Why is my dog drooling?
Causes and when to worry
All dogs drool. Drooling is a normal phenomenon and plays a key role in digestion, helping to process food. However, when salivation is excessive or comes on suddenly, it may be a sign of something else.
However, if your dog drools a lot and shows other symptoms such as drowsiness, dehydration, bad breath or vomiting, it could be a health problem such as an oral infection, food poisoning or a side effect of medication.
Normal causes of drooling in dogs
Some breeds, such as St. Bernards, Basset Hounds and Bulldogs, are more prone to drooling due to the shape of their mouth and lips.
In addition, drooling may intensify at times of great enthusiasm or excitement. Nervous dogs are more likely to drool in situations that involve significant emotional stimulation, such as at the sight of food, watching someone they know play or anticipating a walk.
Excessive drooling – a health problem?
If drooling is persistent or accompanied by other symptoms such as fussiness, bad breath or vomiting, it may be a warning sign. Possible medical causes include:
✔️ Dehydration: If, in addition to drooling, the dog is panting heavily or has pale gums, it is important to offer water and cool him down. Heat stroke is often the main cause of dehydration in dogs.
✔️ Mouth infections: Diseases such as gingivitis or stomatitis can cause an excess of saliva accompanied by bad breath and pain when eating. The dog’s body produces more saliva to signal that something is wrong.
✔️Effects of medication: Some relaxants or treatments can cause increased salivation.
✔️ Intoxications: If drooling comes with further symptoms such as fever, vomiting, trembling or lack of appetite, it may be due to the ingestion of toxic substances or spoiled food.
Other possible causes:
– Anxiety or stress. When your dog licks his lips while drooling, he may be feeling stressed or anxious due to any of these situations: loud sounds (such as thunderstorms, fireworks, hoovers…), travel, separation from his owners or the presence of a stranger.
– Age. Mouth disease is more common in older dogs.
– Kidney or liver disease. These diseases involve an increase in toxins circulating in the blood. Dogs may drool more to eliminate these toxins.
– Rabies. Although rabies is rare in pets and more common in wild animals, it can cause excessive drooling. Other signs of rabies include: lethargy, fever, vomiting, lack of appetite, weakness, seizures, aggression, and aggression.
When to go to the vet?
If drooling is sudden, excessive and accompanied by other symptoms such as listlessness, fever or difficulty swallowing, it is essential to see a specialist. Early diagnosis can prevent complications and ensure your pet’s health.
📌 Remember, although drooling is normal for dogs, a drastic change in the amount of saliva always deserves attention. Prevention and veterinary care are key to their wellbeing!
