Is Excessive Drooling An Emergency for Dogs?

Every dog drools from time to time, but what if your dog is suddenly drooling a lot more than normal?

Excessive drooling can be quite an alarming symptom, especially if your pet starts to display other signs such as pawing at their face, panting, or abdominal bloating.

There are certain occasions when drooling is a sign of an emergency, and it is essential that you act quickly.

Drooling can have a wide range of causes, so you may need to work with your veterinarian to determine the underlying issue and help your dog feel better.

What Counts as Normal Drooling in Dogs?

Drooling is a normal bodily function, and saliva has many vital purposes within the body, including moistening food and producing digestive enzymes.

Breeds That Naturally Drool More

If you are the owner of a ‘drooly’ breed like a Saint Bernard, Mastiff, or Basset Hound, you will be no stranger to drool puddles.

These dogs have loose jowls, and they’re just not very good at containing saliva within their large mouths.

Situations Where Extra Drool is Normal

You will notice your dog drooling more at times, such as when they are expecting a tasty treat or can smell yummy food, when they are getting too warm, or if they are really excited.

How to Tell Normal From Excessive Drooling

Drooling is considered excessive if it exceeds the typical amount for your dog and occurs at unexpected times.

Drooling that is profuse and has come on suddenly is more of a concern.

What Are Common Non-Emergency Causes of Excessive Drooling?

Let’s take a closer look at the reasons dogs will naturally drool.

Anticipation of Food or Treats

As your dog anticipates eating, their digestive tract begins to function.

Their brain sends signals to their mouth, causing them to produce a lot of saliva, which helps break down the food.

Motion Sickness or Nausea

Many owners find their dog drools in moving vehicles, and this can be a combination of nerves and travel sickness.

For those who get very nauseous, it is worth discussing anti-nausea medicine with their vet.

Other causes of nausea, like gastroenteritis or eating too much food, are also going to cause drooling.

Hot Weather and Panting

Getting warm is going to cause drooling as saliva helps with the cooling process when it evaporates off the tongue.

It is a sign that your dog is warmer than they are comfortable with, and you need to get them cooled down pronto.

Dental Tartar and Gingivitis

Many dogs suffer from dental disease, which causes a wide range of signs, including bad breath, a preference for softer foods, and excessive drooling.

While really common, this is not ‘normal’, and if you suspect your dog has got some dental disease, it is important to book them in for a check-up.

When Can Excessive Drooling Be an Emergency?

Be aware that sudden and extensive drooling can be an indicator that something is seriously amiss.

Mouth and Throat Problems

Certain issues, like oral cancers, oral ulcers, or food stuck in the throat, can present with excessive drooling.

You may also notice signs like bad breath, pawing at the mouth, reduced appetite and throat clearing.

Heat Stroke and Overheating

If your dog is getting too hot, drooling is an early warning sign. Other symptoms include bright red gums, glazed eyes, panting, lethargy, and weakness.

Heat stroke is a true emergency, and it is best to cool your dog down while you transport them to the nearest emergency vet if you think they have overheated.

Poisoning or Toxic Ingestions

Certain toxicities may cause drooling as one of the first signs.

Drooling is frequently seen after a dog has ingested an irritant like bleach or if they’ve eaten something toxic, such as chocolate or alcohol.

Stomach and Gut Emergencies

Emergencies, including gastric dilation volvulus (bloat), pancreatitis, and foreign body obstructions, can all present with drooling.

Neurological Causes

Less commonly, we may be dealing with a neurological issue such as a partial seizure or botulism.

What Are Red-Flag Signs That Drooling Is an Emergency?

It is good to be aware of the most concerning signs, so immediate vet care can be sought when needed.

Sudden Profuse Drooling With Behaviour Changes

If your dog is suddenly not themselves, we’d be concerned for a recent head trauma, stroke, toxin ingestion or seizure.

Any unexplained behaviour alongside drooling is worth investigating promptly.

Drooling Plus Swollen Abdomen

If you’re concerned that your dog potentially has a gastric torsion, this cannot wait to be addressed.

This is especially true in predisposed breeds, such as the Great Dane and Doberman.

When a dog is experiencing bloat, it often retches and gags but does not vomit. You will also see that their abdomen is swollen and tense like a drum.

Drooling With Collapse, Weakness, or Disorientation

Any evidence that your dog is in shock or is struggling to move is a true emergency.

These sorts of signs can be seen with internal bleeding, severe dehydration, or abnormal salt levels. Seek emergency veterinary care, regardless of the time.

Drooling With Very Pale Gums, Fast Breathing or Racing Heart

Pale gums can mean internal bleeding and are a true concern. If your dog also has rapid breathing or a racing heart, they may be in shock.

One potential cause to consider would be a ruptured splenic tumour.

What to Do if Your Dog is Drooling Excessively?

Firstly, try to determine if there is an explanation for the drooling.

If there is a female in heat nearby and you have an uncastrated male, or if you're plating up the Sunday roast, the drooling is to be expected.

Safe First Steps at Home

Initially, you’ll want to survey the situation. Determine your dog’s emotional state and temperature, and see if there are any potential smells or tastes that could be triggering the drooling.

Check to see if your dog has managed to get into the bin, or perhaps nibbled on your new plant.

What Not to Do

Never risk getting injured or bitten. You may want to open your dog’s mouth and look inside, but only do this if you are confident that they will tolerate it.

When to Call Your Usual Vet vs an Emergency Clinic

If you’re concerned, contacting a vet is always the right thing to do.

However, if your local vet is closed, call the nearest emergency vet if your dog is experiencing any red-flag signs or if you’re very concerned that something is not right.

How Vets Investigate Excessive Drooling

Your vet will want to know when the drooling began and if you suspect any causes.

Physical Exam of Mouth, Throat and Abdomen

They should check your dog from nose to tail, focusing on their oral exam. They’ll also palpate their abdomen carefully to assess for any blockages, bloating, or pain.

Recommended Tests for Excessive Dog Drooling

Diagnostic tests may include blood and urine tests, abdominal imaging, and perhaps an oral exam under sedation- depending on what is suspected.

Treatment Options Depending on the Cause

Treatment will vary widely, depending on why your dog is drooling.

Most of the time, nausea responds well to anti-nausea medication, while a tooth root abscess typically requires the extraction of the affected tooth.

The key to determining therapy will be in figuring out the root cause of the drooling.

Preventing Serious Causes of Drooling

There are a number of things that can help keep your dog safe.

Keeping Toxic Foods and Chemicals Out of Reach

Your home should be totally dog-proofed, with bins, chemicals, and medicines behind locked doors.

Human foods must always be out of reach, and it is best not to keep any unsafe plants in your home or garden.

Safe Toys and Chews

Most vets would advise against giving bones, and would instead advise on giving safer options such as Kongs, fish skins and dental sticks.

Preventing Heat Stroke and Motion Sickness

Both heat stroke and motion sickness are avoidable.

This means taking sensible steps, such as not exercising your dog when the weather is too hot, and avoiding any unnecessary car travel.

Regular Dental Checks and Routine Health Visits

One key part of pet care is regular check-ups. Your dog cannot let you know that their tooth is starting to ache, but your vet can detect any dental disease in its early stages, allowing for prompt treatment.

Get Emergency Vet Care for Your Dog

Contact us if your dog is drooling excessively or if you are concerned that they are experiencing a medical emergency, such as a GDV (Gastric Torsion) or toxicity.

We are always here to help, and can triage your dog to determine if they need emergency vet care.

Excessive Drooling in Dogs FAQs

When should I be worried about my dog's drooling?

Drooling that is more than the norm for your dog should always be looked into. If there is profuse and unexplained drooling, this should ring alarm bells.

What home remedies can help with drooling?

Simple steps like daily tooth brushing, keeping your dog cool, and avoiding unnecessary car journeys can all play a role in reducing drooling.

What should I do if my dog is drooling excessively?

Excessive drooling can be caused by nausea, dental/mouth pain, something stuck in the mouth, heat stress, or poisoning. First, keep your dog calm and check for obvious triggers (car travel, excitement, hot room). If it’s safe, look in the mouth for a stuck object, bleeding, swelling, or a strong smell. Offer small sips of water. Call our vets immediately if drooling is sudden or severe, or if you notice vomiting, repeated retching, a swollen belly, difficulty breathing or swallowing, collapse, tremors, or facial swelling. If you suspect your dog ate something toxic, contact your vet immediately.