Do Great Danes Drool a Lot? (Answered!)

Is your Great Dane drooling? Most dog breeds are known to drool (ptyalism). Although it is a normal phenomenon among dogs, if it happens in excess, it could be an indicator of an underlying condition. So, do Great Danes drool a lot?

Key Takeaway

• Great Danes are known to drool quite a bit due to their facial structure, including their square jaw and loose lips which aren’t efficient at containing saliva, although the amount can vary among individual dogs.
• Great Danes drool primarily due to their facial structure, specifically their loose lips and square jaw, but factors such as temperature, hunger, teething, and certain medical conditions like kidney and liver diseases can also cause them to drool more.
• Great Danes are known to drool in their sleep as they relax their jaw muscles and aren’t focused on keeping saliva in their mouth.

Do Great Danes Drool a Lot?

Yes. Great Danes are known to slobber a lot and even though it is not a pretty sight, it is perfectly normal. The amount of drooling changes throughout the day and it normally increases when it is meal time.

In fact, the drooling helps the Great Dane to break down food and move it down the esophagus. Plus, the drool acts as an antiseptic and helps them heal wounds by licking their wounds.

I keep a paper towel or piece of the old bath towel close to that hand, and while he hates it, I wipe his mouth off. Dry drool comes off relatively quickly- off the walls, the floors, the upholstery, the tile, the doorknob, your clothing.

Healthy drooling is something that can be triggered simply by offering a tasty snack to your Great Dane. In anticipation of food, the Great Dane will drool more than normal. Also, if you are eating in front of your Great Dane, you will probably notice that the drooling has increased.

Over time, you will get to know the amount of drool your Great Dane produces. Then, you will be able to tell if your Great Dane has suddenly started to drool more than normal says Great Dane Care. This is very important to notice because the increased drooling can be an indicator of some serious health issues.

What Causes Great Danes To Drool?

Drooling could be exacerbated by excess saliva. To help cool themselves down and drool, all dogs salivate.

When asked, “Why do some Great Dane Dogs drool?” opinions differ. Let’s take a look at what’s most likely causing all of this “liquid love.”

Lips that are large and “flappy”: The skin around a Great Dane’s lips and mouth (called flews) can act as a “pocket” for saliva and water. Drool occurs when the “pocket” becomes overflowing. This is an entirely natural cause of drooling that cannot be avoided.

1. Medical Issues: When drooling occurs suddenly and excessively, there is likely a medical cause; continue reading to learn what these medical problems could be and how to address each one. When the medical issue is resolved, this drooling will subside or stop.
2. Teething: Around the fourth month of your Great Dane’s life, his baby teeth will begin to fall out to make room for his permanent teeth. Both of these processes can cause discomfort and excessive salivation in your dog. Drooling caused by teething may subside once all permanent teeth have emerged.
3. Thirst: Some dogs drool because they are overheated, need a drink of fresh cool water, or drool around feeding time. The mere thought of that tasty kibble can cause salivation! This drooling will most likely become a lifelong habit and cause no harm.
4. Heatstroke can occur in dogs. If you suspect that the drooling is due to heat exhaustion and your dog is showing signs of extreme fatigue, get him to a cool place as soon as possible and offer him water. If the dog has trouble breathing or collapses, please seek emergency medical attention immediately!

Do Great Danes Drool in Their Sleep?

Yes, Great Danes might drool in their sleep. If your Great Dane is relaxed and comfortable, he may let his mouth open and start to drool. But don’t worry – it’s perfectly normal! Some dog owners even find it endearing.

It’s a common question that dog owners have about their slobbery friends. While all dogs produce saliva, some breeds are more prone to drooling than others. Great Danes are one of those breeds.

Of course, every dog is different. Some Great Danes may be tidy sleepers who never drool, while others may be messy sleepers who dribble all over their pillows. If you’re concerned about your dog’s drooling habits, talk to your veterinarian. They can help you determine if there’s a reason to be worried.

Can You Stop Great Danes From Drooling?

No. There is nothing you can do that will completely prevent your Great Dane from drooling. You have to understand that drooling is actually pretty normal for Great Danes. However, you can keep your Great Dane drooling to a minimum by ruling out any underlying medical issues that could be causing the excessive drooling.

A healthy Great Dane will produce saliva throughout the day according to their needs. For example, feeding your Great Dane dry food will stimulate more saliva/drool production. The saliva will help them to break down the dry food easily and digest it. So, maybe you should try and feed your Great Dane more wet food and monitor the drooling quantity.

However, most Great Dane owners just make peace with it. Keeping wipes all around the house can help you a lot. Once you see that your Great Dane has drool all over its mouth, you can go ahead and just wipe them.

It is important that you monitor the amount of drooling. If you notice that your Great Dane is drooling more than usual, seek medical help immediately.

Issues To Look at If Your Great Dane Is Drooling Excessively

1. Dental issues include tooth abscess, periodontal disease, or a mouth injury. It’s best to start a dental-care regimen with your Great Dane when he’s a puppy. A dental examination by your dog’s veterinarian should be performed at least once a year as part of this regimen.
2. Nerves: can cause excessive salivation in a dog. Take note if your Great Dane, who does typically not drool excessively, begins drooling heavily. Is it a trip to the veterinarian that causes the drooling? Is there a storm brewing? Are you introducing your dog to a new person, animal, or situation? Controlling nervous drooling is best accomplished by socializing your dog from an early age. Additionally, avoid putting your dog in unexpected situations.
3. Stomach issues: like nausea can also cause a dog to drool. Nausea can occur if your dog ate something he shouldn’t have eaten or if there was a drastic change in his diet. Any changes in diet should be introduced gradually, over about a week. Additionally, dogs in need of a worm treatment might exhibit signs of nausea. Check with your veterinarian to learn the proper worming schedule for your dog, and be sure each treatment is administered in a timely fashion.
4. Throat obstruction: or injury can cause sudden and excessive drooling. If your dog is retching or gagging while drooling, please take him directly to his veterinarian!

Grooming and Hygiene Tips For Drooling Great Danes

If you’ve determined that your Great Dane is drooling simply because some Great Danes drool and not due to a medical condition, you’ll learn to love him despite the slobber. Even if your dog drools, there are a few things you can do to keep him clean and well-groomed.

• Brush your Great Dane’s teeth with mouth-moisturizing canine toothpaste daily.
• During bath time, please pay close attention to all the extra skin around his lips, ensuring that the flies are thoroughly cleaned and dried.
• Always keep moist towelettes on hand. Keep a pack in your car, one by the front door (for after walks), and one in each of your Great Dane’s favorite rooms.

Can Dog Toys Cause Great Danes to Drool?

Yes. Your Great Dane may appear to drool more when chewing on toys, but toys are not the only cause of drooling. Toys are essential! Please don’t stop the dog from playing with his toys because it makes his drooling more noticeable.

My dog had a new ball, and it took three rounds of playing fetch before I realized the correlation between the oddly huge pools of drool and the new ball, which stopped after I washed it with soap and water.

Sometimes other causes are at play, but drool is pretty normal unless accompanied by vomiting and odors and any other signs that your dog is ill.

Toys are beneficial for teething puppies, and all dogs have an innate desire to chew. Toys also play an essential role in preventing boredom in older dogs. When your Great Dane has toys to chew on, he is less likely to chew on things you don’t want him to chew on.

Toys consume energy for your Great Dane as well! Exercise is critical to the overall health of any dog, including your Great Dane. Toys are another tool you can use to bond with your dog. In short, playtime is critical for a variety of reasons! Encourage your dog to play with toys and interact with him as much as possible.

Interactive toys are available that allow your Great Dane to exercise his brain and body! The “Kong” brand is an excellent choice for large breeds with aggressive chewers! I ordered a “kong” toy for my furry friend from Amazon. If you’d like to get one for yourself, click on the link below.

Cleaning Tips for Great Dane Dog Drool

It’s easy to overlook drooling in the pets we adore, but it’s more difficult to ignore the mess that can result! Fortunately, drool isn’t challenging to remove from the floors or the walls. All it takes is a quick wipe with a wet towel and your favorite cleaning product.

We’ve already discussed how effective wet towelettes are for cleaning up the drool on your Great Dane, but these towelettes are also great for cleaning up spit while traveling! Always keep a supply of them in your car.

To clean drool-covered toys, fill the sink (or tub) with equal parts water and vinegar and soak the toys. Scrubbing the toy with baking soda can help clean tough toys that have accumulated a lot of dirt.

FAQs

Q: How can I manage the drooling of a Great Dane?

A: To manage the drooling of a Great Dane, it is advisable to keep a clean cloth or towel handy to wipe their mouth frequently. You can also use special drool-absorbing products, like bandanas or bibs, to minimize the mess. Regular grooming and dental care can also help reduce the drooling.

Q: Are all Great Danes prone to drooling?

A: Although drooling is common in Great Danes, the extent of drooling can vary from one dog to another. Some Great Danes may drool more than others, depending on their individual genetics, diet, and overall health.

Q: Is excessive drooling in Great Danes a sign of a health problem?

A: Excessive drooling can sometimes be a symptom of an underlying health issue in Great Danes. If the drooling suddenly becomes more excessive than usual or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian to rule out any potential health problems.

Q: Can diet affect the amount of drooling in Great Danes?

A: Yes, the diet of a Great Dane can have an impact on the amount of drooling. Certain foods or ingredients may trigger excessive drooling in some dogs. It is recommended to feed Great Danes a balanced diet that suits their specific nutritional needs and avoids any known triggers.

Q: Are there any medical conditions that can cause excessive drooling in Great Danes?

A: Yes, certain medical conditions can contribute to excessive drooling in Great Danes. These may include dental issues, mouth infections, gastrointestinal problems, or problems with the salivary glands. If you are concerned about your dog’s drooling, it is best to consult with a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis.

Q: Are there any ways to prevent drooling in Great Danes?

A: While it is impossible to completely prevent drooling in Great Danes, there are ways to minimize it. Regular dental care, including teeth brushing and dental cleanings, can help prevent dental problems that may contribute to excessive drooling. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight and overall good health can also help reduce drooling.

Q: Can training help control the drooling in Great Danes?

A: While training cannot eliminate or stop drooling altogether, it can help control or manage the drooling behavior in Great Danes. Basic commands like “sit” or “stay” can be useful in distracting the dog from excessive drooling in certain situations. The use of positive reinforcement techniques can also be beneficial in redirecting their focus and behavior.

Q: Do all Great Dane puppies drool?

A: Like adult Great Danes, not all puppies will drool in the same way or to the same extent. However, it is not uncommon for Great Dane puppies to start drooling as they grow, and the drooling may increase as they become adults.

Q: Can certain medications help reduce drooling in Great Danes?

A: In some cases, certain medications can be prescribed by a veterinarian to help reduce excessive drooling in Great Danes. These medications are typically used when drooling is related to an underlying medical condition. However, the use of medication should always be discussed and decided upon by a qualified veterinarian.

Conclusion

I hope today’s article sheds some light on the topic for you. Mostly, I hope you discovered that natural causes cause your dog’s drooling and that there are no underlying medical issues that need to be addressed.

However, it is critical to regularly take your Great Dane to the vet for medical examination. I am confident that this will alleviate any concerns you may have had!