Our editorial team often hears from Bernese Mountain Dog owners wondering why their gentle giant drools so much. The short answer is that drooling is a normal trait for this breed, largely due to their loose, droopy lips and jowls, which don’t hold saliva as effectively as tighter-lipped breeds. However, excessive drooling can also signal excitement, heat, or health issues specific to Bernese Mountain Dogs.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are a large, working breed originally from Switzerland, where they were used for draft work and guarding. Their heavy jowls and moderate flews (the hanging part of the upper lip) naturally allow saliva to pool and drip, especially after drinking, during exercise, or when anticipating food. While some drool is expected, a sudden increase may warrant attention.
Breed Specific Anatomy and Drooling
Bernese Mountain Dogs have a distinct head shape with a broad muzzle and moderately loose lips, known as flews. This anatomy means they are not a ‘dry mouth’ breed; they naturally produce more saliva than breeds with tighter lips. The saliva helps with digestion and cooling, but gravity causes it to collect and drip, especially after they drink water or shake their head.
Compared to other large breeds like Saint Bernards or Bloodhounds, Bernese Mountain Dogs have less extreme jowls, so drooling is typically moderate. However, individual variation exists: some Berners drool very little, while others leave puddles. Factors like the exact shape of their lips and whether they have a particularly loose lower lip can increase drool.
If your Berner drools more than usual, consider if they are panting heavily after exercise or in hot weather. Bernese Mountain Dogs are prone to overheating due to their thick double coat and brachycephalic-like features (though not extreme), and drooling can be a cooling mechanism. Always provide fresh water and shade.
Common Behavioral and Health Triggers for Drooling
Excitement and anticipation are major drool triggers for Bernese Mountain Dogs. If your dog drools excessively when you prepare their food, when guests arrive, or before a walk, it is likely a conditioned response. Berners are food-motivated and eager to please, so they can start drooling just at the sight of a treat bag. This is normal and not a concern.
However, drooling can also signal health issues common in the breed. Bernese Mountain Dogs are prone to dental problems, oral tumors, and gastrointestinal upset. A sudden increase in drooling, especially if accompanied by bad breath, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, or lethargy, could indicate a dental abscess, a foreign object stuck in the mouth, or bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus). Bloat is a life threatening emergency in deep chested dogs like Berners, and drooling combined with a distended abdomen and retching requires immediate veterinary attention.
Heatstroke is another concern. Bernese Mountain Dogs have a thick coat and low heat tolerance. If drooling is paired with excessive panting, bright red gums, or collapse, move the dog to a cool area and seek emergency care. Motion sickness in the car can also cause drooling in some Berners, especially puppies.
Managing Drooling and When to Consult a Veterinarian
For most Bernese Mountain Dogs, drooling is a manageable part of life. Keep a drool rag handy, especially after meals and walks. Use a wide, shallow water bowl to minimize water sloshing and subsequent drool. Wipe your dog’s mouth and jowls after they drink to reduce wet floors. Some owners find that elevating food and water bowls helps, but consult your vet before making changes, as elevated feeding may increase bloat risk in large breeds.
It is important to distinguish normal drool from abnormal. Normal drool is clear and watery or slightly stringy. Abnormal drool may be thick, foamy, blood tinged, or have a foul odor. Also watch for changes in eating, swallowing, or behavior. If your Berner suddenly starts drooling more than usual with no obvious trigger, or if drooling is accompanied by other symptoms, schedule a veterinary checkup. Regular dental care and oral exams are crucial, as Bernese Mountain Dogs are prone to periodontal disease and oral masses.