As the proud owner of one of these regal dogs, you might be curious about why your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel drools.
Or maybe you’re considering welcoming one into your family and want to know more about their drooling tendencies.
In either case, in this blog post, I’ll share my experience and knowledge about drooling in dogs and help you understand when it’s a cause for concern and when it’s not.
Is it Normal For My Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to Drool?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are no different than any other breed and will drool in certain situations. Here are a few typical reasons for why Cavaliers slobber.
Drooling as a Way of Cooling off
You know how we humans sweat when we’re hot or after a workout? Well, dogs cool themselves off by panting and drooling.
When they pant, the moisture from their tongue and lungs evaporates, which cools down their blood. In some cases, drooling can also aid in the cooling process, as the evaporation of saliva has a cooling effect.
So, if it’s a hot day or your Cavvy just finished playing, you might notice some extra drool, and that’s alright!
Seeing or Smelling Food
Now, think about how your mouth waters when you smell a delicious meal cooking. Guess what? Your dog has the same reaction to food!
As a matter of fact, your furry best friend has 200 million scent receptors, compared to 400-500 that we have, no wonder they get watery mouths when smelling their favorite food.
When dogs see or smell something yummy, their brain tells their salivary glands to produce more saliva. This gets their digestive system ready for the tasty meal coming their way.
My baby Cavalier that I’ve recently adopted, Mayo, drools so much every time I open a bag of his favorite treats that at first I thought something might be wrong.
Response to an Exciting Stimulus
Lastly, your Cavalier might drool more when excited or looking forward to something fun, such as a walk or a play session.
It’s just their way of showing how thrilled they are when anticipating something they love. So, drooling that is linked to excitement levels in dogs is also completely normal.
How to Determine if Your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s Drooling is a Concern
If you’ve noticed that your Cavvy’s drooling a bit more than usual, it’s essential to keep an eye on it. Pay attention to any changes in their behavior, like a loss of appetite, panting, shaking, vomiting, gagging, lethargy, or anything else that seems out of the ordinary.
Drooling excessively can occasionally be a sign of a health issue, especially if it is present along with other symptoms. If that’s the case, don’t hesitate to reach out to your vet.
Let me share some common health issues that can cause excessive slobbering in dogs.
Dental Issue
Dental problems are pretty common in dogs, and they could be making your pup drool more.
Here are a few dental issues to watch out for:
- Periodontal disease
- Tooth decay
- Loose or broken teeth
Tummy Troubles
An upset stomach can also lead to more drooling. This could be due to anything from spoiled food or ingesting something they shouldn’t have to bacterial infections and parasites.
Keep an eye out for these additional symptoms of stomach issues:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Shaking
- Lethargy
- Gagging
- Licking of lips
Heatstroke and Dehydration
Heatstroke poses a significant risk to dogs, particularly brachycephalic breeds like Cavaliers. Their short snouts, combined with their long coats, make them more susceptible to overheating. They’re quite sensitive to hot weather, so be sure not to overexert them or leave them in a hot car.
Symptoms of heatstroke include:
- Rapid heart rate
- Lethargy or weakness
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Uncoordinated movements or collapse
Dehydration can happen when your pup loses more fluid than it’s taking in, causing an imbalance in its electrolytes. Dogs need to stay hydrated, just like we do!
If your Cavvy is dehydrated, you might notice:
- Dry nose and gums
- Sunken eyes
- Loss of skin elasticity
- Lethargy or weakness
- Panting
Allergies
You probably already know that dogs can have allergies. Your pet might be reacting to something in their environment, like pollen, mold, or even certain ingredients in their food.
If you suspect allergies are causing the excessive drooling, you’ll want to look for other signs, such as:
- Itchy skin
- Sneezing
- Runny eyes
- Swelling of the face
- Vomiting
- Obsessive licking
Related: Why Do Cavaliers Lick so Much?
Anxiety and Stress
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are prone to developing separation anxiety, which can lead to stress, which can further lead to drooling. However, stress might also happen if your Cavvy is feeling scared or nervous during a thunderstorm or a car ride.
Here are some other signs that your dog might be feeling anxious or stressed:
- Pacing
- Whining or barking
- Destructive behavior
- Hiding or cowering
Summing Up
In conclusion, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, like all dogs, may drool occasionally due to various factors such as excitement, the anticipation of food, or cooling off. However, excessive drooling is not a common trait of the breed.
Anyway, you should monitor your dog’s drooling and be aware of any additional symptoms that may signal a health concern. If you notice that your Cavalier is drooling excessively, it’s crucial to act promptly and consult with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.