Is Excessive Drooling in Dogs an Emergency? Understanding the Signs and When to ActEvery dog drools from time to time. Whether it’s in anticipation of food or during play, a bit of saliva is normal. But what happens when drooling becomes excessive and sudden? Many dog owners wonder if it could signal something serious. This topic explores the causes of excessive drooling in dogs, how to recognize when it becomes an emergency, and what steps to take to keep your pet safe.
What Is Considered Excessive Drooling?
Drooling, or hypersalivation, becomes excessive when your dog produces more saliva than usual, and it happens frequently or suddenly. You may notice wet spots on furniture, a soaked chest, or strings of saliva hanging from your dog’s mouth.
If your dog doesn’t typically drool much but suddenly begins doing so in large amounts, it’s worth paying attention.
Common Causes of Excessive Drooling in Dogs
1. Anticipation of Food
Some dogs salivate heavily when they see or smell food. This is completely normal and usually nothing to worry about.
2. Breed Characteristics
Certain breeds, such as Saint Bernards, Bloodhounds, Mastiffs, and Newfoundlands, are naturally prone to drooling due to the shape of their jowls. For these dogs, frequent drooling is normal.
3. Oral Issues
Dental problems are one of the most common non-emergency causes of excessive drooling. This includes
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Gingivitis
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Tooth abscesses
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Tartar buildup
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Foreign objects stuck in the mouth
These issues may cause discomfort, and dogs respond by drooling more than usual.
4. Heatstroke
In hot weather, excessive drooling can be a warning sign of heatstroke, especially in brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs. Other symptoms include heavy panting, red gums, and lethargy.
Heatstroke is a medical emergency and needs immediate attention.
5. Nausea or Motion Sickness
Dogs may drool before vomiting. If your dog is drooling in the car, motion sickness may be the cause. This type of drooling often stops once the trip ends.
6. Poisoning or Toxin Exposure
If your dog licked or ingested something toxic, drooling may start suddenly. Possible toxic substances include
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Household cleaners
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Plants like tulips or sago palms
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Human medications
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Insecticides or rodent poison
This is an emergency and requires immediate veterinary care.
7. Oral or Throat Injury
Chewing on sharp objects or bones can cause cuts or trauma in the mouth or throat. Pain or swelling may lead to excessive drooling.
8. Upper Respiratory Infections
Infections can affect your dog’s ability to swallow normally, causing saliva to build up in the mouth.
9. Neurological Issues
Sometimes, drooling can be caused by issues in the nervous system. Dogs with neurological disorders might have difficulty controlling the muscles around the mouth.
When Is Drooling an Emergency?
While occasional drooling is harmless, certain signs may indicate an emergency. Seek immediate veterinary help if your dog shows any of the following
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Sudden and extreme drooling
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Vomiting or retching
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Swelling in the face or throat
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Difficulty breathing or swallowing
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Seizures or disorientation
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Pale or bluish gums
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Signs of pain (whining, pawing at the mouth)
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Unusual behavior or extreme lethargy
If drooling is accompanied by any of these symptoms, it’s best to act quickly.
How to Respond to Excessive Drooling
Step 1 Stay Calm and Observe
First, take a moment to observe your dog closely. Look for other signs that could point to the cause, such as vomiting, bad breath, or signs of discomfort.
Step 2 Check the Mouth
If your dog lets you, gently open their mouth to look for any obvious signs like a stuck object, bleeding, or swollen gums. Never force the mouth open if your dog resists, as this could lead to injury.
Step 3 Remove Potential Toxins
If you suspect your dog may have ingested something harmful, remove the source immediately and call your vet or a pet poison helpline.
Step 4 Hydrate and Cool Down
If you suspect overheating, move your dog to a shaded or air-conditioned area and offer fresh water. Use cool (not cold) damp towels to lower their temperature.
Step 5 Contact Your Veterinarian
If you’re uncertain about the cause or the drooling continues, it’s always better to be safe and contact your vet. They may recommend bringing your dog in for an examination.
Diagnosing the Cause at the Vet
A veterinarian will start with a physical examination and review of your dog’s history. Depending on the findings, they may suggest
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Oral examination under sedation
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Blood tests
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X-rays or ultrasound
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Toxicology screening
These tests help identify the root cause so that proper treatment can begin.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause. Some common treatments include
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Dental cleaning or extractions for oral disease
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IV fluids and cooling for heatstroke
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Medication for infections or nausea
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Surgery for foreign objects or tumors
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Activated charcoal or antidotes in case of poisoning
Quick and accurate treatment often leads to a full recovery.
Preventing Excessive Drooling
While not all causes are preventable, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk
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Brush your dog’s teeth regularly
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Provide safe toys to chew on
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Keep harmful substances and plants out of reach
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Avoid walking in extreme heat
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Use a dog-safe travel seat for car rides
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Schedule regular vet checkups
Excessive drooling in dogs can range from harmless to serious. Understanding what’s normal for your dog and recognizing when something is off is the first step in keeping them safe. In many cases, drooling is just a sign of excitement or hunger, but when it appears suddenly and with other symptoms, it could point to a medical emergency.
Knowing the possible causes, how to respond, and when to seek help ensures that your furry friend gets the care they need quickly. Always trust your instincts if something feels wrong, it’s best to consult your vet.