It is importantt to note that in case of drooling in dogs, mouth infection, stomach problems, heatstroke, rabies, bloat, pregnancy, motion sickness, throat and nose infections, mouth injury, allergy and neurological condition are the most common reasons.
Dogs were first domesticated about 15,000 years ago, and since then they have been considered man’s best friend. For many years’ dogs have offered man companionship and security. Dogs have also been used for tracking and hunting.
Today dogs are part of our families (read how wolf and dog are different from each other), and in return for all that they have done for us, we take care of them and love them. Unfortunately, not everyone is as kind, and that’s why we have organizations for animal rights that stand for the fair treatment of animals.
Dogs just as human beings get unwell and require medical attention. Although drooling is natural, and most of the time, it does not require medical care; in some cases, excessive drooling is a cause for concern.
Reasons for Drooling in Dogs
1.Mouth infection
Problems like swollen gums, teeth decay, fractured tooth, can lead to drooling. Tartar, a crusty deposit trap stains on the teeth and cause discoloration. It also makes it difficult to remove bacteria or plaque. These bacteria may lead to mouth infections.
Just like human beings, dogs too need to brush their teeth every day to prevent these infections. When you see any yellow or brown deposit on the dog’s teeth, its time for cleaning his teeth.
2. Stomach problems
Unfortunately, dogs barely pay attention to what they eat. Foreign objects like cable, tennis ball, toy stuffing have been found in dogs’ stomach. This can cause nausea, discomfort, and pain to the dog. Anything that causes stomach upset could make the dog drool.
Ensure that you create a safe environment for your dog to thrive. Get rid of objects and tools that your dog can fit in its’ mouth. You can also place these objects on higher grounds where your dog can’t reach them.
3. Heatstroke
On one hot afternoon, you go to the beach, and you take your dog with you. You are both having a good time playing at the beach but then you thinking WHY IS MY DOG DROOLING SO MUCH? Your dog always drools, but it has never been this much.
When it’s scorching, your dog overheats, and it will pant in an attempt to cool off. The panting will cause the dog to drool. To prevent this always give him fresh, clean water. Also, on hot days, you could minimize physical activities and spend more time indoors.
4.Organs Diseases
As your dog gets older, it could start experiencing kidney and liver diseases. As they age, they are more likely to get sick frequently. Age has a toll on a dog’s organs. Annual checkups are ideal because the diseases could be diagnosed and treated early enough before they become fatal.
5. Rabies
Rabies can cause excessive drooling. Rabies is an infectious viral disease that is almost always fatal. Visit the vet immediately if you suspect that your dog could be infected, especially if you have never given your dog rabies shots.
6.Bloat
This a life-threatening condition. No one knows what exactly causes bloating. It develops after a dog has eaten a large meal or consumed a large amount of water after eating. It can also occur if the dog exercised vigorously after eating. Excessive salivation and restlessness are some of the symptoms.
There is no home remedy treatment for bloating; a dog could die in a matter of hours after it was active and healthy. Rush the dog to the vet immediately if the dog displays symptoms of drooling like foamy saliva, bloated stomach, rapid shallow breathing, pacing, and restlessness.
7. Normal drooling
Saliva lubricates the mouth, helps to prevent tooth decay and gum disease, and it begins breaking down food for digestion before it gets to the stomach.
It is usual for a dog to drool, especially if they are too excited to see you or other dogs in the park, or you are playing together and when they are just about to get their favorite treat. Drooling on these occasions can be a little over the top, but it shouldn’t worry you.
8. Pregnant
Drooling could also indicate that your dog could be pregnant! Great news for dog lovers, although this means more responsibility.
Other signs you could look out for include; sleeping more often, weight gain around the stomach area, nesting behaviors, among others, To confirm your doubt you could visit the vet for a pregnancy test. Check this video for week by week dog pregnancy progress.
9. Breed of the dog
Different kinds of breeds like Bloodhounds, Newfoundland, and mastiffs, have loose upper lips causing them to drool more than others. In this case, nothing can be done. They have extra skin around their mouths and muzzle, which allows saliva to collect in the folds.
You could, however, get a towel to wipe off the surfaces to prevent it from staining. You could also loosely tie a cloth around their neck to absorb some of the saliva.
10. Motion sickness and anxiety
Dogs too suffer from motion sickness. Nausea caused by motion sickness increases the production of saliva. Open-mouth panting and breathing; signs of anxiety, can cause your dog to drool. Try to make your dog more comfortable while in the car to reduce the anxiety levels.
Take him/her on drives more frequently and not just when going for shots. You would be scared too if every time you get in the car, you had to go to the doctor’s office for shots. Enjoy many long drives or do grocery shopping together.
11. Throat and nose infections
Excess drooling could also indicate a throat or nose infection. Irritation of the throat can make it painful or difficult for a dog to swallow anything, including saliva. Visit a vet for proper diagnosis and to prevent the infection from worsening.
Dogs that live in shelters or with other pets have a higher risk of getting these infections. Stress, too, is also a factor for these infections. Ensure that you make your dog happy and create a safe and clean environment for it.
12. Objects in the mouth
Foreign objects like sticks or stones could be stuck in your dog’s mouth and could cause excessive drooling. It is difficult to control who litters the public environment, but you could always start from home. Keep away any object that could harm your dog.
13. Mouth injuries
Injuries that could result from cuts, scrapes, and bites in the mouth could cause your dog to experience excessive drooling. Clean and treat the wounds with recommended dog solutions so that the dog recovers soon, and the discomfort goes away. We all want to enjoy a good meal without having to worry if it will hurt every time you eat.
14. Medication
Certain medications can cause increased drooling. Always check out for side effects before administering medicines so that you don’t have to worry and panic that something is wrong with your dog.
The process of administering medication could also lead to excessive drooling because you have to open the dog’s mouth wide to ensure the drug goes in its’ throat. Medicine will drool out if you place it in the mouth.
15. Allergy
Allergic reactions from certain things could trigger excessive drooling. Try and figure out where your dog was or what it ate before the drooling began. This will make it possible for you to find out what your dog is allergic to and how to manage it.
Other symptoms of an allergic reaction include agitation, itchiness, swelling of the face, and body and hives.
16. Poisoning
Poisoning causes excess salivating. As symptoms worsen, the dog starts to foam at the mouth. Dogs are curious creatures, and they lick and eat almost anything. The source of poison could be from a plant or other animals. If this happens, take your dog to the vet immediately for an antidote shot.
17. Salivary glands dysfunction
Inflammation of the salivary glands can cause excessive salivation. This happens when salivary duct ruptures within the mouth producing excess saliva that your dog cannot contain in the mouth. This condition is treated by draining the mucocele and removing the affected glands surgically.
18. Seizures
A seizure does not cause pain in dogs. Never move a dog when it is having a seizure not unless it happens in a location or place that’s not safe and poses a direct danger to the dog. If you have to move the dog drag it gently by its back hinds.
19. Neurological condition
This causes the nerves on the face not to work. The ill-effects can be seen in the brain and spinal cord. This causes sudden changes in a dog’s behavior and how they move.
20. Cancer
Symptoms of esophageal cancer and certain types of tumors in later stages of the disease may include drooling. Although we know that a dog has a short lifespan compared to human, death through cancer is a tragic end, you wouldn’t wish on your worst enemy.
Annual checkups are necessary to prevent this, and as they age the trips to the vet’s should increases.
Drooling does not have to be necessarily a danger signal. Naturally, dogs drool, and a simple thing just as preparing a delicious meal causes excessive drooling.
It does not mean you always have to run to the veterinary’s office. Get a drool rag and a cloth to regularly dry your dog’s muzzle before the drool gets to your floor or favorite furniture.
How to Fix Drooling Problem in Dogs
It is your responsibility to take care of your dog. You could take the following measures to make your dog more comfortable:
- Provide a clean and safe environment for your dog.
- Ensure that you always give your dog fresh water.
- Diet is also very essential, so you have to provide him with a balanced diet to prevent obesity or malnutrition.
- Develop a relationship with your dog. He may not be able to answer when you talk to him, but he understands you.
- Read and learn more about the breed of your dog to understand better how to handle and manage his needs.
- Provide opportunities for your dog to work out. This could be quite difficult, especially if you live in a busy city, but you could always take your dog for daily evening walks, and on weekends you could both go to the park to play.
- Groom and trim his nails. It is essential to frequently trim your dog’s nails because overgrown nails make it difficult for your dog to walk properly. Long nails could also break easily, and it can be quite painful. Long coated dogs are prone to developing matts and ice balls in their hair.
Conclusion
You are the only one who best understands your dog’s behavior. If he is acting strangely for more than a day, he seems stressed, or he is not eating and playing, as usual, then you should visit the vet.
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