Understanding Excessive Drooling in Dogs
It is very normal for dogs to drool. Some dog breeds are especially prone to drooling, such as the English Bulldog, Saint Bernard, Chow Chow, Shar Pei, and Tibetan Mastiff. These breeds naturally produce more saliva, so drooling is not unusual for them.
However, when you notice your dog constantly drooling at home, or if the drool has a bad odor, it might be time for the owner to pay attention. Sometimes, dogs don't just drool from smelling or seeing delicious food; excessive drooling can also be a warning sign of an underlying health problem in your dog.
Below, we will list the reasons why a dog keeps drooling. Let's find out what is causing your dog at home to drool.
Physiological Reasons Why Dogs Drool
1. Understanding Dog Excitement
Dogs are actually quite similar to humans in some ways. When dogs become overly excited, their mouths often start to drool. Whether it's because they see delicious food about to be served or they know they are about to go out and play, their excitement triggers a reflex that causes them to produce a lot of saliva. This uncontrollable drooling is a natural response to intense happiness or anticipation.
2. How Dogs Cool Down in Hot Weather and After Exercise
Although dogs have sweat glands, their function is quite underdeveloped. The primary way dogs regulate their body temperature is by opening their mouths wide, sticking out their tongues, and panting heavily. This process helps transfer heat from the blood to the saliva, tongue, and other areas, allowing them to cool down.
Therefore, when the weather is hot or after exercise, dogs naturally produce a large amount of saliva to aid in heat dissipation. However, if you notice that your dog continues to drool excessively for a long time and shows signs of poor energy or mental state, it could be a sign that the heat is too intense and your dog might be suffering from heatstroke.
3. Understanding Drooling in Puppies and Senior Dogs
Puppies and senior dogs often experience increased drooling, but the reasons behind it are quite different for each stage of life.
When puppies are young and going through their teething phase, their saliva glands become continuously stimulated, causing an increase in saliva production. At the same time, their swallowing function is not yet fully developed, making it easy for them to drool excessively.
As dogs grow older and reach their senior years, muscle relaxation occurs, including those around the mouth. This muscle loosening makes it harder for the dog to keep its mouth fully closed, resulting in uncontrollable drooling.
4. Dog Motion Sickness
Just like humans, dogs can also experience motion sickness while traveling in a car. One of the symptoms of dog motion sickness is excessive drooling. When you notice your dog starting to drool while sitting in the car, it's important for pet owners to pay attention because this could indicate that your dog is feeling carsick.
If the condition worsens, vomiting may also occur. To help alleviate your dog's motion sickness, the approach is quite similar to how humans are treated. In addition to stopping for a short break, you can also open a window to improve ventilation inside the car.
5. Understanding and Managing Separation Anxiety and Nervousness in Dogs
Some dogs, especially those that are more timid, may drool excessively when they become overly nervous or frightened. If a dog is afraid of interacting with other dogs, placing dog-shaped toys at home or encouraging more contact with other dogs can help them become accustomed and reduce nervous drooling over time.
Additionally, dogs that are overly dependent on their owners may suffer from separation anxiety. When anxious, these dogs might bark or drool excessively. Besides regular companionship, owners can consider buying sniffing mats, food puzzle toys, and other enrichment toys for their dogs, which can help alleviate separation anxiety to some extent.
Sniffing mats not only help keep dogs physically active but also reduce separation anxiety and can serve as slow feeders to prolong mealtime.
Pathological Causes of Excessive Drooling in Dogs
1. Foreign Object Obstruction in Dogs
When a dog suddenly starts drooling excessively, the first step is to check if there is a foreign object stuck in its mouth or esophagus.
If the object is lodged in the teeth or mouth, the dog will often use its front paws to paw at the mouth.
However, if the obstruction is in the esophagus, the dog will frequently raise its neck, accompanied by difficulty swallowing.
2. Oral Diseases in Dogs
When a dog drools excessively or has noticeably foul-smelling saliva, it often indicates an oral disease. Common conditions include stomatitis, gingivitis, and glossitis. These diseases can cause continuous drooling and bad breath in dogs.
Therefore, if you notice your dog drooling frequently, it is important to pay attention to potential oral health problems. To prevent oral diseases, dog owners must regularly clean their dog's mouth to maintain good oral hygiene.
3. Poisoning and Accidental Ingestion in Dogs
When a dog accidentally consumes something it shouldn't—such as common items like chocolate or onions—or comes into contact with toxic plants like tulips or azaleas, serious symptoms can arise. These symptoms often include excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and even loss of consciousness.
If you notice any of these signs, it is crucial to take your dog to the veterinarian immediately without delay. Prompt medical attention can be lifesaving in cases of poisoning or ingestion of harmful substances.
Conclusion
It is common for dogs to drool when they get too excited or when food smells particularly enticing. These are normal physiological responses. However, if a pet owner notices that their dog is suddenly drooling excessively and uncontrollably, it's important to pay attention, as this could signal health issues.
Generally speaking, excessive drooling in dogs is often caused by something stuck in their mouth, food poisoning, or oral diseases. If you observe this condition, it's best to take your dog to the veterinarian for a thorough examination as soon as possible.
If you see your dog drooling a lot, don't just assume they simply want to eat. This could be a warning sign that your dog is experiencing a health problem that requires immediate attention.
