Is Dog Drooling Normal? When to Medicate & Causes

Dog drooling can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from a normal physiological response to symptoms of an underlying illness. If your dog is drooling excessively and is accompanied by other concerning signs, it's important to seek treatment promptly. Below are some common reasons for drooling in dogs, along with suggested medical treatments:

1. Physiological Causes of Drooling

1. Hot Weather:

Recommendations: Ensure your dog stays hydrated by providing fresh water, and place it in a cool, wellventilated area to prevent overheating. Oral electrolytes can help correct dehydration and restore energy levels.

2. Teething:

Recommendations: Drooling during this stage is normal and nothing to worry about. However, if you notice swelling in your dog's gums due to teething, you can administer cephalexin tablets to reduce inflammation and prevent infection that could lead to abscesses.

2. Pathological Causes of Drooling

1. Oral Diseases:

Symptoms: Conditions like gingivitis or mouth ulcers can lead to sticky saliva with an unpleasant odor.

Recommendations: Treat with oral sprays and antibiotics, such as Yakult Spray or Clavamox (Amoxicillin and Clavulanate Potassium). Regular dental hygiene is crucial to maintain oral health. Severe tartar buildup may require professional dental cleaning at a vet clinic.

2. Food Poisoning:

Symptoms: Dogs may ingest toxic substances like onions, cleaning agents, or human medications, leading to symptoms like excessive drooling, increased heart rate, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Recommendations: For mild poisoning, induce vomiting and give the dog plenty of water. Administer hydrochlorothiazide tablets to encourage urination and help expel toxins. For severe poisoning, immediate veterinary care for vomiting and gastric lavage is necessary.

3. Enteritis:

Symptoms: Abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting can cause an increase in saliva production.

Recommendations: Feed your dog probiotics to regulate the digestive system. For severe vomiting, consider using petspecific antiemetics to alleviate discomfort.

4. Rabies:

Symptoms: Dogs with rabies may have difficulty swallowing, leading to excessive drooling, along with symptoms like restlessness, barking, and aggressive behavior.

Recommendations: Rabies is a fatal disease with no cure. Isolate the dog immediately and seek veterinary care for diagnosis and treatment.

5. Allergies:

Recommendations: Identify and avoid allergens, and use antihistamines for treatment.

3. Other Situations

1. Stress and Anxiety:

Symptoms: Dogs may drool due to stress or anxiety, such as encountering other dogs, meeting new people in the home, or moving to a new house.

Recommendations: Provide comfort and security to your dog to prevent stress responses.

2. Incorrect Sleep Position:

Recommendations: If your dog sleeps with its mouth open, saliva may drain out due to gravity. This is usually not a cause for concern and can be resolved by adjusting the dog's sleeping position.

In summary, dog drooling can stem from numerous reasons, and appropriate treatments should be chosen based on the specific situation. It's also essential to implement preventive measures to keep your dog healthy and comfortable. If your dog's drooling persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it's advisable to consult a veterinarian for a professional diagnosis and treatment.