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Reviewed by Amy Flowers, DVM on July 27, 2021 Remember the slobbering Saint Bernard from the movie Beethoven? OK, maybe your dog doesn’t drool that much! But is it still a problem? There’s normal, healthy slobber that helps your dog eat and digest. And then there’s Niagara Falls. Too much drool, or hypersalivation, can be a sign of illness. Here are some causes and suggested treatments: Breeding: Bloodhounds, Newfoundlands, mastiffs, and Saint Bernards are breeds with loose upper lips or “flews,” causing them to drool more than others. Keep a hand towel around, maybe even a bib. Mouth disease and tooth decay: Tarter buildup can rub against the inside of your dog’s lip, causing drool. To check, pull their lip back toward their ear. Do their teeth look like concrete? Are they brown? Are their gums red, swollen, or bleeding? If so, try a professional cleaning and then daily brushing. Your vet can check for gingivitis, mouth ulcers, and tumors as well. Heat stroke: Short-nosed breeds, such as pugs, Boston terriers, boxers, and bulldogs, are more likely to have heat stroke. They just don’t pant as well as other dogs. If you think about it, your dog wears a fur coat, even in the summer, so it doesn’t take much for them to get overheated. Dogs that are stuck in the sun or run without access to water may also suffer from heat stroke and drool. To avoid this, always have fresh, clean water available and shady places for them to cool off. On very hot days, keep them indoors, limit exercise, and never leave them in a parked car. Call your vet right way if you suspect heat stroke -- it can be dangerous. Motion sickness and anxiety: If the only time your dog gets in the car is to go to the vet for shots, of course they’ll be nervous or nauseated. Open-mouth panting and breathing, which are signs of anxiety, can cause your dog to drool. To make them more comfortable, try putting them in a pet harness or canine seat belt in the back seat without driving anywhere. Then slowly work up to backing out of the driveway and driving around the block. Repeat the routine as needed to ease carsickness. Ginger pills, sold at health food stores, are another solution. Talk to your vet about other remedies. If the motion sickness persists, your dog will most likely need prescription medication to find relief. Organ disease: Liver and kidney diseases, for example, can cause drooling. As they age, dogs are more likely to get sick. Vets suggest annual checkups to diagnose and treat diseases early. Poisonous plants or animals: Common plants like tulips, azaleas, and chrysanthemums can not only make your dog drool, but also make them sick. Keep your dog from eating them. Your dog might also lick or eat certain frogs, toads, scorpions or spiders that are poisonous. For a list of poisonous plants, consult the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Stomachaches: Dogs don’t tend to think before eating. Vets report pulling some strange items from their stomachs, from tennis balls to socket wrenches. This can cause nausea, discomfort and pain. Keep dangerous items away from them. If you think your dog has eaten something it shouldn't have, call your vet right away. Upper respiratory infections: Drooling can signal an infection of the nose, throat, or sinuses. Dogs that live in homes or shelters with other pets have a higher risk. Stress is also a factor. Only your vet can properly treat an infection. But you can take steps to protect your dog: Keep them indoors, away from other pets, and wash your hands between handling different animals. You’re the best judge of your dog’s behavior. If they are acting strange for more than a day, seem stressed, are vomiting, or are not eating and playing as usual, it’s wise to see a vet.
 Your dog’s drooling is most likely an involuntary reaction to the sight and smell of food, and his staring probably signals a hopeful anticipation that he might get a taste of whatever you're eating for himself. Dogs have a strong memory for especially pleasurable events, like a surprise scrap from the table. Even if you’re consistent about not feeding him from your plate, that one time someone accidentally dropped a bite on the floor or secretly shared a tasty morsel can keep a dog’s hopes up and his drool flowing. The first step in addressing this issue is to make sure the problem isn't medical. There are illnesses that can increase your pup's appetite or alter his ability to digest food — and it may even be possible that he simply isn't getting enough to eat. Schedule a checkup with your vet to discuss these questions.
Feed your dog at the same time you eat. Serving everyone’s meals at the same time may still get your dog drooling — but rather than watching you, he’s more likely to direct his energy toward his food. Even if you offer himjustasnack and not a full meal, it may leave him satiated enough to decrease the chances that he will spend your meal staring and salivating. Feed a portion of your pooch's meal from food puzzles rather than bowls. A food puzzle extends the time it takes your dog to eat; it also focuses his attention and helps to channel his energy, both mental and physical. Some food puzzles encourage movement for an active eating experience — the dog uses his paws and muzzle to move the puzzle and unearth kibble hidden inside. Other puzzles are stuffed with moister contents that bind to the inside and require the dog to work at licking and chewing to get the food out. Where your dog eats his meals can help determine the type of food puzzle you use.
Dogs are beloved for many reasons, from their unwavering loyalty to cute little tails. But of all the traits you love about your dog, her tendency to drool a lot probably isn’t one of them. You should be willing to forgive your pet’s drooling as a natural function that helps him eat and digest food. If your dog seems to have more saliva than usual, it could be a sign of a problem, and it’s better to be safe than sorry. Reach out to your vet to talk about your dog’s excessive drooling. Below are listed some common causes and treatments of excessive drooling or hypersalivation. Foreign ObjectsWhen your dog starts drooling more than usual, the first thing you should do is check inside the mouth. Look at the tongue, teeth, and gums for objects like splinters or shards of bones. When giving your dog a bone to chew as a treat, be mindful that the bone will not break evenly. Instead, it will splinter, and shards of bone will enter the mouth. If there are no signs of anything suspicious, visit a vet as they might be able to help tell if something has become stuck while eating. Dental IssuesIf tartar builds up inside your dog’s mouth, it can cause excessive drooling. You may be able to identify problems with tartar build-up by checking the teeth for browning and gums for redness, swelling, or bleeding. Consult with your pet care provider if you think that issues with your dog’s teeth or mouth may be causing extra salivation. Your vet can check your dog for dangerously cracked teeth, mouth diseases, growths, and ulcers and recommend appropriate treatments, such as extraction, a professional cleaning, or routine brushing. HeatstrokeIt probably seems counterintuitive, but drooling is a symptom of heatstroke. If you’re worried that your furry friend is spending too much time in the sun and notice common signs like drooling, lethargy, and unresponsiveness, heatstroke may be the culprit. Since this is something that can kill your dog, you must take it very seriously and get her to the vet immediately. You can help prevent heatstroke by ensuring your dog always has easy access to water and not leaving her out in the sun on hot days or alone in a parked car. AnxietyDrooling can be brought on from anxiety, which can develop from visits to the vet for shots, unpleasant procedures, or stressors. Dogs are intuitive and will pick up our habits. So if they are a fan of going for a check-up, this could bring on anxiety, leading to additional drooling. Usually, the excess salivation will cease once the stressor is removed or the visit to the vet is over. Disease or CancerThe causes of salivation are many. However, one alarming condition in older pets is when a mass is located in the mouth, which could be cancer- in some cases, drooling may also indicate liver disease and kidney failure! HypersalivationHypersalivation is a condition caused by various factors, including infections and allergies. Suppose you notice your dog drooling more than usual or experiencing unusual thirst during activities such as walks on hot days when they generally pant heavily to cool off. In that case, visit the vet right away. Oral InfectionsIf your dog develops a sinus or throat infection, this can cause more drooling than usual. Common signs of diseases include pus and bad breath. Talk to your vet if you think your dog may have an infection. Plant ConsumptionThe list of poisonous plants to dogs is long, and some common ones include chrysanthemums, tulips, and azaleas. The critical thing you need to know is if your pup has eaten any part from one or all three types, which could cause excessive drooling. You’ll want to seek veterinary care right away so they can figure out what happened and how to treat the symptoms. Dog Breeds Play a RoleYou may not think that a dog’s drooling and slobbering is something you can control, but you may want to consider it when you choose a dog. If you are not a fan of constant salivation, check out these breeds before bringing home a furry friend. Types of Dogs that Drool the Most
Types of Dogs that Drool the Least
How to Reduce DroolingDrooling is a common problem among dogs and can often be quite messy. There are a few ways to reduce how much your dog drools. One way is to tie a bandana around the neck, which will absorb the saliva that falls, keeping your floors, furniture, and outfits dry. Another way is to dry their mouth after walking or running. Dogs tend to drool more when excited, for example, when they see food. Try laying a washable rug or towel near their food bowl to catch the drool. And finally, you can talk to your vet about homeopathic remedies that may suppress saliva production, like lemon extract. Essential oils are popular, but many are toxic to your pup. Please research and consult with your pet care provider before administering or diffusing any oils in your home. Commonly Questions About Dog DroolWhat Are the Most Common Reasons Dogs Drool Excessively?Oral disease like tooth decay, tar build-up, gum inflammation, or tumors in the mouth or throat is one of the most common reasons for extra salivation. Are There Any Health Concerns Associated with Excessive Drooling in Dogs?It is essential to pay attention to your pet and monitor what is normal for them. If you notice excessive saliva, reach out to your veterinarian to determine the cause. What Should I Do if I Think My Dog is Drooling Because of a Health Problem?If you’re concerned about the amount of drool coming from your dog, please visit a vet. Extra salivation can be a sign of dental issues or other problems. How Can I Tell if My Dog is in Pain Due to Excessive Drooling?The dog’s drooling could signify pain in the stomach or nausea. Excessively gagging and churning of the mouth means there may well have been an issue with distress, leading to extreme discomfort for your pet. What are Some Tips for Keeping my Dog’s Mouth Healthy and Free From Bacteria?You might not think about your dog’s oral health as often as their physical health. However, taking care of your dog’s teeth and gums is vital for keeping them healthy. Brushing your dog’s teeth every day is the best way to prevent plaque and tartar build-up. |
How to stop a dog from drooling
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