Excessive Drooling in Dogs

Common causes

The most common reasons for it are those of psychological events, such as being afraid or nervous, or anxious about a new situation. Anticipation of food is a very common reason of excessive drooling. Young puppies also drool when they are teething. 

Abscessed tooth

Dogs who are suffering from something painful in their mouth might drool, and an abscessed tooth is definitely going to hurt. You might see the problem by looking into his mouth and finding a red, inflamed area. He might also have a fever, be lethargic, and stop eating as often. 

Periodontitis

This is a condition of the gums that can be very painful and cause a dog to drool, as well as have swollen gums, bad breath and bleeding of the gums. It might be tough for him to eat, as the food hurts every time he tries to bite down. This is an emergency situation that requires immediate care. 

Foreign objects in mouth

If something is stuck between the teeth or in the gums, the dog’s body will trigger it to salivate in order to help remove it. Look for a foreign object and remove it if you can; if you can’t, get to a vet immediately. 

Foreign object in throat

A dog that has swallowed something too big to go down might retch, gag, throw up and drool. If he continues to do it and nothing comes up, he might have something stuck in his throat. 

Tumors of the mouth

Sometimes a dog might have a tumor or other growth that makes it tough to eat or swallow. Difficulty eating, bleeding from the mouth and bad breath are all signs of this problem. 

Motion sickness

This happens to some dogs when they travel by car or plane. If the motion makes them nauseas, they are likely to drool. They might also seem lethargic. 

Pain

Sometimes serious pain can cause a dog to react in various ways, including excessive drooling. Health problems such as glaucoma, poisoning, bloat, trauma and more can lead to this problem. 

Heat stroke

A dog who has been outside for a long time and suddenly begins drooling might be suffering from too much sun. Other symptoms include vomiting, thick saliva, a bright red tongue and a high fever. 

Rabies

This serious disease paralyzes the muscles that allow the dog to swallow, and so all the saliva goes out of his mouth in the form of drool. Fortunately, rabies is very rare today. 

Liver disease

Dogs with liver disease often have excessive drooling, seem disoriented and uncoordinated, are weak, and suffer from behavioral changes.

Poisoning

This is one of the most deadly causes of excessive drooling in dogs. Those who have been exposed to a toxin or poisoned with something might begin drooling, having problems breathing, appear to be in pain, or even collapse. 

Excessive drooling in dogs can often be remedied, but it depends upon the problem. If you see a foreign object, remove it. If your dog has problems with their teeth, get them to the vet as soon as you can. If your dog is suffering from heat stroke, has pain but you can’t find the source, has something lodged in their throat, seems to be poisoned, or is otherwise showing alarming symptoms, it’s time to get to the veterinarian immediately. Most of these reasons are cause for serious emergency, so don’t wait until regular office hours to call the vet.

And remember: many dogs, even the gentlest ones, hate it when you mess with their mouths. If you are worried that your dog might bite or nip you, be safe and go to the vet to have him looked at before excessive drooling becomes too much of a worry.