Excessive Dog Drooling - Information On Problems Leading to Excessive Drooling In Canines

All dogs tend to slobber and drool a bit, but certain breeds are more prone to this phenomenon than others.



Excessive canine drooling is quite common among certain larger breeds such as St Bernards, boxers, mastiffs, and bulldogs. Veterinarians often encounter queries about St Bernards drooling and how to handle this problem. The first thing you need to understand if you have such a breed is that there is no way to completely stop the drooling. This is a feature of the breed, and is something that can only be managed, not stopped. It is generally advisable to carry a towel around with you, especially if you and your dog are going to be interacting with other dogs and people. You yourself are probably not to happy about having your clothes, floor, and furniture covered with dog saliva, and other people probably like it even less. Other pet owners are also not too happy about having their own dog soaked in another dog's drool. If you carry a towel around with you, you can wipe up the mess every time your dog drools over a dog or over someone else's furniture or floor.

One recommendation for owners of drooling dog breeds is tying a kind of bib around your dog's neck.



You can use a special dog bib, a baby bib, or a plain old scarf or bandana. In fact, a fancy scarf or bandana around your dog's neck will even look quite fashionable, if you are into dressing your dog up. This will soak up the saliva as your dog drools, thus avoiding a mess and keeping your dog relatively dry. Constantly being wet around the throat and muzzle is not good for your dog, especially in cold weather. However, remember that you will probably need to change the bib, bandana, or whatever else you use every few hours.

Sometimes however, an owner may notice sudden excess dog drooling that does not normally drool. This is an indication that something is wrong. The problem is usually minor, but it is always better to be sure, so consult your vet if necessary. An injury or infection of the gums or in the general area of the mouth can cause your dog to drool suddenly.



Your dog may also have an object stuck in his or her teeth or throat. Check the dog's mouth thoroughly, and if you find an object, either remove it yourself or visit your vet. Poisoning or a stomach upset can also cause excessive drooling in puppies or dogs that are normally clean and dry. Insect stings or allergic reactions can also have the same effect.

Problems that Lead to Excessive Drooling in Canines

Drooling is a habit that is very well associated with dogs and this is not an unknown fact. However, excess drooling can be a nuisance at times. What you may think is excessive drooling and licking in dogs could be quite a common occurrence in a certain canine breeds. In case your pet belongs to such a breed you have nothing to worry about really. However, at times excessive drooling in dogs may be one of the symptoms of a serious underlying condition. Given below are some of the more serious problems that lead to excessive drooling in canines:

Infections

Just like humans, dogs too are prone to different types of infections, some of which include urinary tract infections, digestive tract infections and respiratory infections. Based on the type of infection that your pet is suffering from, there are several different symptoms that may be evident, one of which includes excess drooling.

Injury

At times your dog may suffer from trauma or an injury, which keeps him from closing his mouth properly. Because of this, your dog may not be able to eat or drink properly and may also end up drooling a lot more than usual. There could also be excessive drooling in dogs while sleeping because of the pain that is experienced.

Rabies

Rabies is one of the most severe diseases that can affect any dog. Several pet owners believe that their dogs cannot contract rabies if they have been immunized, but this is not true. This serious condition can affect even immunized canines and can trigger of symptoms such as excessive drooling in dogs.

Digestive problems

It is not uncommon for dogs to consume substances that do not agree with their digestive systems. Your dog’s stomach could get bloated because of this, as your dog suffers from tummy twists and dilation. This in turn could cause a blockage in the intestines. In several instances your dog may not be able to belch or bring up the trapped food.

Liver diseases

There are several liver diseases that have been known to affect dogs, the most common ones being active hepatitis and chronic liver inflammation. Another affliction that is a major cause for concern for most pet owners is the development of tumors in the liver. Any malfunctioning of the liver can trigger of many other health problems. Therefore, if you notice excessive drooling in your dogs, you need to consult a vet as soon as possible.

Motion sickness

This is a very common occurrence in dogs but fortunately, it is not very serious. Many dogs get nauseated when travelling and end up drooling excessively. Motion sickness usually leads to excessive drooling and vomiting in dogs.

Poisoning

Many dogs consume toxic substances like detergents, topical disinfectants, mothballs and plants, which could lead to food poisoning. The most common symptoms of poisoning include nausea, choking, excessive drooling and vomiting in dogs. This is very serious and can also be fatal for your pet. Do ensure that this is treated by a doctor immediately.

Foreign objects lodged in the mouth

At times foreign objects like bones, broken toys or fish hooks can get caught up between the dog’s teeth. This usually leads to excessive drooling in dogs and pain too. If this happens to your dog, avoid dislodging the object on your own, as it could cause your pet to suffer from additional pain and discomfort. It is best for you to have a vet remove the foreign object as soon as possible.

In case you notice sudden excessive drooling in your dogs, it is imperative that you have a vet examine your pet immediately. The excessive drooling in dogs treatment may vary, depending upon the cause and the severity of the problem. As a pet owner, you should never try to treat excessive drooling in dogs on your own.