Being a pet parent you know dogs drool for easy digestion. But, when a normal habit turns into an abnormal one, it automatically drags your attention toward it. Right?
Key Takeaways
- Drooling is normal in dogs, but excess drooling needs to draw the vet’s attention.
- Medical reasons such as dental issues, upper respiratory infections, and ingesting any toxic ingredients can cause excessive drooling signs in your canine.
- Most dog breeds drool excessively, and it’s natural.
For new pet parents or soon-to-be ones, it’s very important for them to get prepared for such scenarios also, where they will encounter their pooch’s weird behavior.
Let’s not waste time, and learn more in detail.
Is It Normal for Dogs to Drool?
Drooling is normal in dogs, it’s just the salivary glands in their mouth or neck, which produces saliva for digestion. Your fido will show up with drooling signs, when they see any treat, are hungry, or are in the mood of munching something from your plate.[1]
There are many breeds with large upper lips, they will usually drool more as compared to other breeds.
However, if your canine doesn’t fall under such breed category, and still shows up with excessive drooling, then you need to closely monitor him.
Plus, we recommend you check out the reason behind his excessive drooling, and observe other symptoms as well for speedy treatment of your furry pal.
Reasons Behind Too Much Drooling of Your Pooch
As we have discussed already, drooling is common in dogs, but that doesn’t mean you will count excessive drooling as a normal body sign.
“Excessive drooling in dogs (also known as hypersalivation) can indicate a serious or even life-threatening situation, especially if your dog has other symptoms.“
If your furry pal is showing up with excessive drooling signs and other symptoms also, then surely means he needs vet attention to control it.
We have jotted down some of the possible reasons behind your fido’s abnormal drooling. Keep reading to gain knowledge about your fido’s drooling habit.
1. Dental Issue
Well, dental issues are common in dogs, and the most common dental issues found in them are periodontal disease and fractured teeth.
If your fido has gum issues or a problem with their teeth, they cannot chew the food or something, you will often encounter him drooling. So, yeah, the dental issue is one of the reasons behind his excessive drooling.
Furthermore, if your furry pal is having a bad dental issue then you will also notice blood in their saliva when they are drooling. Take him to the vet on an urgent basis to avoid future health complications.
2. Might Have Something in His Mouth
Your fido might be facing excessive drooling because he might have eaten something, which he shouldn’t like a toy, twig, or stick. In such a scenario, consult the vet immediately for recovery, so that they can remove the stuck object and provide relief to your furry pal.
3. Heat Stroke
In one of the research it has been observed where PetMD explained, “Heatstroke is the most severe condition in a spectrum of heat-related illnesses. The first sign a dog may be developing heat-induced illness is typically heat cramps, characterized by muscle spasms.”
So, yeah as we know, dogs pant themselves to calm down, and heavy panting leads to drooling action. During heat, exhaustion canines show heavy panting and excessive drooling signs. Apart from drooling they also show up lethargy and inactivity. Even they collapse when encountering bad heatstroke.
In such circumstances, it is advisable to not try any home remedy and to take him to the vet on an urgent basis.
4. Due to Poisoning/Toxin
One of the possible reasons behind excessive drooling could be your furry pal has ingested toxic plants, or hazardous things, which is not good for his health.[2]
In such cases, it is advisable to take him to the vet for speedy treatment. Apart from excessive drooling signs, your fido will show up with other signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, stomach ache, etc.
All these are indicators that he needs urgent treatment, so don’t waste time applying the home remedies.
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Phone Number: (888) 426-4435
5. Might Be Under Stress or Anxiety
Noise anxiety is very common in dogs, and they often encounter this phobia in their life. Being pet parents, you give your best, so that no such loud noises can bother your furry pal. But, in a few circumstances, you also cannot help it, or do anything for your furry pal.
For instance, you might have encountered a situation, where your fido hides under the bed/furniture, start barking, or drooling whenever he listens to loud noise, like fireworks or loud music.
Along with drooling, they also show up with weird body language, which is an indication, that he is not liking the loud music, and he is getting anxiety attacks.
Note:- Try to know the reason behind his anxiety/stress factor, and resolve it to control his drooling, and other unwanted behavior.
6. Upper Respiratory Infection
Could be because he might be suffering from an upper respiratory infection. In other words, dogs experience excessive drooling when their nose, and throat, are affected, suffering from severe cold, sinus, and other respiratory issues.[3]
Furthermore, respiratory infection is mainly observed in the case of indoor dogs because they don’t get much fresh air. Mostly, surrounded by dust particles, which cannot be seen through the naked eye. Plus, he can easily get allergies from other pets.
If you notice any such symptoms or odd behavior of your fido. Then it will be wise if you take him to the vet immediately for a speedy recovery from excessive drooling.
7. Breeding
One of the possible reasons behind too much drooling by your dog could be that he might belong to a specific breeding category, which naturally drools more than as compared to other breeds.
They don’t need any health issues, or mood swings, it’s natural for them to drool excessively.
Here, are the top ten dog breeds that drool the most:
- Saint Bernard
- Dogue de Bordeaux
- Bloodhound
- Bulldog
- Newfoundland
- Neapolitan Mastiff
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- Bullmastiff
- Boxer
- Great Dane
If you have any of the above breeds, then you can’t do much about your fido’s drooling nature.
But, if he doesn’t belong to any of the categories then look for other reasons, which have already been discussed, and take action accordingly for better prevention of too much drooling.
Treatment Tips for Excessive Drooling
After exploring the logical reasoning behind your fido’s excessive drooling sign. Now, let’s look at the possibilities, which can guide you to deal with the situation.
Firstly, find out the reason behind his excessive drooling, if it’s related to medical issues such as dental problems, heat stroke, upper respiratory infection, or ingesting any toxic ingredients.
In such a case, immediately take him to the vet clinic, and let them examine him. After diagnosis, follow the vet’s advice strictly, give him a planned diet, and prescribed medicine on time for a speedy recovery of your fido.
Secondly, if your fido’s excessive drooling sign is because he might have ingested something wrong, or is under stress/anxiety. For such a scenario, we will recommend you take him to the vet, and not try any home remedy.
However, to overcome his stress or anxiety, you can try from your side by showering love, care, and time. Still, if he is not feeling good, then it’s better to seek a vet’s advice, and treat him accordingly.
Why Do Dogs Drool Around Other Dogs?
You must have also caught the moments when your fido drools around the other dogs. And that might have surprised you many times. Right?
Well, the reason behind his drooling behavior is that he might be happy to see a companion/friend to play with or goof around with. As per AKC “Tartar buildup and irritation of the gums can also lead to drooling, as can an infection in the mouth.”
Or, it is also possible that he doesn’t like the vibe of the other dog, and gets anxious due to his presence. Your fido might be feeling that his life is in danger, or the other dog could take his place in the house, etc.
So, these are the two possible reasons behind your fido’s mouth getting raining, which shows up drooling signs.
FAQs
Why does the dog drool in the car?
As we know, dogs do get anxious when they are taken out for driving, even though it’s tough to take them for check-ups. This is because dogs have motion sickness, and they start drooling, barking, whining, or show up other signs of agitation.
Do dogs drool when they are sick?
Yes, it has been observed that fido’s drool, when they are sick. Basically, if they are suffering from digestion issues, they will show up symptoms such as diarrhea, loss of appetite, vomiting, etc. So, if you encounter any such symptoms it’s time to take him for a check-up.
Is excessive drooling in dogs an emergency?
Well, in a few cases, where the reason is unknown behind sudden excessive drooling in dogs is considered an emergency. So, it is suggested to take quick action and consult the vet to avoid any health complications.
Contents
Also if you have a cat in your house, and want to know why does your cat drool, go checkout the article from CatLovesBest.
References:
- Niza, M. E., Ferreira, R. L., Coimbra, I. V., Guerreiro, H. M., Felix, N. M., Matos, J. M., … & Vilela, C. L. (2012). Effects of pine processionary caterpillar Thaumetopoea pityocampa contact in dogs: 41 Cases (2002–2006). Zoonoses and public health, 59(1), 35-38.
- Barko, P. (2019). Drooling. In BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Gastroenterology (pp. 56-59). BSAVA Library.
- Berendt, M., & Gram, L. (1999). Epilepsy and seizure classification in 63 dogs: a reappraisal of veterinary epilepsy terminology. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 13(1), 14-20.
When it comes to dogs, Julia ignores nothing. Being an animal behaviorist, dog trainer and a dog parent she knows exactly how even a tiny change in a dog’s surroundings and diet can leave dogs disturbed for a longer duration. Hence, she always makes sure to review for us only the best products for dogs out there.
