Dog drooling is a very common occurrence. 

While you probably don’t need to rush your dog to the vet at the first sign of heavy drooling, if the issue persists, consulting with your local vet isn’t a bad idea.

In this post, we’ll look at why dogs drool, whether it’s normal for them to drool, how you should help them, and when to contact your veterinarian.

What Are the Causes of Dog Drooling?

Dental Issues

The most common cause of salivation is dental disease. If your dog has gum tissue disease or dental problems, it often starts dripping. 

Excessive salivary flow is more common in dogs who have tooth decay, mouth ulcers, gum disease, or other ailments that cause mouth aches, particularly after eating. Dogs will also drool before vomiting, as is the case with humans. 

It’s the Food

Dogs can also drool excessively when they are waiting for food. Even dogs who don’t drool all the time can drool while expecting to be fed.

Issues Related to Stomach and Digestion

An upset stomach, whether it’s nausea or an upset stomach, can also cause severe drooling in dogs. 

If your dog’s esophagus (the tube that carries food into the stomach) is misshapen or has nerve problems, it can cause excessive leakage.

Infections related to respiration

If your dog has a nose, sinus, or throat infection, it can also make him drool. Drooling can also be a sign that your dog has ingested a toxin or poison, or is suffering from heatstroke. 

Humidity

Heatstroke can lead to salivation when the dog is breathing heavily while trying to cool off. Heatstroke and drooling can occur in dogs who are left in the sunlight or who are roaming without drinkable water. Water can also get into this flabby skin after drinking. Despite the fact that this disease does not necessitate medical assistance, dog owners instantly understand the usefulness of drooling wipes.

While these conditions are likely to have other signs as well, any change in whether your dog is seriously salivating is worth considering.

Too Much Stress

Some dogs also drool due to stress-if they are nervous or anxious, the increased frequency of dripping may be a subtle sign that they are feeling uncomfortable. 

Shortness of breath and open-mouth breathing are signs of anxiety and can make your dog drool. If your dog is drooling due to stress, you can try to make him as comfortable as possible to reduce his anxiety in certain situations.

Breeds

Some dogs have a mouth that makes normal saliva production seem excessive because the anatomy of the mouth allows fluid to escape. Mastiffs, St. Bernards, and hounds have a reputation for drooling more than other dogs because their upper lip is wider, which causes saliva to accumulate in the mouth.

When Things Get Stuck

If an object gets stuck in its mouth, it will start to drool. If your dog is drooling due to a trauma to the mouth, a build-up, or a foreign body, salivation will not stop until the physical condition improves or the object/build-up is removed. 

Anything that prevents your dog from swallowing properly can lead to salivation as saliva builds up until it starts to flow out of the mouth.

Poisonous Food

Tulips, azaleas, and chrysanthemums are examples of common plants that might make your dog not just drool but also unwell. Keep them out of your dog’s access. Venomous frogs, toads, crabs, and spiders are also possible for your dog to lick or consume. Make sure they don’t consume these venomous beings.

Other Health Conditions

Drooling can also be caused by a variety of less prevalent causes. Dribbling can be caused by an infection or obstruction in your dog’s salivary glands, however, it can also be a warning of liver damage or, more severely, kidney failure.

Extreme drooling can also be caused by a tumor inside the mouth, which could be malignant, in elderly pets. These growths might be benign. As in, they are dead but aren’t infectious, or sometimes they can be deadly spreading to all body parts.

When to Take Them to the Veterinarian? 

 When your dog has excessive, unusual, or other symptoms, it could be a sign that something needs your veterinarian’s attention.

If your dog is salivating and exhibiting other symptoms, you must contact your veterinarian straight away because this could indicate an underlying condition. 

If your dog starts to drool or is drooling worse than usual, this could be a sign that he needs a check-up or even veterinary treatment.

Here are some potential causes of excessive salivation in dogs for you to discuss during your vet visit. 

Many pet owners are oblivious to signs of excessive salivation, which could indicate something deeper regarding your dog’s well-being. 

Drooling persistently in dogs that do not normally drool can become an indication of a health concern, so keep an eye on your dog if he or she is drooling a lot or more than expected.

Of course, there are times when excessive salivation in these breeds is abnormal, so it is a good idea to monitor your dogs’ normal salivation levels so that you can spot any problems if they arise.

Your veterinarian will begin the analysis into the source of your dog’s salivation with a comprehensive medical assessment, giving special attention to the oral cavity.

 A basic oral cavity evaluation can provide a diagnosis and treatment program. If none of that looks to be the origin of the drooling, the veterinarian may recommend blood testing, x-rays, or another diagnostic testing.

Once the cause is identified, the veterinarian will decide to treat the underlying problem so that the dog’s excessive salivation can be properly dealt with. 

Final Thoughts

Keep an eye on your dog’s drooling and behavior. Always get guidance from your veterinarian if your dog has been or is drooling excessively. They can then determine whether a consultation is necessary to assess your dog and provide the best medical care. We hope this post has helped you figure out how to cope with your dog’s drooling condition.