Pugs! They are playful yet calm at times, majestic yet naughty, comical, and friendly little dogs. But just in case you are puzzled, “do pugs drool?” here is a quick answer for you.

Yes. Pugs have flattened jaws; big and loose lips and also, they tend to overheat. For these reasons, Pugs will drool more compared to some other dog breeds.

If you a dog enthusiast, you’ll attest that they all drool at some point but the rate will vary depending on the breed, to be precise the jaw and lip structure. Also, some outside factors will stimulate the making of saliva.

This article is an in-depth discussion on the causes of Pug drool, so read along.

Read Also: Best Food for Pugs with Allergies

Do pugs drool?

Why Do My Pug Drool?

Pugs are brachycephalic breeds (have broad and short skulls) which make them prone to drooling due to their compressed jaws, big loose lips, and the fact that they overheat. So, don’t get worried when you sometimes notice your pug drool especially when he/she overheats.

But should the drooling gets extreme then it should raise a red flag concerning your little furry friend’s health.

What is Saliva?

Your Pug saliva has a tone of things going on. It made up of 95% water and the other 5% comprises of the following:

White blood cells, Mucus which moisten air as it enters the body while trapping inhaled particles, Electrolytes that balance fluids in the body, Glycoproteins with sugar, Antimicrobial agents which help in clotting when Pugs leaks their wounds, Proteins like histatins which improves new skin cell development during injuries, and Epithelial cell

Saliva in Pugs just like in the other dogs is produced continually by the salivary glands, swallowed and regenerated just nearly instantly. This is a continuous process but it can be altered causing the salivary glands to produce excess saliva than what your dog swallows at a time.

Pugs saliva plays a key function as far as the dog’s mouth health, taste, smell, and digestion is concerned. The functions include:

• Lubrication– Saliva helps in moving the food down the Pugs throat.
• Moisture– It breaks down food. Dog saliva has enzymes that allow them to swallow large chunks of food even without chewing that’s why most Pugs eat fast. The same enzymes are found in human saliva.
• Antiseptic– When Pugs are wounded, just like other dogs they tend to lick the wound. The licking helps to clean and prevent infection on the wound.
• Mouth Health– Pugs’ saliva comes in handy in preventing pooch cavities. Dogs saliva is extremely efficient since it contains a PH between 7 and 8 compared to human which is 6.4. However, higher PH in Pug’s saliva causes bacteria that make their enamel to wear away. Regular brushing of your Pug’s teeth will help you combat the erosion problem.

Difference Between a Pug Having Saliva and Drooling

The terms saliva and drool refer to the same element but the main difference is the amount of it and the fact one is contained in the mouth while the other flows out of the mouth.

Excess saliva means there is an overproduction hence slicks in the lips folds and eventually drips out of the Pug’s mouth. This is commonly known as drool.

The fact that pugs have thick lips and facial folds so when they drool, saliva may accrue in the mouth folds and at times flow out of the mouth to the floor and other surfaces.

At times the saliva mucus might be higher and cause the drool to be thicker than normal saliva.

Is it Normal for My Pug to Drool and How Much is Considered Normal?

Now that we know there is nothing wrong with Pug drool, let’s see what’s you should consider normal. Pugs just like other dogs will drool to some extent considering they have large lips, a trampled jaw, and will open their mouth whenever they are playing or involved in physical activities.

I have snooped on Buddha drooling while sleeping a couple of times. So minor sleeping drooling is in some Pug is completely normal. The drooling can be a result of stenotic nares in Pugs.

Well, some drooling running out of your Pug’s mouth during exercise or hot weather is completely normal but excess saliva should raise an eyebrow. This shouldn’t be ignored since it can be an overheating sign.

Also, Pug’s saliva glands can be triggered by food resulting in excitement which causes glands to produce saliva hence drooling.

Excessive drooling is considered an overflow of saliva until it drops from the mouth, commonly know as ptyalism or simply hypersalivation.

The following can be considered as excessive drooling: large strips of drool dangling down from the mouth, saliva bubbles foaming all around the mouth, and excess drool that soaks the Pug chin.

Check out this video with drooling Pugs.

Reasons for Excessive Pug Drooling and Remedies

Foreign object- When your Pug consumes something then it gets stuck in the mouth then this may result in excess drooling.

Check your Pug’s mouth to ensure nothing is stuck between their teeth.

Dental illness- When you don’t frequently brush your Pug’s teeth then they’ll develop cavities or rotten teeth. Should your dog consume bad food it will result in him/her drooling. Some types of tumor growth in their mouth may cause them to produce excess saliva. Also, any sores or gum problem will have cause Pugs to drool.

Response to Flea production- Pugs will react to some flea production which may result in drooling.

Feeding of irritating element- Any time your Pug consume or lick something that irritates their mouth then they get excess drooling.

Motion sickness- Pugs tend to drool whenever they are traveling either via car or other means. At times this may result in nausea, grumbling, and restiveness.

When this happens, allow an hour between a meal and give a small dry snack for at least 15 to 20 minutes before leaving the car. I also recommend before starting to travel, offer your Pug a small bit of sugar.

Overheating- Each time your Pug drool excessively when exercising or playing, mostly during summer or warm days is a result of overheating. This is common to brachycephalic breeds and pugs are not excepted.

When this happens, you should bring your Pug to a cooler place. Find a shade or an air-conditioned room if possible.

Teething- Pug puppies tend to drool when they are in their teething stage. This phase starts when they are about 3-5 months old until when they are about 6 to 7-month-old. However, excess drooling should raise a red flag and needs veterinarian attention immediately

Give your puppy some teething toys and chews to help him/her teething. I recommend Nylabone Puppy Beef Toy since it’s full of nubs and ridges that your pug puppy will enjoy in teething. It’s flavored to entice your puppy to chew.

Hygiene for a Drooling Pug

Pug’s body parts that are prone to getting wet are susceptible to get affected with a skin yeast or fungi infection. These little furry friends tend to moist their facial wrinkles, genital area, and armpits.

Pug owners need to dry these areas and keep them dry and clean. Get yourself the Earthbath All-Natural Fragrance Free Wipes to help you wipe the facial wrinkles and chin several times a day.

Wrapping Up

Drooling in Pugs, just the rest of the pooch is common and shouldn’t raise any alarm unless it’s excess.

When this happens then take your pug to a veterinarian for a checkup. Normally, your vet will conduct some blood work to know the reason for excessive drooling.

I hope this article has answered your questions concerning drooling and good luck caring for your Pug.