Signs of a problem
If your dog starts drooling, or their drooling gets worse than normal, it can be a sign that they need a checkup or even veterinary treatment. Vets will sometimes call drooling “hypersalivation” or “ptyalism”.
The most common cause of drooling is dental disease – if your dog has dental disease in their gum tissue, or problems with their teeth they often start to dribble.
This is common with slowly developing dental issues like tartar build-up, but can also be seen with sudden changes. For example, if a bit of food, piece of stick or other foreign object becomes stuck in the mouth or causes damage, then dogs can suddenly start to dribble more profusely.
Most people with dental pain will stop or struggle to eat, but our canine companions are a little bit tougher than we are. Going off their food is actually a very late sign of dental problems. So if you’ve noticed your dog dribbling it’s well worth getting a dental check with your veterinary practice.
Another common cause of drooling is nausea. If your dog is feeling unwell the body will often produce more saliva. Should your dog appear nauseous, you will need to think about why; for example, one common cause is motion sickness (dogs can indeed get car sick!).
Drooling can also be caused by licking or eating something they shouldn’t. Two common substances which can cause temporary dribbling are a flea or worming spot-on treatment, or a toad. These amphibians have nasty-tasting skin as a defence mechanism against predators.
A number of other noxious (nasty tasting) or even toxic and poisonous substances can also cause drooling. These include some plants, and household chemicals. If you think there is any chance your pet may have eaten something poisonous, or potentially poisonous, please do not delay, and immediately contact your vet!
In some circumstances, it is also possible for allergic reactions to cause your pet to drool.
In summer months, or hot conditions, drooling can also be a sign of heatstroke, which can be very dangerous. Always make sure your dog has access to shade and fresh water. If you’re concerned your dog is spending a lot of time ‘sunbathing’, you may need to encourage them into the cool.
Other signs of heatstroke which you may see along with drooling include heavy panting, restlessness or agitation, a very red tongue, pale gums, vomiting and or diarrhoea. If you think your dog may have heatstroke contact your vet immediately.
There are a number of other causes of drooling which are much less common. Dribbling can be a result of an issue with your dog’s salivary glands, such as infection or blockage, but in some cases, drooling can also be a sign of Liver disease or sadly Kidney failure.
In older pets, it is also possible that a growth inside the mouth – which may be cancerous – can also cause excessive drooling. These growths can be benign (and do not spread) or malignant (meaning they can spread to other areas of the body).
Finally, there are some much rarer causes of drooling – if your dog’s oesophagus (the pipe which carries food down the to the stomach) is malformed or has nerve problems, it can cause excessive dribbling. If there are problems with the nerves which supply the head, jaws and throat with the ability to move, and feel things, it can be a rare cause of drooling too.
As you can see there are many things to consider if your dog is drooling more than usual, and our list doesn’t include everything.
Normal reasons
Some dogs with short muzzles, like Boxers and Bulldogs, may drool or dribble normally. Their saliva collects in their cheeks and then is released when they shake their heads. These breeds are also likely to dribble after having a drink of water for the same reason.
Others will also dribble in response to certain triggers. So sometimes, if they anticipate their meal for example, the body will produce saliva as they get excited. Some dogs will also drool in response to stress – if they are nervous or anxious dribbling more can be a subtle cue that they are feeling uncomfortable.
There are other health conditions where drooling is one of the symptoms. Heat stroke, for example, can lead to drooling as your dog pants in an attempt to cool off. After suffering a seizure, your dog may drool. Nose, throat, or sinus infections, or a neuromuscular condition (palsy, tetany, botulism, etc.) of some kind can also lead to slobbering. Kidney disease, liver disease, and even rabies all share drooling as a symptom.
Even dogs that don’t slobber all the time can drip a bit of drool when they’re anticipating something delicious. Saliva plays an important role in digestion, so the thought of exciting food, like a piece of steak, can get your dog’s mouth watering. A disagreeable taste, like that of some medications, can cause the same result. But when is drool something to be worried about? There are several conditions that can lead to an inability to swallow normal amounts of saliva or to the production of excess saliva.
This condition does not require medical intervention, but owners of these slobbery breeds quickly learn the value of a drool rag. Keeping a cloth on hand makes it easy to regularly wipe your dog’s muzzle before the drool hits your floor or furniture. It’s also important to mop your dog’s face whenever he eats or drinks. A handkerchief tied around your dog’s neck can help absorb the drool.
If your dog eats something he shouldn’t, like a sock or the stuffing from a toy, that can also lead to stomach distress and drooling. Additionally, toxic substances can cause drooling. For example, if your dog gets into a poisonous plant in the garden or cleaning chemicals under the sink, you may see slobbering along with other symptoms such as vomiting, shaking, or lethargy. Be aware of possible toxins in your home, and if you suspect your dog has ingested something dangerous, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Anything that prevents your dog from swallowing normally can lead to drool, as the saliva will build up until it drips from his mouth. The problem could be a fractured tooth or tumors inside the mouth, esophagus, and/or throat. Tartar buildup and irritation of the gums can also lead to drooling, as can an infection in the mouth. In addition, a foreign body can lead to slobbering. Anything caught between your dog’s teeth or lodged in his throat, such as a sliver of bone, could be a potentially serious problem.