Final answer:
The mandibular gland is the easily palpable salivary gland in dogs and cats, located beneath the lower jaw, contributing to the production of saliva for initial digestion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The only easily palpable major salivary gland of the dog and cat is the mandibular gland. This gland can be felt beneath the lower jaw, or mandible, and is known for secreting saliva that helps in the initial stages of digestion. In contrast, the other salivary glands such as the parotid gland, located near the ears, the sublingual gland under the tongue, and the zygomatic gland (in cats) are not as easily palpable during a physical examination.
The mandibular gland secretes a mixture of watery and mucous saliva through the submandibular ducts into the oral cavity. This assists not only in moistening the food but also in the preliminary digestion of carbohydrates due to the presence of salivary amylase. While all salivary glands work in concert to maintain oral health and initiate digestion, the mandibular gland is particularly noticeable in a veterinary examination due to its size and location.