Dog jowls not only add character and personality to some dog breeds, but they also offer many different functions like collecting more scents, protecting the mouth while swimming, acting as a protective cover.
So what are Dog Jowls?
Dog Jowls are loose flaps of skin and lips that hang on either side of the dog’s mouth. In addition to the extra skin, the dog’s jowls also contain a thin layer of fat and connective tissue.
All dogs have jolts or loose skin around the mouth, but only some breeds have clear, prominent jowls.
Also Read: Smegma Removal and Treatment: How to Clean Dog Smegma by Yourself
Although each dog has jowls, we mainly notice large, floppy, and droopy jowls, which are characteristic of some breeds. This type of meat acts as protection or aid to the dog while swimming.
Why do dogs have jowls?
The reason why your dog has jowls is due to the looseness of his skin and its ability to drop. With that said, some dogs are bred specifically to have big, loose jowls. One of them is the Pug. The Pug’s breed standard actually calls out for him to have droopy jowls.
Since Pug jowls are so characteristic of the breed, they are sometimes referred to as “Pug Puppies”.
Because they resemble the loose skin of a newborn puppy, they can be very cute. But some owners may find them excessively droopy, especially when their Pug isn’t looking his best.
They’re practically souvenirs of good times spent together, but all too often they can become unsightly hangers-on keeping two otherwise best friends apart.
Many describe jowls as being similar to hanging sausages or even elephant ears.
Jowls offer a number of potential benefits to dogs, including:
Makes eating easier
First, having skin that stretches on both sides of the mouth allows dogs to open their mouths wide to prevent food from falling out of their mouths and to eat and chew.
Helps to retain moisture
Jowls can help retain saliva in a dog’s mouth, making it less likely to dry out.
Provides protection
If one dog has prominent jolts, it is difficult to catch another dog’s face. This is due to Jowls’ unexpected movement while the dog is moving. Even if another dog catches the joule, the larger jowls will help protect the delicate internal structures.
Prevents water from leaking out
In most swimming breeds, dog jowls can help prevent excess water from entering the mouth and airways by trapping a large air bubble close to the mouth.
Helps with scent and tracking
Finally, Jowls can help disperse odors toward the nose while the dog sniffs the scent trail. It provides benefits to dogs that track odors or do other scent-focused work.
In many cases, large jowls are simply the result of human reproductive choices. Although Jowls has potential functional benefits, most people prefer the appearance of Droopy Dog Jowls. Therefore, breeders of certain breeds will, for generations, opt for dogs that have large and prominent jolts.
Common Problems with Dog Jowls
Dog jowls are made with skin folds. These skin folds often trap saliva, dog water, and moisture from the environment. Accumulation of this amount of moisture inside the skin folds can lead to bacterial and fungal (yeast) infections in some dogs.
Bacteria and yeast thrive in dark, humid places, making it ideal for droopy dog jowls and skin folds. These infections of Jowls — often referred to as Lipfold Dermatitis or Lipfold Poderma — can become Jowls swollen, red and painful. In severe cases, dogs may scratch at inflamed jaws until their skin bleeds.
In some dog breeds, large jowls are associated with dredging. This excessive drooling is caused by the accumulation of saliva and fluid in the skin folds of the jowls.
Dogs may leave traces of water as they walk away from their bowl of water or may often notice long strings of thick, rope saliva hanging from their jowls.
Although lazy dogs do not have a real medical problem (unless it leads to an infection), it can definitely be uncomfortable for most dog owners.
Jowls are also a common site of oral papillomavirus (pimples). Papillomae is caused by a virus that spreads between dogs; it is most common in dogs less than two years of age.
A dog with papillomavirus may have multiple pink, bumpy growths on the inside of the mouth or on the jaws.
In severely affected dogs, these papillomas can become painful and even start bleeding. Having large jowls does not increase the likelihood of a dog developing papillomavirus, but papillomas on the jaws are often evident.
Dog Jowls puffy red
If you notice that your dog Jowls is swollen, examine his mouth carefully. For example, check for any punctures from porcupines. If your dog has puffy red in his jolts it is also prone to an allergic attack.
Bumps, tumors, and dental problems are other causes of facial inflammation. If you notice that your dog Jowls is swollen, it may be time to visit your veterinarian.
Dog Jowls are falling to one side
If your dog is only on one side even though the nets are falling, some nerve in your dog’s face may be damaged.
If you notice that one side of your dog’s jowls is falling off, you should definitely bring it to the vet. Your veterinarian will check if your dog’s physical injury, ear infections can actually affect the dog’s facial nerves or impair low thyroid function.
Dog Jowls Bleeding
The first thing to do to check if your dog Jowls is bleeding is to see if he has cut anything. Depending on the severity of the incision, he may need to see a veterinarian.
Other causes of bleeding include lip fold dermatitis, objects stuck in your dog’s mouth, or gum disease.
Itching and Dry Dog Jowls
If your dog has itchy and dry jaws, lip fold dermatitis may be the culprit. He may have indulged in harsh cleaning products or things that could cause mouth irritation such as allergies.
Skin conditions can also cause your dog’s jaws to become dry or itchy, as well as bacterial infections.
If you notice your dog scratching his jowls and they are dry, take him to the vet nearby. Your veterinarian will ask if there are any other symptoms, such as changes in appetite and behavior, to help alleviate the problem.
Cleaning dog Jowls
Dog Breeds that are high in jowls material, in particular, need regular cleaning to prevent infections.
Dogs can be very uncomfortable touching or holding around the mouth, but pre-desensitization can help with that.
Start really slowly and work with positive reinforcement to create a good supplement with Mouth Cleaning.
Get some delicious treats and start by touching your dog’s mouth only once, and then hand out the reward.
Repeat each step several times and begin massaging the jowls while feeding small pieces.
Depending on your dog, desensitization can take a few hours or two. Be really patient and gentle and understand that your dog may refuse to touch.
For routine and normal cleaning, you will need a clean piece of cloth and pet dental spray. Dip one end of cloth into warm water, pausing between layers to allow them to dry. Apply dental spray according to instructions and you are done.
After this, you can use wrinkle wipes to smooth and clean the skin folds.
To keep your dog’s mouth clean on a daily basis, you can use a little water additive.
For extra prevention, remove the extra hair around the jowls occasionally and brush your dog’s teeth regularly.
If you are feeding your dog raw food, clean it after he has eaten raw meat.
Final Thoughts
Dog jowls are beautiful, no doubt about it. And more than that, they provide an important benefit for your dog.
But they also need proper care. Brushing your dog’s teeth often reduces the risk of oral and dental problems. And keeping his jowls clean can lead to irritation and infection.
Infections, nerve damage, and allergies can be very painful and uncomfortable for your dog. That is why you need to take care of his oral health and keep his jowls clean.
Try to start handling his mouth as soon as possible in his life and have a lot of treats on hand. Your dog may not like it, but he is healthy and happy and can get healthy!
