I think you will agree with me when I say, nobody likes a drooling dog. Well, it turns out, not all dog breeds will drool the same amount. But what about Bloodhounds? In today’s post, I am going to explain what you can expect with this particular hound breed so you know exactly what to expect should you decide to get one.

So, do bloodhounds drool? Bloodhound dogs do drool, and heavily. In fact, they are one of the most slobbery breeds: they’re often referred to as ‘Slobberhounds’. They are known for spreading long lines of drool everywhere because of their deep lips, which store lots of saliva. With his long muzzle, a Bloodhound can turn his head to send his drool as far as twenty feet!

Likely not the news you were hoping for, especially if you had your heart set on this breed.

That being said, drooling shouldn’t be a reason not to get one. They’re terrific dogs with great temperaments, after all.

But you need to know when they are likely to drool, and then how you can proactively minimize the dribbles.

So, here’s everything you’ll want to know.

When Are Bloodhounds Likely To Drool?

Bloodhounds are most likely to drool when excited, particularly in the anticipation of food or something else they enjoy. However, they can also drool as a result of medical issues or if they have ingested something that doesn’t quite agree with them.

Like all dogs, there are times when your Bloodhound will be particularly slobbery.

Most of the time, his drool is nothing to worry about, but you do want to be aware of some instances where he might need veterinary attention.

If He’s About To Get A Treat

Bloodhounds, as well as other dog breeds, will drool when they think they’re about to get a treat.

It doesn’t have to be food, either. A treat can be your dog anticipating playtime, a walk, cuddles, or something else that he really enjoys.

Bloodhounds are renowned for their incredible sense of smell – even when compared to other dog breeds – so your Bloodhound will probably smell the food you’re about to give him even before you’ve finished opening the bag!

Sounds will have your Bloodhound drooling, too.

If he hears you picking up your keys and knows this means it’s time for a walk, be prepared for those strings of drool.

If He Has A Health Problem

Some health problems can give rise to excess drool. It’s worth knowing about these so that you can anticipate your dog’s needs if he’s unwell and get him treatment when necessary.

Common Health Issues that Cause Excess Drool

Here are some examples of health problems that cause more drool than normal:

If he’s ingested something poisonous or inedible. Dogs will sometimes eat things they shouldn’t, so sometimes all that drool means your dog is trying to digest something dangerous or just inconvenient. Puppies are particularly prone to eating anything when they are exploring their world with their mouths. Your dog could have something stuck in his mouth, throat, or in between his teeth: the drool is his way of trying to dislodge whatever it is.
If he has an allergic reaction. Sometimes lots of drool can be an allergic reaction. Dogs, like humans, can be allergic not only to food but also to grass, mold, pollen and other environmental substances.
If he has a tumor or other type of growth. Tumors or growths, even malignant ones, can cause more slobber than normal.
If he’s feeling uncomfortable. Discomfort can cause excess drool, such as when your dog is too hot or is perhaps feeling sick to his stomach. Bloodhounds do best in colder climates, so they are more prone to feeling the effects of the heat than some other breeds.
If there’s something wrong with his teeth or gums. Dental problems are the most common medical cause of excess drool. It can be anything from an infected tooth to swollen gums or too much tartar on the teeth.

Note: One health condition that Bloodhounds are more vulnerable to than other breeds that can cause excess drool is called Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus). Bloat is caused by too much activity before or after eating or drinking too much water straight after a meal. Bloat is life-threatening, so you’ll want to know the signs and symptoms.

When To Contact Your Vet

Excess drool shouldn’t be a concern most of the time, especially with your naturally slobbery Bloodhound. However, if you notice anything unusual, get in touch with your vet as soon as possible:

If your dog’s mouth is swollen, or you notice any other swellings or growths
If your dog suddenly eats less than usual, paws at his food, or drops it from his mouth
If your dog shows any signs of weakness or a lack of coordination
If your dog has quickly lost weight
If your dog starts throwing up, or his drool smells particularly bad or has brown or red traces in it
If your dog displays itchiness, swollen or red eyes, sneezing, red or inflamed skin, or diarrhea (these are some common signs of an allergic reaction)

Do All Bloodhounds Drool A Lot?

All Bloodhounds do drool quite a bit, although there are some instances where they are even more (or less) slobbery. It turns out that both younger and older Bloodhounds are most likely to drool.

Younger Bloodhounds

Bloodhound puppies are known for being into everything. You will need to puppy-proof your home and keep a keen eye on your little Bloodhound pup.

These dogs have been known to swallow batteries and TV remotes!

Because they are more prone to swallowing things they shouldn’t, Bloodhound puppies can drool more simply because their bodies are trying to expel what they’ve ingested.

If you suspect your Bloodhound has eaten something like a battery or a remote, you’ll want to get him to the vet immediately. He won’t be able to eliminate it by himself!

Like all puppies, younger bloodhounds are also more likely to get excited about anything and everything.

Excitement is a major cause of drool, so be prepared for a lot of extra slobber when your Bloodhound is little.

And then there could be teething too.

Senior Bloodhounds

Senior Bloodhounds can be more prone to drooling because they are more likely to be affected by health issues such as growths or dental problems.

Bloodhound Drooling Compared To Other Dogs

Bloodhounds are heavy droolers, much more so than most other dog breeds.

Dog Breeds That Drool The Most

In this list of the top ten droolers, you’ll see that Bloodhounds come in at number three:

Saint Bernard. Saint Bernards are the number one heaviest droolers.
French Mastiff (Dogue de Bordeaux). French Mastiffs are brachycephalic (they have short noses, which often bring breathing problems).
Bloodhound. Most of us associate Bloodhounds with their tracking skills, but they do bring their drool along with them.
English or British Bulldog. Another short-nosed breed known for slobbers.
Newfoundland. These Canadian dogs are big, friendly, and slobbery.
Neapolitan Mastiff. Like Bloodhounds, Neapolitan Mastiffs make excellent pets for families.
Bernese Mountain Dog. Bernese Mountain Dogs are large, fluffy, and sweet-tempered.
Bullmastiff. Like the Bloodhound, this breed has lots of folds in its skin.
Boxer. Boxers are short-nosed dogs that are known for being entertaining.
Great Dane. Great Danes, despite their size, can be relaxed and easy to please.

Types of Drooling

Here are some classifications of types of drooling. With a Bloodhound, you can expect lots of extra heavy variety, including flings of drool across the room!

Low-level drooling: This is when your dog gets up from his resting place, and you notice he’s left a wet patch behind where the drool has dribbled out as he’s sleeping or chilling.
Moderate-level drooling: This level gives rise to bubbles of saliva as well as patches of moisture on your dog’s mouth. You may notice these bubbles when your dog is awake as well as when he’s asleep.
Heavy drooling: Heavy drooling is considered to be when you see the drool leave your dog’s mouth and make its way to your floor, furniture, or clothes.
Extra-heavy drooling: Common for Bloodhounds, extra-heavy drooling will mean your dog will splatter saliva anywhere within 20 feet of his lovely muzzle. Even when your Bloodhound is sitting quietly, you’ll notice lines of drool pouring from his wrinkly and deep jowls.

How Do I Stop My Bloodhound From Drooling?

Because of the shape of your Bloodhound’s mouth, you’ll never be able to stop him drooling completely. His loose jowls just can’t hold in the saliva that builds up in his mouth.

However, there are a few ways to handle the drool more effectively so that your clothes, furniture, and floor aren’t covered in quite so much saliva.

Look After Your Bloodhound’s Teeth

You can do a lot to help your Bloodhound’s teeth so that you’ve got one less reason for excess drool. Here’s how:

Check your dog has both wet and dry food (and that the dry food is good for his teeth)
Offer your Bloodhound dental chews (instead of more slobbery treats)
Use dental additives in your dog’s water that prevent the buildup of tartar (make sure it’s designed specifically for dogs)
Brush your dog’s teeth regularly (easier said than done!) Ensure you use doggie toothpaste – human toothpaste can be toxic for dogs
Bring your dog to the vet for regular checks

Arm Yourself With A Bib Or A Mat

You can find clever solutions for mopping up drool that don’t always involve you getting your hands wet.

You can buy doggie bibs or just tie a jaunty bandanna around your dog’s neck (make sure it’s comfortable for your dog).

Make sure your dog has a washable mat or old towel wherever he sleeps, sits, or rests. Have several on hand so that you can change them regularly.

You will definitely want some mats or towels in your car!

Trainers use drool rags: they wipe around the inside of their dog’s mouth before showtime.

By doing this yourself, you can buy ten minutes or so of drool-free time. Perhaps you can use that time to introduce your dog to visitors, knowing they’ll stay dry.

Once your dog has met your visitors, you can train him to go and rest in his favorite place. As he calms down, his drool will lessen (somewhat).

Reduce Food Temptation For Your Dog

Your Bloodhound will be very excited (and therefore extra slobbery) if he is sitting next to you while you eat or while you’re preparing food.

You might want to put your Bloodhound in your yard while you make food. Ensure you keep an eye on him, though: Bloodhounds are known to be excellent escape artists!

They love following an enticing scent, and they can do this for over 130 miles!

You can fill his dog bowl while he’s outside and then feed him when he comes in.

Make Sure Your Bloodhound Is Comfortable

Because Bloodhounds are more susceptible to heat than other breeds, you’ll want to keep your dog comfortable during warm weather.

Use air conditioning or similar to keep temperatures down, and avoid exercising your Bloodhound during the hottest parts of the day.

Make sure he has plenty of fresh water available, too.

Finally

‘Slobberhounds’.

Not quite the nickname you would want, right?

But it does appear to be an accurate description of this breed.

So if drool and slobber is not something you think you could handle or put up with, you may need to consider another breed.

However, if you are willing to accept, and are able to proactively implement strategies to minimize and prevent it from being an issue, then there is no reason why a Bloodhound will not make a terrific companion.

Want to continue researching drooling in dogs? Then my other guides may be of interest:

Jeremy Williams

I am an experienced pet owner with decades of experience owning a number of different pets, from traditional pets like dogs and cats, to the more exotic like reptiles and rodents. I currently own a Cockapoo (pictured) called Bailey. I am also the main writer and chief editor here at Pet Educate; a site dedicated to sharing evidence-based insights and guidance, based on my vast pet ownership knowledge, experience, and extensive research.

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