With their big round eyes and those serious faces, Boxers are irresistible, especially if we’re talking about puppies. If your heart is set on getting yourself a Boxer, you want to know as much as possible about taking care of such a dog. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! We have the answer to your question.
Do Boxers drool? Boxers do tend to drool and slobber a lot. The primary reason Boxers are prone to drooling is that they are a Brachycephalic breed, meaning they have much shorter, flatter heads.
They are among the dogs that drool the most, although they are not the worst for it. However, not all dogs are created equal, even if they are of the same breed. Let’s have a look at why do Boxers drool and what you can expect if you get one.
There are many reasons why dogs drool. Some have to do with genetics and the shape of their head, while others are related to weather conditions, level of activity, or, indeed, the perspective of getting some yummy food. At the same time, excessive drooling can be the symptom of an underlying health problem that can affect all types of dogs, not just Boxers.
Table of Contents
Do Boxers Drool?
Brachycephalic dogs are prone to drooling.
Basically, all short-headed dog breeds, also known as brachycephalic, tend to drool anywhere from moderate to heavy.
The term brachycephalic refers to dogs bred specifically to have a flat face and short snouts. Bulldogs, Frenchies, Boston terriers, Bullmastiffs, Shi Tzus, and Boxers all belong in this category.
And, no, Boxers aren’t the greatest slobbers out there. This distinction goes to Saint Bernards, although Bulldogs are also great contenders to the title.
The irony of it is that while their distinctive appearance is what makes brachycephalic breeds so popular, it also causes them respiratory problems and makes them drool more than other dogs.
In other words, you want to have a cute pet that can surprise you with an almost human expression on his face, well, then you cannot blame the dog for making a mess with his drooling.
Brachycephalic dogs have several upper airway abnormalities, including short and narrow nostrils, which restrict normal airflow. This makes these dogs more susceptible to heat exhaustion, so Boxers don’t do that well in hot weather.
For dogs, drooling is a cooling mechanism. When a dog drools and pants, the evaporating saliva in his mouth helps him cool down and prevent overheating.
At the same time, they have a low tolerance for physical activity since they cannot breathe well enough to sustain vigorous exercise. However, this does not prevent them from having normal happy lives, but it might not be a good idea to take your Boxer along when you go jogging in the park.
Also, besides drooling, most short-headed dogs also snore! Better have your Boxer sleep in the other room if you want to have a peaceful night’s sleep!
How much do Boxers drool?
There’s no way you can tell that when you look at a puppy. Much of it depends on how will his head shape develops when he grows up, which won’t happen anytime soon. Boxers are known for a long puppyhood and won’t mature until they reach 24 months of age.
As far as drooling is concerned, the important thing is how do the dog’s lips curl when he becomes an adult.
When the lips tend to curl inwards, this will help catch a lot of salivae, which the dog will swallow rather than slobber all over your carpet.
On the other hand, if your grown-up pet’s lips tend to curl outward, there’s not much he can do to keep himself from making a mess.
This a trait your dog will inherit from his ancestors. If you’re getting your dog from a breeder, you can inquire about the puppy’s parents and ask to see them. In most cases, the mother, at least, will be on the premises, and you can examine her snout.
However, this is not a guarantee your dog will look exactly the same. Genetics is a complicated science, and your puppy might just as well inherit this trait from a more distant ancestor. But it’s worth a try!
Dealing with food slobbering
At the same time, rest assured dogs, Boxers included, don’t drool all the time. You can expect some slobbering on a hot day, after exercise, or in anticipation of meals.
Speaking of feeding time, Boxers with outward curling lips tend to be quite messy when they eat. Again, it’s not their fault.
Make sure to keep their food bowl away from the carpet in the living room. Serve his food in the kitchen or an area with ceramic floors that are easy to clean.
At the same time, teach your dog some dinner table manners, specifically the use of napkins.
Instead of letting the dog wipe his snout on your sofa, teach him to be patient and allow you to clean his snout with a wet wipe after dinner.
Luckily, Boxers are easy to train, especially if you keep it fun! Strict discipline is lost on a dog with a Boxer’s sense of humor, so make wiping his snout a fun time. He’ll love it!
Health-related drooling
Excessive drooling can be a symptom of various health conditions, from minor stomach issues to kidney disease and tumors.
However, with a young and healthy Boxer’s excessive drooling might be caused by fairly common problems, none of them serious.
- Teeth or gum problems
If your Boxer starts drooling a bit too much, you might want to take him in for a dental exam, especially if your pet doesn’t allow you to brush his teeth regularly, and flossing is out of the question. The mess your dog is making might be caused by a gum infection or a loose tooth.
Go to the vet’s, and since you’re there, you might want to book a full dental cleaning for your pet!
Tip: To avoid dental problems, don’t forget to offer your dog a big juicy bone to chew on from time to time. Chewing on bones, real ones, not the fake kind you find at the pet store, is a great way to promote oral health and keep your dog’s teeth clean and strong.
- Motion sickness
Now, you don’t want your pet slobbering all over your car seats, but many dogs suffer from motion sickness, which makes them drool more than usual. There’s no point in yelling at the dog.
If you want to be of help, schedule short but regular breaks, like 5 minutes every half-hour, to let your pet’s tummy calm down.
When you know you’re going to be on the road for many hours, you can give your pet Dramamine before getting in the car, but consult with your vet first.
- Heat exhaustion
As a result of their breathing problems, Boxers have a low tolerance for high temperatures. If the temperature in your area is over 85 degrees (29.5 C), you need to keep the dog inside for most of the day.
Schedule the daily walks to early morning or late in the evening. Taking the dog out in the middle of the day can lead to heat exhaustion, and excessive drooling is one of the first symptoms you’ll notice.
If you must go out while the sun’s scorching the earth, keep to the shade when walking or have the AC on in the car. Make sure to bring plenty of fresh water and a bowl for your pet. Also, your dog will appreciate some ice chips.
- Stress-related drooling
Another reason why dogs drool excessively is anxiety and stress. A trip to the dreaded vet might send your dog into a full-blown panic attack, and you can expect a lot of drooling, and your
Boxer won’t feel any remorse for ruining your car seats. It serves you right as far as he’s concerned.
If you discover your dog made a mess all over the house while you were out working, your dog is probably suffering from anxiety separation, which is common in puppies and young dogs. You need to train your pet to accept the fact that you’ll be gone for several hours every day.
On the other hand, senior dogs can also suffer from anxiety attacks brought on by their declining health, loss of mobility, and diminished senses. All of these are very confusing for your dog, and this can lead to depression, withdrawal, and excessive drooling.
Tips for cleaning after a drooling dog
Some people recommend tying a bandana or even a bib around the dog’s neck, and this can be a good idea for feeding time.
Long term, it is not a solution as you don’t want to risk leaving your dog wearing a garment that might get caught in something and choke your pup. Plus, you’ll still need to clean it daily!
Here’s what you can do:
⦁ Dry the dog’s snout with a clean towel after a walk or playing in the yard.
⦁ Feed your dog at least three hours prior to a car trip. The dog will drool more on a full stomach.
⦁ Clean drooling stains from the floor or walls with a half-water, half-vinegar solution.
⦁ Clean carpets, sofas, and other upholstered pieces of furniture with alcohol, as this evaporates quickly and won’t get into the fabric.
⦁ Make sure not to hug your pet after you’re fully dressed and ready to go if you don’t want to walk around all day with a drool stain on your jacket.
⦁ In case of accidents, use stain remover when you wash your clothes.
Key Takeaway
Boxers are moderate to heavy slobbers, and there’s nothing you or they can do about it. That’s the price you have to pay for having such a cute and fun-loving pet.
Yes, there will be the occasional mess to clean, but that’s part and parcel of being a dog owner, no matter what breed your pet is.
With a few precautions, like feeding the dog in the kitchen or outside and wiping his snout after exercise, your house won’t become a mess.
In case of excessive drooling, don’t assume that’s how Boxers are. Check with the vet to make sure your pet doesn’t have an underlying health issue.
Those big wet kisses might feel odd at first, but you’ll get used to them!