Why Is Your Dog Drooling Excessively?

All our dogs drool on occasion and some dogs tend to drool more than others depending on their breed and size. Drooling is a way for our pups to keep their mouths moist and help dissolve food. However, if your dog starts to drool excessively, there could be an issue at hand. Further, excessive drooling can lead to dehydration.

Below are Some Tips to Help You Figure out Why Your Dog is Drooling Excessively:

Is There a Foreign Object in Your Dog’s Mouth?

The first thing you should do is check your dog’s mouth to see if you can find anything that shouldn’t be there. For example, there might be a piece of a plant, a wood splinter, or even fabric that is stuck there. Any of these items might be embedded in your dog's teeth, bums or even on this or her tongue.

If you do find something suspicious or that doesn’t belong in your dog’s mouth, see if you feel comfortable enough to attempt to remove it. It you think you can safely remove the object on your own, try to do so. But try to decipher if you think that this could potentially t make matters worse. Otherwise, take your dog to the vet immediately.

Check Your Dog’s Mouth for Bleeding or Wounds

Look closely for bleeding or wounds in your dog’s mouth. The typical signs of injuries and irritations are indicated by changes in color. If your dog’s gums aren’t their usual color which is a light pink tone and are a dark red or even purple, this usually indicates that the gum issue is injured or infected.

If you find one injury, don't stop and make sure to look at your pup’s teeth as well. Sometimes a hairline crack right at the border of the gums can extend into the root and cause your dog pain and salivation. You might see a lot of blood.

Since the area inside a dog's mouth is loaded with blood vessels, injuries there bleed a lot. For the same reason, small cuts, scratches, and even ulcerations in the mouth often heal quickly without you doing a thing.

A little bleeding is not too much to worry about and can be healed with some hydrogen peroxide on a cotton swab or gauze pad. Then place the swab on your dog’s wound. The hydrogen peroxide is a disinfectant, and it can also clean the area so you can get a better look at it.

Is There Pus in Your Dog’s Mouth?

If you see pus in your dog’s mouth, it usually indicates a bacterial infection. A bacterial Infection is typically indicated by a distinctly foul odor that's different from typical bad doggy breath.

If you spot signs of infection, take them seriously. You can probably take care of a small amount of pus, irritation, or even mild gingivitis by simply dedicating yourself to a strict tooth-brushing schedule. But most of the time oral infections need veterinary treatment since they can lead to more serious infections such as bacterial endocarditis-an infection of the heart.

Dental issues Can also Cause Excessive Drooling

If your dog has areas of red, sensitive gum tissue, often with tartar accumulation and parts of the tooth roots exposed, with or without pus indicates gingivitis, which is a common symptom of dental disease. If you discover any fractured teeth, your dog is probably going to need some veterinary attention.

Could Your Dog Be Feeling Anxious or Stressed?

Another reason for excessive drooling in dogs could be anxiety or stress. Just like people, dogs can have emotional reactions to various situations, and one of the ways they might express their discomfort is through increased salivation. Common triggers for anxiety in dogs include loud noises like thunderstorms or fireworks, new environments, separation from their favorite humans, or even the presence of strangers or other animals.

If you suspect that stress or anxiety is causing your dog to drool more than usual, try to identify and minimize the source of their stress. Providing a calm and reassuring presence, using calming aids such as anxiety wraps or pheromone diffusers, and ensuring your dog has a safe, quiet space to retreat to can help. If the anxiety continues, talk to your veterinarian to find the best approach to manage your dog's stress.

There are many reasons why your dog might drool excessively. However, if it just started to occur, it is likely that there is something going on inside your pup’s mouth. If you can’t figure out the issue, call your veterinarian to see if he or she can help.