Dogs are perhaps the most interesting creatures in the world. They can be affectionate, goofy, and sometimes a bit messy. Now, the messy part could be when they are drooling at times. However, there could be situations where they may be drooling a little too much.
This may trigger the question, “Why is my dog drooling so much?” In addition, could too much drooling be the sign of some kind of concern? As a pet owner yourself, you’re worried about not knowing what the problem could be. Yet, it’s always a good idea to learn about possible issues they may have, even if it comes down to one part of their behavior that may seem a bit out of place for them.
Why Do Dogs Drool in the First Place?
Drooling tends to serve a purpose. Sure, saliva is useful for dogs as it can help them easily digest their food, keep their mouths moist, and maintain good oral health. Indeed, a small bit of drool here and there isn’t a problem because that’s what dogs do. They may drool most often in these situations:
- When there is food close by
- During excitement or playtime
- After they drink water
- If they are a certain breed, like bloodhounds, Saint Bernards, or Mastiffs, since they have loose jowls.
If drooling is done suddenly and more often, that’s where you may want to investigate what’s going on a bit deeper. With that, let’s learn about the distinctions between normal drooling and excessive drooling.
Normal vs. Excessive Drooling: What To Know
Each dog indeed has their own baseline when it comes to drooling. To begin, some may naturally produce more than others because of the way their bodies function. However, there are some dogs that rarely even slobber at all. Knowing what’s normal for your dog can help you recognize any changes, be they subtle or noticeable.
Normal drooling typically appears in small amounts, especially after a long drink of water or if they are hungry. On the other hand, excessive drooling can have some distinct signs, including:
- Puddles forming under their mouth
- Sudden increases in drooling compared to normal
- Saliva that is thick and stringy hanging from their lips
These indicate increased drooling. This now focuses our attention on what the common causes of drooling are.
What Are Common Causes of Increased Drooling?
Pinpointing the cause of increased drooling can be challenging at first. However, there are some reasons why it can happen. Surprisingly enough, these causes are often the kind of things that don’t trigger any kind of alarm, including:
- Anticipation for Food: Dogs love it when they smell or see food. It may be the best way for their body to prepare for digestion. So much so that they can’t help but drool when it happens.
- Excitement or Stress: It can be during a car ride, a trip to the vet, or meeting new people. Heightened emotions, whether it’s excitement or stress, can cause drooling to occur.
- Temperature Changes: If it’s a hot day outside, don’t be surprised if your dog begins to drool a little bit more than normal. It could also occur after exercise, especially on a warm day.
- Breed Characteristics: If your dog has lips that are large and floppy, they are indeed naturally droolers. Dog breeds like Bloodhounds or Bulldogs often have jowls that collect saliva and typically pool in that area of their mouth.
- Teething: Puppies may drool a bit more than normal when they are teething since their new teeth are coming in regularly.
When Is Drooling a Sign to Pay Even Closer Attention?
Drooling is mostly harmless. However, if it’s sudden or excessive, it can indicate possible discomfort. The main thing to keep an eye out for is whether drooling is paired with anything else. This includes:
- Pawing at the mouth
- Digestive upset, like vomiting or loose stools
- Trouble chewing or eating
- Restlessness, lethargy, or other unusual behavioral changes
If you do notice these signs aside from excessive drooling, it may be a good idea to consult a vet for professional guidance. While an emergency vet visit may not be warranted, you may have certain steps to take to correct the situation your dog may be facing.
If your dog is suddenly drooling, you may want to determine some factors, like whether they were exercising or spending time outdoors. It may occur if they are exposed to a new environment or introduced to new food in their diet. Finally, hot weather may also result in drooling as a way to regulate their temperature, especially while they are panting.
Are There Any Serious Conditions in Which Increased Drooling May Occur?
Indeed, there are several other health issues where drooling in dogs can occur. These may include health issues that may have been previously diagnosed. These include the following:
- Gastrointestinal Diseases or Disorders: These include nausea from motion sickness, upset stomach, or consuming toxic substances or plants. As such, increased drooling and other associated signs of distress may be a cause for concern. If your dog has dealt with toxin exposure, it may be best to seek the care of an emergency veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline as soon as possible.
- Liver or Kidney Disease: Both of these illnesses can affect the body's ability to filter out toxins. As a result, it can lead to increased drooling.
- Neurological Conditions: Disorders such as hepatic encephalopathy, facial nerve paralysis, and other neurological disorders can affect the nerves or the brain. As a result, it can lead to swallowing problems and increased drooling.
Is Drooling and Digestive Health Connected to One Another?
Drooling can typically be linked to what’s going on with your dog’s stomach. If, for example, they have eaten something that might not sit well with them, drooling can be an indication of digestive upset. For this reason, it could be a good idea to consider a change in their diet. You may want to choose foods like Under the Weather’s bland diet meals that might be a good option for your dog, especially if they deal with a sensitive stomach regularly.
With a regular, bland diet, your dog’s digestive health will have excellent support. It may also help with reducing drooling that might be associated with eating something your dog’s body doesn’t agree with. Nevertheless, it’s important to balance hydration with a bland diet to ensure the best results.
Can Age Play a Role in Increased Drooling?
Age can influence your dog’s drooling levels. Puppies do drool more since they will be teething. However, senior dogs can drool a bit more than usual due to certain factors. These include reduced hydration habits, dental issues, and lifestyle changes. Still, your vet may remind you that it’s all part of the process. A senior dog may have fewer teeth to work with due to their age and tooth loss from age-related dental problems. With fewer teeth, there may be a good chance that they’ll drool a bit more than normal.
Can Dental Problems Cause Increased Drooling?
Yes, numerous dental health issues can cause your dog to drool a bit more than normal. These include:
- Gum Disease: Plaque and tartar build up can cause bacteria to build up to irritate the gums. Eventually, this can lead to gingivitis, a periodontal disease that can lead to excess saliva production.
- Tooth Infections or Abscesses: A broken or infected tooth can cause increased drooling to wash away any bacteria that may be present. Even tooth decay can cause the salivary glands to produce more drool for the same purpose.
- Loose or Broken Teeth: This may lead to painful chewing that can eventually lead to excessive drooling.
Good dental care may play a role in making sure your dog is drooling normally. It is important to make sure that your dog has a good diet to ensure their teeth are in good condition. On top of that, regular dental treatment through a vet can also be something to consider.
How to Prevent a Mess While Keeping Your Dog Comfortable?
Drooling can be normal for your dog, even if it’s a bit more than usual. Yet, it can leave quite a mess. The important thing to remember is that you’ll want to keep things clean and comfortable for your dog. Here’s what you need to do if you need to clean up the mess:
- Make sure you have a soft towel handy during playtime or meals. This can be your drool rag for your dog.
- Wash bedding and toys regularly
- Maintain an environment that is calm and cool
- Make sure your dog has clean water to wash away any saliva buildup they might have
These steps can make a huge difference, especially if you are tired of discovering such messes that only dog drool can leave behind. These tips can also help if you have a dog that is one of the handful of breeds that drool more than other dogs that hardly drool at all.
Final Thoughts
If you notice your dog is drooling more, there may be situations where you shouldn’t have to worry. Simply consider whether or not it's due to factors like their age, dietary adjustments, or if it’s just a hot day outside. We hope that this guide has helped you be able to pinpoint what the cause might be. Under The Weather is proud to offer supportive health products that can be a great addition to your dog’s everyday life. If you'd like to check out what we have in stock, visit our store today.
