The Great Pyrenees are beautiful and majestic animals, but there’s one thing about them that can be slightly concerning – drooling.
If you’re a potential The Great Pyrenees owner, a common question might be, do The Great Pyrenees drool?
And if so, when should you be worried? Well, this article will answer all your questions.
When do The Great Pyrenees Drool?
The Great Pyrenees drool for several reasons, including:
- Overactive Salivary Glands
- Teething
- Thirst
- Overheated
- Feeling Sick
- Excitement
- When Nervous
- During Playtime
Overactive Salivary Glands
Overactive salivary glands are a common trait in this dog breed, so don’t be alarmed when you see them drooling. This isn’t a sign that they aren’t healthy; it is just part of their unique personalities.
“Great Pyrenees can drool at any time, but there are some occasions that will trigger their salivary glands to go into overdrive.”
For example, they will typically drool more when excited or stressed. They may also produce more saliva when anticipating food or treats and playing with toys or other objects.
Teething
When Great Pyrenees puppies are teething, they can produce quite a bit of saliva, leading to lots of drooling. This typically starts between 3-5 months, although it may be slightly earlier or later, depending on the individual pup.
If you’re looking for an exact timeline, it’s best to keep an eye out for any signs that your pup is starting to go through teething – like wanting to chew and gnaw on things around them more often than usual.
Once teething has passed, the amount of drool should decrease significantly.
The Thirst Effect
The most common cause for drooling is that they’re simply thirsty. Great Pyrenees are large dogs and need plenty of drinking water to stay healthy and hydrated.
If your pup isn’t getting enough liquids, they may try to make up for it by drooling profusely to stimulate saliva production. Also, if the air is dry or hot, this can lead to increased salivation as a way for them to cool off their bodies.
Feeling Overheated
The Great Pyrenees drool more when they’re happy or feel overly zealous about something.
They can also be prone to excessive slobbering if they become overworked in the hot weather – even after running around in their backyard for a bit!
If you notice your pup is starting to look a little overheated during playtime, take them inside for a break and give them Drinking Water.
Feeling Sick
While it’s normal for the Great Pyrenees to have occasional bouts of slobbering, it could be a sign that something isn’t quite right if your pup is drooling more than usual.
“If your pet is having trouble eating or drinking, or is exhibiting other signs of being unwell, take them in for a check-up with the vet as soon as possible.”
Drooling is just one symptom of an underlying illness that can range from minor conditions such as allergies or digestive issues to more serious ones like cancer.
Excitement
The Great Pyrenees drool when they get excited or anticipate something tasty. This breed is known for having big appetites and when mealtime approaches, expect copious amounts of saliva to accompany it.
But that’s not the only time you’ll see them salivating – any excitement can trigger their tendencies to let it flow!
From meeting new people or animals, going for walks or car rides, and getting treats or toys – these pups are sure to become excited and start dripping with anticipation.
Nervous
The Great Pyrenees are actually quite prone to drooling if they get overly nervous or anxious. This breed loves human companionship and can become distressed if left alone for too long or if their environment changes rapidly.
When this happens, the telltale sign will be an increase in slobbering, pacing, or other forms of restlessness.
It’s important to note that this kind of drooling isn’t indicative of pain—it’s just your pup expressing some anxiety.
Playing
Drooling is most common in Great Pyrenees while playing or eating. That’s because the saliva helps to keep their mouths lubricated as they explore their environment with their tongues.
“As the Great Pyrenees has regular Vigorous Exercise requirements, they can get really excited during playtime. It is not uncommon for this excitement to result in some drool dripping down from their jowls!”
As long as there isn’t excessive drool (or blood) coming out of your pup’s mouth during playtime or mealtime, then there’s nothing to worry about.
When Should I Worry about my Great Pyrenees Drooling?
Throat Issues
If you notice that your Great Pyrenees drool is excessive and happening more frequently than usual, that could be a cause for concern.
It could mean they are having trouble swallowing or have an obstruction in their throat. Common signs that indicate they might have throat issues include coughing, difficulty breathing, and decreased appetite.
If you’re worried there might be something wrong with their throat, take them to the vet immediately. Your vet can diagnose any potential problems and provide treatment if needed.
They may order X-rays or ultrasounds to determine the cause of the excessive drooling and identify any blockages or issues with their throat.
Tooth Pain or Decay
Tooth pain or decay may cause excessive drooling with your Great Pyrenees. It’s essential to pay attention if the drooling is accompanied by changes in behavior, such as not wanting to eat or difficulty chewing.
The first step is to look closely at your dog’s mouth: check for any signs of injury or infection, such as swelling, redness, or discharge.
If you notice anything abnormal, it’s time for a trip to the vet for an examination and diagnosis.
Another symptom associated with tooth pain or decay is the bad breath which can indicate dental problems that need immediate attention.
Digestive Issues
Excessive drooling in the Great Pyrenees can be frustrating and, in some cases, concerning. While there are several potential causes for this symptom, digestive issues can be one of the most common—and often overlooked—culprits.
Digestive difficulties such as an upset stomach or nausea can cause your Great Pyrenees to produce more saliva than usual and even increase their drool production.
These issues may stem from dietary problems, allergic reactions, or even a reaction to the medication. Additionally, gastrointestinal (GI) conditions like pancreatitis or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) could also be behind them.
Suppose your pup exhibits other signs of discomfort, such as vomiting or diarrhea alongside excessive drooling. In that case, it’s crucial you take them to the vet for diagnosis and treatment of any underlying GI conditions that may be causing their symptoms.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is a severe issue for the Great Pyrenees. This condition occurs when a dog’s body temperature rises dangerously high due to prolonged exposure to hot temperatures or strenuous activity.
Symptoms of heat stroke include heavy panting, drooling and glazed eyes.
Dogs affected by heat stroke are more prone to dehydration, which can lead to additional complications.
While excessive drooling isn’t usually associated with heat stroke in other breeds, it could be a symptom in the Great Pyrenees due to their thick double Outer Coat.
“If their drooling hasn’t settled after cooling them down, have them checked out by your vet immediately!”
Car Sickness
When traveling with a family pet, particularly a large active breed like the Great Pyrenees, keeping them comfortable and safe in the car can be challenging.
One uncomfortable side effect of car travel is car sickness, which can lead to excessive drooling and other discomforts.
Car sickness is caused by motion or the psychological response of being confined in an enclosed space. In addition to drooling, your dog may experience nausea, vomiting, and general discomfort.
Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to help keep your beloved Great Pyrenees calm while riding in a vehicle.
First, ensure your Great Pyrenees gets plenty of exercise before starting your journey – this will help reduce any stress or anxiety that may contribute to the onset of carsickness.
Secondly, keep your dog in a well-ventilated area of the car. Whether riding in the back or front seat, ensure adequate airflow. You may even want to open a window while driving in warm weather.
If your dog is in the backseat, keep an eye on her to ensure she’s not looking out the window – this can increase motion sickness.
Finally, take frequent breaks during long trips. This can be as simple as stopping at a rest area or pulling over to stretch your legs.
Ingesting Poison
If your beloved pet has ingested poison, it’s essential that you assess the situation immediately to determine if any medical attention is necessary.
“There are several signs that indicate poisoning in a Great Pyrenees including excessive drooling, vomiting or diarrhea, depression or lethargy and difficulty breathing.”
If you see any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian for further advice on treating these medical issues.
Why do The Great Pyrenees Drool around other Dogs?
There’s no doubt about it: Great Pyrenees can be drooly. You know what we mean if you’ve seen one around other dogs! But why do these big, fluffy dogs get slobbery when they’re around their canine friends? Well, there are a few possible explanations.
“For starters, some experts believe that drooling is a sign of submission in animals like the Great Pyrenees and that they use saliva to express themselves as part of their social hierarchy among other animals.”
It could also indicate stress or fear – after all, if your pup isn’t sure how another dog will act towards them and is feeling anxious about it, this could cause them to salivate uncontrollably.
Can Anxiety Cause Excessive Drooling Dogs?
Anxiety in dogs can lead to various behaviors, one of which is excessive drooling. It’s not uncommon for dog owners to wonder if their pup’s slobbering is due to anxiety or something else. So, can anxiety cause excessive drooling in dogs?
The answer is yes – anxiety can absolutely cause excessive drooling in dogs. This behavior is caused by a release of hormones and adrenaline when a dog experiences fear or stress.
In this situation, the body produces adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which sends signals that increase saliva production and other involuntary muscle movements like panting and trembling.
So if your pup seems overly anxious and begins to drool more than usual, it could indicate that they are dealing with some form of anxiety.
How to Fix The Great Pyrenees’ Excessive Drooling?
Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to help reduce excessive drooling in Great Pyrenees.
The first thing to understand is what causes the drooling in the first place. As outlined above, there are many reasons why your dog may drool, so it’s essential to understand which symptoms to look out for.
Drooling related to health concerns should be monitored closely, and if you are ever unsure, then taking your dog to the Vet is always the best option!
Some other simple methods can prevent excessive drooling, including:
* Ensuring your pup is properly hydrated by providing them with fresh water and plenty of opportunities for breaks during outdoor walks.
* Brush your dog’s teeth regularly as this will help reduce bacteria buildup in their mouth, which could lead to an infection and, therefore, more drool.
* Provide regular basis mental stimulation, likely keeping them calm and reducing anxiety.
Should I take The Great Pyrenees to the Vet for Excessive Drooling?
Are you concerned about the excessive drooling coming from your Great Pyrenees? Does it seem like they are drooling more than usual? If so, it could be a sign that something is wrong. And it’s time to take them to the vet for an examination.
It’s important to note that excessive drooling can have several different causes. It could be due to something as simple as eating too quickly or too much of their favorite treat.
But if other symptoms accompany the drooling, lack of energy, or vomiting. Then it could indicate severe health conditions and should not be ignored.
Suppose you’re unsure about the cause of your The Great Pyrenees’ excessive drooling. Talk with your veterinarian, who can help diagnose any underlying health issues. And provide them with the necessary medical care.
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