Expert: Delores Beck - 7/7/2011

Question
Hi, my purebred Cocker Spaniel, Belle, has been drooling like crazy for the past year. She is a very sweet dog and I really don't want to get rid of her, but my whole family is disgusted just looking at her. The drool stinks and is EVERYWHERE in my house.
Our vet and his assisstant told us this, and ear infections, are common in Cockers. She has had four teeth removed and it got better for a while after... and then it came back.
On the other hand, my uncle is a Cocker breeder and he says he has never seen drooling like this in a dog. We got Belle from him two years ago.
We have tried using Listerine to clean her mouth and get rid of the stink, but the drool overrules it. I desperately need help to get rid of this problem...

Answer
Don't use Listerine.  Try mixing a small container of half water/half plain white vinegar.
Dip a small cloth in it, squeeze cloth lightly and wipe off her lips inside & out.



Are you brushing her teeth?  If not, you need to start.  I'm shocked your vet didn't tell you that.  Do not use human toothpaste.

What are you feeding her?

Doesn't sound like your vet offered much advice.