Podcast Summary: "Why Do Dogs Drool?"
Who Smarted? - Educational Podcast for Kids
Release Date: August 15, 2025
Introduction: Meeting Bernie the Saint Bernard
In the episode titled "Why Do Dogs Drool?" from Who Smarted?, host Trusty introduces listeners to Bernie, a lovable Saint Bernard, while playing fetch at the park. Trusty's playful banter with Bernie sets the stage for an engaging exploration into the world of canine drooling. As Trusty jokes, “I heard cat, fish, guinea pig… but all wrong answers. Today I'm playing with a dog” [00:04], he seamlessly transitions into the main topic, highlighting his playful interaction with Bernie and sparking curiosity about why some dogs drool more than others.
Understanding Drooling: The Basics
Trusty opens the discussion by posing essential questions: “Why do dogs drool so much? And why are some dogs particularly slobbery?” [01:18]. Bernie humorously chimes in, “Drooling is just part of being a dog. Same as barking, sniffing, and chasing squirrels” [01:02], emphasizing that drooling is a natural behavior for all dogs, albeit more pronounced in certain breeds.
Breeds That Drool the Most
The podcast delves into which dog breeds are notorious for their drooling habits. Bernie lists, “Bloodhounds, Saint Bernards like me, and Mastiffs tend to drool the most” [03:33], followed by other breeds such as Newfoundlands and Bulldogs. Trusty engages the young audience with an interactive question: “Which dog breeds do you think drool the most?” [03:21], fostering an engaging learning environment.
Why Certain Breeds Drool More
Exploring the reasons behind excessive drooling, Trusty presents multiple-choice options and reveals, “their heads and lips are not structured to hold the amount of drool they make” [04:11]. Bernie adds, “While we may look adorable, the size and shape of our heads and lips is not good at holding and drool” [04:11], explaining the anatomical factors contributing to their drooling tendencies.
Managing Excessive Drooling
Addressing concerns from listeners with drooly dogs, Bernie suggests practical solutions: “A bandana or handkerchief tied around your dog's neck can… help to absorb the drool” [04:42]. Trusty humorously remarks, “A bandana looks way cuter on you, Bernie” [05:05], highlighting stylish yet functional ways to manage drool.
Drooling and Excitement
The conversation shifts to emotional triggers for drooling. Trusty states, “Dogs often drool when they get excited” [05:10], particularly about food. Bernie confirms, “Dogs aren't alone in that… when you walk past a pizzeria” [05:36], illustrating how anticipation of tasty treats can lead to increased drooling.
Health Implications of Drooling
Trusty and Bernie discuss when drooling might signal health issues. Bernie warns, “Sometimes too much drool can even mean there's something wrong with a dog's mouth” [06:13]. They explore various conditions, including car sickness and heatstroke, with Bernie explaining, “When dogs have heat stroke, they pant to cool off. All that panting causes extra drool” [09:50]. Trusty emphasizes the importance of veterinary care: “If you think your dog may be drooling because of any of these serious conditions, it is important to contact your vet” [10:17].
Safe Foods for Dogs
In an interactive segment, Trusty quizzes listeners on safe and unsafe foods for dogs. Items like onions, avocados (in large amounts), chocolate, and grapes are identified as unsafe, while eggs, carrots, blueberries, and bananas are deemed safe [08:26]. This playful game reinforces important safety information for pet owners.
Drooling: A Healthy Aspect for Dogs
Contrary to human perceptions, Bernie explains that drooling can be beneficial for dogs: “My drool acts as a moisturizer and keeps the skin on my mouth from getting too dry” [16:11]. Trusty adds, “Saliva helps people and dogs chew and digest their food” [16:40], highlighting the physiological advantages of saliva production in dogs.
Dogs vs. Cats: A Comparison
The episode includes a comparison between dogs and cats regarding drooling. When asked why cats don’t drool as much, Bernie states, “Dogs tend to be messier than cats because we push our tongues further down into a bowl of water” [17:37]. This comparison underscores the differences in drinking behaviors between the two species.
Human Health Considerations
Trusty and Bernie address the implications of dog drool on human health. Bernie cautions, “Bacteria can be found in the mouths of dogs and cats. And those germs can make people sick or cause allergic reactions” [15:58]. They advise washing hands or faces after being licked to maintain hygiene and prevent potential illnesses.
Conclusion: Embracing Dog Drool
Wrapping up the episode, Trusty acknowledges the dual nature of drooling: “While most people are fine getting a little dog drool or saliva on them, dog saliva can actually be healthy for dogs” [16:03]. Bernie reassures listeners that drooling doesn’t bother dogs, saying, “It doesn't bother dogs at all when we drool” [13:43]. The episode concludes with a light-hearted interaction, reinforcing the educational content with humor and warmth.
Key Takeaways:
- All Dogs Drool: While some breeds drool more due to their anatomy, all dogs produce saliva.
- Breed-Specific Drooling: Breeds like Saint Bernards, Bloodhounds, and Mastiffs are more prone to drooling.
- Health Indicators: Excessive drooling can signal health issues such as heatstroke, poisoning, or diseases.
- Managing Drool: Practical solutions include using bandanas or bibs to absorb drool.
- Healthy Aspects: Drooling aids in digestion, moisturizing the mouth, and reducing oral acidity for dogs.
- Human Precautions: Avoiding direct contact with large amounts of dog saliva is advisable due to potential bacteria.
Notable Quotes:
- Bernie: “Drooling is just part of being a dog. Same as barking, sniffing, and chasing squirrels.” [01:02]
- Trusty: “True or false, some dog breeds drool more than others. If you Said true. Nice job.” [02:50]
- Bernie: “If you said the dog is happy to see you, you're right… a dog's lick is not the same as a human's kiss.” [14:35]
- Bernie: “We sure can [be allergic to things].” [17:01]
Final Thoughts:
This episode of Who Smarted? effectively combines humor with educational content, making complex biological and health-related topics accessible and engaging for young listeners. The interactive segments and relatable dialogue between Trusty and Bernie not only entertain but also impart valuable knowledge about dog behavior and health, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for our canine companions.