Dogs drool. It’s just something they do.
But sometimes, dogs drool a lot more than usual, and owners can start to wonder why. Is their dog sick? Why is he drooling so much?
Well, if you’re a dog owner and if you’ve ever wondered why your dog is drooling so much, you’re not alone. While it’s normal for dogs to drool occasionally, excessive drooling can be a sign of a problem. In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the most common causes of excessive drooling in dogs, and we’ll offer some tips on how to deal with it. So if your dog is dripping saliva all over the floor, keep reading! You may find the answers you’re looking for.
Is it normal for dogs to drool a lot?
Yes, it is normal for any dog to drool occasionally. After all, saliva is a natural lubricant, and many dogs will salivate in response to excitement or when they anticipate something good (like dog food). In rare cases, certain dog breeds may drool more than others because of the shape of their head or faces. However, excessive or frequent drooling can also signify an underlying issue.
What about my specific situation? It sounds like my dog is just really excited all the time. How do I know if he’s sick instead?
Often, excessive drooling in dogs could signify that your pup has a tooth problem or other oral pain/injury that is causing him pain. However, if your dog has other symptoms and drooling (like vomiting, loss of appetite, etc.), it could be something more serious than a toothache.
If I think my dog may have an injury on his mouth, what should I do?
Depending on where the injury is located and its severity, some dogs may not show any signs that they are in pain or discomfort. If this sounds like your pup, you’ll need to watch for other possible signs that there might be something wrong with their mouth. Some potential red flags include:
- Having bad breath that won’t go away
- Drooling excessively, even after eating and drinking
- Shaking their head or pawing at their mouth frequently
- Crying out in pain when you touch their face/mouth area
Should I take my dog to the vet if I notice any of these signs?
If your pup is drooling a lot but otherwise acting normal, then that’s perfectly fine. Just keep an eye on how much he’s drooling, and if it doesn’t go down within 24 hours, then you might want to consider taking him in to see his veterinarian.
Is a dog excessive drooling because of his age normal?
Usually, no. Young or old, dogs drool when they are excited or in pain. Unless your pet is elderly and is also showing additional signs that might indicate a toothache (see above), age by itself isn’t likely the cause of excessive drooling.
What if I’m not sure what’s causing my dog to drool excessively?
If you’re still unsure why your pooch is a saliva fountain, a visit to the vet can help rule out any potential issues with their mouth and/or stomach. If you need to take them into an animal hospital, try asking the vet these five questions to help get you both on the same page.
What are some common causes of excessive drooling in dogs?
Many reasons can cause your dog to drool more than normal. Here are just a few that our veterinarians have seen in practice:
- Stomatitis (inflammation inside the dog’s mouth)
- Excessive teething (more common in puppies)
- Oral Foreign Bodies/Toys stuck in there!
- Salivary stones
- If other symptoms accompany drooling, check out Serious Drooling Symptoms below.
- Dog salivary gland adenocarcinoma (a type of cancer)
- Kidney failure
- Heatstroke (drooling is the first sign of this potentially deadly condition!)
- Certain drugs can cause excessive drooling as a side effect – if your dog is on medication and you notice increased salivation, talk to your veterinarian to see if it’s safe for him/her to continue taking their current medication.
Can I give my dog some Benadryl for his drooling?
Using antihistamines like Benadryl may provide some relief from allergies or other causes of why your pup is drooling, but they should never be used as a first-line treatment. They also shouldn’t be given long term as there can be some significant side effects from taking this type of medication.
What should I do if my dog’s drooling is making them choke?
If your pup shows signs of distress, like choking or gagging on their drool, you want to make sure they don’t try to swallow anything. If this happens, it can cause a potentially deadly situation known as ‘reverse sneezing.’ To help ease the fit, gently hold your dog’s mouth closed and stroke his throat until he calms down. Then look inside his mouth with a flashlight to see if there’s an object stuck in there that might be causing the issue (a toy or stick) or something more serious. Once you’ve determined that all is clear, then let him relax for a bit before letting him eat or go back to playing.
What treatment options are available for my dog’s drooling?
Depending on the underlying cause for your pup’s excessive drooling, there are lots of things that your veterinarian might recommend to help reduce the amount of saliva that your pet is producing. Some conditions that veterinarians treat with medications include Stomatitis, Salivary stones, and certain types of cancers. If you’re having trouble figuring out why your dog is drooling excessively, a visit to an animal hospital can help diagnose their condition.
Can I try some home remedies on my own first before seeing my vet?
Sometimes if it’s not too serious, homeowners can attempt certain at-home treatments first before deciding to go the more serious route with a visit to an animal hospital. Some options that have been known to be helpful are:
- Dogs who drool excessively due to allergies may respond well to Benadryl or antihistamines. Speak with your veterinarian first before administering this type of medication on your own.
- If your dog is choking on their drool, you can try blocking them from being able to swallow anything by holding his mouth closed and gently stroking their throat until they calm down.
- Once they’re relaxed again, let them eat something small (maybe a treat) and monitor them closely for any signs of distress. This might help dislodge whatever was stuck in there that was triggering the fit.
- Certain foods like pumpkin and oatmeal have been known to help reduce drooling.
- Lastly, you can also try a cool water bath for your dog with some gentle shampoo mixed in. This may help reduce the amount of saliva that they’re producing.
Verdict
If at-home remedies don’t seem to be working, it is best to seek a veterinary professional as soon as possible. Sometimes excessive drooling can signify an underlying health issue that needs immediate attention from a qualified veterinarian!
As you can see, many things could be going on with your dog. It’s important to get them checked out by a vet if they are drooling excessively as it could impose that something internal is going on that may cause problems for your pup.