Excessive Dog Drool: When to Worry and What to Do
- Dental Disease: From tartar buildup and gum inflammation to broken or abscessed teeth, dental problems are a major cause of excessive drooling in dogs.
- Foreign Objects: Dogs use their mouths to explore, and sometimes a splinter, piece of bone, or other object can get lodged in their gums, causing pain and irritation.
- Oral Growths: Any new lumps, bumps, or masses in your dog’s mouth could be a harmless wart—or a sign of cancer. Don’t ignore them.
- Toxin Exposure: Ingesting a toxic plant, household chemical, or certain human foods can cause a sudden, severe increase in drooling. This is an emergency.
- Heatstroke: Excessive panting and drooling can be a symptom of heatstroke, especially after exercise in hot weather.
- Do Not Attempt Home Remedies: Never put hydrogen peroxide on a dog’s mouth wound. This will cause significant tissue damage and can be toxic if swallowed.
- Examine with Caution: If your dog is calm, perform a quick check for foreign objects, swelling, or bleeding. If your dog is in pain or agitated, stop immediately.
- For Bleeding: Apply gentle, firm pressure with a clean cloth. If bleeding does not stop quickly, it’s a veterinary emergency.
If your dog’s excessive drooling is accompanied by any of these signs, contact your vet immediately:
- Sudden onset of heavy drooling
- Bloody or discolored saliva
- Sudden swelling of the face or lips
- Bad breath
- Lethargy or loss of appetite
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Pawing at their mouth
We provide Daily Dog Walking and Vacation Pet Sitting for domestic, exotic and farm animals the following areas of Charlotte: The Arboretum, Ballantyne, Brandon Oaks neighborhood, Concord, Harrisburg, Hemby Bridge, Highland Creek neighborhood, Northeast/Southeast Charlotte, NC, Indian Land, Kannapolis, Lake Park, Marvin, Matthews, Mint Hill, Monroe, Providence Estates East neighborhood, Providence Plantation neighborhood, Provincetowne neighborhood, Skybrook neighborhood, Stallings, Waxhaw, Weddington, and Wesley Chapel.