Dog Flews - What Are they & Why Do They Matter?
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Dog Flews - Not a story about canine aviation!
Have you ever admired a dog’s droopy lips as they chow down on a meal or let out a big, slobbery shake? Those flappy, often overlooked parts of a dog’s mouth have a name—flews!
Flews refer to the loose, hanging skin around a dog's upper lips, especially prominent in breeds like Bloodhounds, Boxers, and Mastiffs. While they might seem like just an aesthetic quirk, flews actually serve a critical purpose.
Functionality Beyond the Droop
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Moisture Management: Flews help contain saliva, aiding in keeping the mouth lubricated. While that may sound great, it also explains why drooly breeds can leave puddles everywhere!
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Scent Trapping: Dogs rely heavily on their sense of smell, and their flews play a surprising role in trapping scent particles, especially when sniffing the ground during tracking. Bloodhounds, for example, use their oversized flews to catch and funnel scents toward their nose, making them exceptional at search-and-rescue work.
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Food Control: Ever seen a dog eat with what seems like zero regard for cleanliness? Flews help somewhat in managing food intake by redirecting bites toward their teeth—though in some breeds, they just make mealtime extra messy.
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Communication Aid: Flews can contribute to a dog’s expression, subtly changing shape depending on their mood. Ever notice a dog’s lips tightening when they’re alert or flaring when they’re excited? That’s their flews in action!
The Downside of Flews
While they’re helpful, flews can come with challenges. Because they create folds and crevices, they can become breeding grounds for bacteria and yeast if not kept clean, leading to irritation, bad breath, and even infections. Regular wiping and monitoring for redness or odor can prevent these issues—especially for breeds with exaggerated flews.
So, whether they’re helping with sniffing, slobbering, or adding to a dog’s goofy expressions, flews are more than just floppy lips—they’re a fascinating feature with real function! Next time you see a drooly pup, you’ll know their flews are working hard behind the scenes.