Excessive Drooling in Dogs

Dogs, like humans, produce a liquid in their mouths called saliva. Saliva has antibacterial compounds, electrolytes and enzymes that benefit overall health. Saliva is good as it decreases the amount of germs in the mouth but excessive production of saliva is not normal.

When excessive saliva is produced, your dog doesn’t swallow it all and it overflows the mouth causing your dog to drool.

Typical Reason your Dog is Drooling a Lot

There are many causes of excessive drooling in dogs. If your dog is drooling more than normal it may be wise to get a vet involved. The causes of your dog drooling a lot can range in severity so it is best to get a vets professional opinion.

Dental Problems Causing Dog to Drool

The most common cause of drooling in dogs is dental disease. If your dog has a problem with his teeth or gums, excessive drooling will be the first sign of the problem.

Dog Drooling because of Food

If your dog is drooling as a response to food then there is nothing to worry about. Dogs, like humans, will salivate when they smell food that is appealing to them. This is a natural reaction. Similarly, dogs drool excessively when they get excited.

On the other hand if your dog is drooling as a reaction to eating something they shouldn’t, then it is worth investigating further. If your dog is drooling excessively and there is a chance that he ate something toxic contact a vet immediately. Many household chemicals and some plants are toxic to dogs so it is best to keep them away from anything that might harm them.

Nausea and Dog Drooling

When a dog feels nauseous his salivary glands go into overdrive. Your dog can become nauseous for a number of reasons including GI problems, respiratory problems and even car sickness. Dogs that get car sickness will drool excessively when in that situation.

Something Trapped in Dogs Mouth

Your dog may drool a lot if there is something stuck in his mouth. A common cause of drooling in dogs is having something stuck between their teeth across the roof of their mouth.

Dog Drooling when Anxious

Dogs will drool excessively when they are anxious. This may be accompanied by your dog shaking, pacing, heavy breathing and loss of bladder control.

Other Signs to Look out for in addition to Drooling

To properly diagnose the reason for your dogs drooling it is best to be on the lookout for other signs of discomfort or changes in your dog’s behavior.

Here are some signs that may be accompanied by your dogs drooling:

Decreased Appetite

Decreased appetite is a symptom that is commonly accompanied by drooling in dogs. Loss of appetite can come about for many reasons. If your dog has stomach problems or is nauseous then they will experience a decreased appetite.

Mouth injuries and dental issues may also decrease your dogs appetite.

Changes in Eating

For similar reasons to the above, dogs may change their eating habits. If your dog has a mouth injury they may be more cautious when eating as to not aggravate the pain. They may angle their head to position their food on the uninjured side of their mouth.

Changes in Behaviour

Along with your dogs excessive drooling you may see behaviour changes. When dogs are uncomfortable or in pain their behaviour can change dramatically. Some dogs will hide away and others may become aggressive. These behavioural changes are commonly seen in dogs with arthritis.

Pawing at Face

Dogs with pain in their mouth will sometimes try to alleviate the pain by rubbing their nose with their paw or rub their nose along the floor.

Treatments for Excessive Drooling in Dogs

The treatment that your dog will need will depend on what is causing the drooling in the first place. Some conditions are quick fixes but others are more difficult to cure. It is best to size up the severity of your dogs symptoms and if you are unsure seek the advice of a professional. Certain situations should be seen as an emergency for which you should call your vet immediately.