Dobermans are popular family dogs thanks to their often sweet natures, loyalty, and patience with younger family members. There’s an extra bonus for Doberman parents—these dogs don’t drool much compared to some other breeds like Bloodhounds and Saint Bernards. That said, in some cases, a medical issue can cause a light drooler to suddenly start drooling excessively.

Read on to find out more about why dogs drool, which medical issues may cause excessive drooling, and when drooling should be checked out by a vet.

Why Do Dogs Drool?

Dogs drool because saliva helps with the digestive process. Their salivary glands get to work when a dog is preparing to eat, so don’t be surprised if your dog starts to drool when you’re weighing out their food or heading for the treat drawer.

Some dog breeds drool more than others due to having large upper lips and a lot of skin in this area. This makes it difficult for them to retain saliva in their mouths, so the saliva pools in the lip skin folds.

With nowhere else to go, the drool eventually falls out onto the floor (or you or your furniture if you’re unlucky) or sprays everywhere when your dog shakes their head. Lovely, we know, but hey—they make up for it by being so adorable.

Do Dobermans Drool a Lot?

Fortunately for Doberman parents, they’re not typically big droolers. That’s not to say they never drool, and you might well spot a bit of “excitement drool” at mealtimes. It can sometimes happen when your dog dislikes the taste of something, too. This is perfectly normal, but what isn’t normal is excessive drooling, which could be caused by a medical condition.

What Is Abnormal Drooling?

So, we know that some dog breeds drool more than others and that Dobermans don’t drool a whole lot, but what constitutes abnormal drooling for a breed that isn’t a heavy drooler?

Abnormal drooling for a Doberman would be excessive drooling possibly accompanied by bad breath and other symptoms. This can sometimes indicate a medical condition that requires veterinary attention.

Some of these conditions are minor—like an upset stomach that clears up on its own—whereas others are more serious and can even be life-threatening in some cases.

When Should I Call a Vet?

If your Doberman has started drooling excessively and is showing any of the following symptoms, please get in touch with your vet straight away.

Final Thoughts

To recap, Dobermans don’t typically drool much, and if your Doberman only drools while waiting for their dinner or a tasty snack, there’s likely nothing to worry about. In some cases, a minor stomach upset, nervousness, or motion sickness may cause your friendly family Doberman to drool more than they usually would.

However, if they begin to drool excessively—something which is unusual for Dobermans—or show other symptoms of being unwell, they need to be seen by a vet as a medical issue could be causing the sudden change.

See also:

• Does a Cane Corso Drool More Than Other Dogs? Facts & Tips
• Do Golden Retrievers Drool Excessively? 7 Vet-Approved Causes Explained

Featured Image Credit: Jaydn Serrano, Shutterstock