or manage it properly. Instead of practicing abuse or aggression during training, use the power of positive reinforcement to make a Mastiff feel encouraged. Ask a vet about the best training approach to your Mastiff so everyone can feel happy and comfortable.
If you need to speak with a vet but can't get to one, head over to PangoVet. It's our online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!
Conclusion
A Mastiff is a gentle and loyal dog, making an excellent addition to your family. However, they drool a lot, which can sometimes be messy and embarrassing. Instead of making your dog feel unwanted or punishing them for this behavior, follow the tips and tricks above to manage their drooling properly.
See Also:
- How to Stop Dog Drooling? 8 Vet Approved Tips
- How Well Can a Mastiff Swim? Facts & Water Safety Tips
Featured Image Credit: Mikanah, Shutterstock
