Boykin Spaniels are one of those dog breeds that are social, outgoing, and amiable family dogs. While this dog breed is not particularly predisposed toward drooling excessively, there are underlying reasons that every dog owner should take into account.
If you notice that your pet is drooling excessively, do not ignore the signs. In this article, we will discuss the main reasons for excessive drooling and how you can tackle the problem. Read on to learn more.
Why Do Dogs Drool?
The American Kennel Club considers typical drooling normal and entails the excessive flow of saliva to the mouth cavity. All dogs occasionally drool as part of their digestive process or due to the extra skin around their muzzle and lips.
Since Boykin Spaniels have muzzles with jaws, they are partially susceptible to drooling. Since drool is the accumulated saliva of dogs, it aids in a variety of functions:
- Lubrication: It helps the food move down the esophagus.
- Moisture: It helps break down the food particles seamlessly.
- Anti-septic: It prevents injury or infection, so when dogs lick their wounds, it is a way to prevent infection.
However, drooling can be a cause of concern when your Boykin Spaniel puppy drools excessively.
Signs of a Problem
A Boykin Spaniel has a low drool tendency; even if they do, it is a normal response that helps them eat and digest. When you notice abnormal drooling patterns, it could be a sign of illness.
Dental Disease
One of the most common causes of excessive drooling is mouth disease and tooth decay.
The Boykin Spaniel dog breed is more likely to contract this disease than other dogs. It usually starts with a buildup of tartar on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots.
As a result, your dog may drool excessively and even lick its gums to get rid of the infection. Dental disease should be immediately treated as it could risk damaging the heart, kidneys, and liver.
Motion Sickness and Anxiety
Another reason for excessive drooling is when your dog experiences motion sickness or anxiety. Car rides and nervousness can lead to open-mouthed breathing, which causes excessive drool to accumulate.
To make them more comfortable, try putting them in a pet harness without driving them anywhere. This will allow your Boykin Spaniel breed to calm its nerves and get prepared for the journey henceforth.
If the symptoms are worse, you can try pet-safe pills for nausea and training for anxiety.
Heat Stroke
Like the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Boykin Spaniel dogs are hunting dogs that can bear adverse situations in the wilderness. These were first bred by South Carolina hunters to hunt wild turkeys and ducks.
However, if your dog has not been slowly introduced to the wild and is suddenly exposed to external elements, it can cause a heat stroke.
Short-nosed breeds such as Boykin Spaniels are more likely than other dogs to get a heat stroke. For this reason, your dog will produce more saliva and excessively drool when they get overheated under the sun. In the summer months, always make sure your dog has access to a shady area.
Although your dog may pester you to run under the sun for long periods, it can have an adverse effect on their health. On very hot days, limit sun exposure and keep them indoors to avoid heat strokes.
Ingestion of a Foreign Substance
Sometimes your Boykin Spaniel may be excessively drooling when they swallow something they should not.
A flea or toad are two common substances that can cause dribbling since their skin is a natural defense against unwarranted predators. Your dog may also experience dribbling when they ingest a poisonous or toxic substance.
These include certain plants or chemicals that trigger your dog’s defense mechanism and cause excessive drooling. This often happens when your dog is having a reaction against a foreign substance.
If you feel your dog has ingested a foreign substance, you should immediately consult your vet to avoid further complications.
Digestive Problems
Excessive drooling coupled with a bloated tummy can be a sign of digestive problems. When your dog ingests toxins, it can lead to stomach distress or drooling. Along with slobbering, you may notice other symptoms like vomiting, shaking, and lethargy.
In some extreme cases, your Boykin Spaniel may even experience excruciating abdominal pain and other signs like restlessness, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. If these symptoms appear, you should immediately rush to your vet for further guidance.
Drooling Situations
Since Boykin Spaniels are wholly dependent dogs that require care and attention, you can pick up on some of their cues and learn whether it is normal or requires immediate attention.
Listed below are some ways to know if your Boykin Spaniel is drooling normally or experiencing distress.
Normal Situations
For Boykin Spaniels, some traits exhibited by them are exclusive to their breed. Some are listed below:
- A simple smell of food can stimulate your dog’s Pavlov reflex, which causes drooling.
- When they are excited after a game session or walk
- When an adult Boykin Spaniel gets anxious or nervous in an unusual situation
- When a female dog smells other dogs
- When puppies have teeth growth
These are some instances where drooling is considered normal.
Abnormal Situations
When you notice any other symptoms, it could be attributed to a much more serious health concern. Listed below are some of the most common signs:
- When your Boykin Spaniel has difficulty swallowing food
- When they experience stomach problems along with nausea and vomiting
- When your dog has oral or dental issues
- When they have a fever
When you notice these symptoms, you should immediately seek treatment from a veterinarian.
Treatment of Excessive Drooling
Although the treatment may differ depending on the condition, listed below are some remedies for excessive drooling:
- If your Boykin Spaniel has periodontal disease, treatment will include removing its teeth.
- If the cause is bacterial, medication is prescribed.
- Medicated mouth (with diluted benzoyl peroxide)
- Pet-safe pills for motion sickness
- Anti-inflammatory medication
These medications will depend on your condition as supervised by your veterinarian.
Conclusion
Boykin Spaniels can excessively drool when they are exposed to toxins or external elements. As a dog parent, you should always pay attention to what your dog is consuming to avoid discrepancies in the future.
