Dog salivates heavily – 13 causes & solutions

13 reasons why a dog drools heavily

If a dog drools significantly more than usual and hoped for, it can various causes have. As a rule, either play

• Psychic
• Physical or
• Genetic

Reasons matter.

When assessing what exactly is behind it, you have to pay close attention to the circumstances in which the saliva accumulation occurs.

1. Nausea, fear, nervousness & stress

Dogs react differently stress As humans: When we get nervous, dry mouth is usually the result. With four-legged friends, however, the situation is the opposite; they react with increased salivation.

Such stress can be influenced by various factors, such as: Nausea, e.g. during one car ride, or Fear. The saliva that is produced is usually rather gel-like and runs out of its mouth in threads.

What is characteristic of such “drooling attacks” is that they occur on an event-related basis. If a situation arises that could be stressful for the dog, excessive salivation is most likely a reaction to it.

There is probably no patent solution to this phenomenon: Of course, it is ideal not to expose the dog to stress in the first place, but unfortunately this is not always possible. Sedatives, which are also available with gentle herbal ingredients, could provide relief: More about Dog tranquilizers you can find here.

2. foreign body, that are stuck in their mouths

Another factor that can adversely affect saliva production is: Foreign body in the mouth. This is usually the case small, pointed parts How Splinters of wood, pieces of bone or tiny Broken glass. They irritate the lips or gums, and the body then tries to defend itself by drooling.

Foreign bodies are sometimes very difficult to find – your best chance is to thoroughly search the four-legged friend's mouth with a flashlight. At the Removing the foreign body It is very important to proceed carefully and use tweezers, for example.

If in doubt, you should definitely go to the vet, Foreign bodies that are not completely dissolved can also cause dangerous infections.

3. swelling in the mouth area

Also Swelling in the mouth can cause the dog to suddenly salivate heavily. Injuries or bacterial infections can be responsible for this, but it is also very possible that one allergy plays a role. In summer there are too Insect bites a very common cause of swelling.

If you have identified this cause, you need to observe the affected areas very closely: In many cases, the swelling goes down quickly on its own and salivation should also stop. If the mouth is still thick or the dog is still drooling significantly more than usual, a trip to the vet is recommended.

4. Expression of Pains

If a dog suddenly starts drooling, that can also happen Pains be behind it. Dogs can be very resistant to pain, so increased salivation is often the first sign that something is wrong for those in the know.

5. Tooth & Gums-diseases

Very closely related to pain and swelling Dental diseases the four-legged friend. Dogs are usually not affected by tooth decay, but by Tartar affected. If left untreated, this quickly develops into one Inflammation of the gums.

In many animals, this is hardly noticeable at first glance, even though they are already suffering from it. A sign that something is wrong with your teeth can be increased drooling that occurs over a long period of time. Bad breath is another symptom.

Increased saliva production occurs for a short time Puppies on who the Change of teeth go through it and often have to struggle with minor inflammations.

You can prevent dental diseases primarily with dental care products and chewing snacks. Dry food also helps to accelerate tooth wear; you can read more about this important topic here. Once an infection has established itself, dental surgery is usually the only solution.

6. Dog has strong appetite

But health problems are not always behind a lot of saliva: it is also possible that the dog's mouth is simply watering because he strong appetite has.

When your four-legged friend smells something tasty, the body instinctively prepares to eat. This not only includes the activation of the salivary glands, but also stimulates stomach acid production.

A dog that drools because of this usually has droplet-shaped saliva. If the phenomenon only occurs when presented with the prospect of a snack or meal, it is very likely that this is a harmless reason.

7. Side effect of medications

Your dog is receiving medical treatment and is receiving… Medication? Then he may be drooling because of it. Some medicines also act on the salivary glands, which then become activated without any good reason.

So if your darling is salivating a lot, it's best to get this Package leaflet Read carefully to find out whether the medication can be “to blame” and everything else that goes with it vet discuss.

8. The four-legged friend is caught a cold

Also colds can cause your four-legged friend to excrete more fluid. Then he not only has a significantly moister snout, but also often produces significantly more saliva. There are usually other symptoms such as fatigue, cough or fever.

If the dog is sick, he definitely has to be spared and lots of liquid receive. If you have a fever or other symptoms that persist for a long time, you should go to the vet. otherwise, for example, life-threatening pneumonia could occur.

9. Inflammation the salivary glands

The Salivary glands themselves can also be the cause of drooling. When these are inflamed, saliva production is stimulated so much that it takes over.

Foreign bodies or a traumatic injury are often behind it. Only the vet can actually help. This is sorely necessary, because with a bit of bad luck one can happen Salivary gland cyst (sialocele) develop. Then saliva could penetrate the connective tissue – a dangerous thing.

10. Symptom of Symptoms of poisoning

But be careful: A sudden production of saliva combined with smacking is also a problem common symptom of poisoning, in which the nervous system is destroyed. The drooling then often occurs with other symptoms such as

• Vomiting and/or diarrhea, also bloody
• Sudden apathetic behavior
• Tumbling
• High fever
• Tremble
• heart racing or
• Eating earth and grass

on.

Another characteristic of poisoning is that saliva often added with foam is. If you suspect anything, you should not hesitate and consult a veterinarian immediately! If the dog is still conscious, it can help him every now and then Charcoal tablets to administer. Further information on the topic “Poisoning in dogs“.

11. Signs of threatening Overheating

If the dog drools on very warm days, it is also possible that he is having problems with his Body temperature to regulate.

On one impending overheating The dog reacts primarily by increasing its breathing frequency and at the same time saliva production increases. He then uses this liquid to try to cool the inside of the body.

In addition to excessive salivation panting the dog then also extensively. Unfortunately, this reaction is often not sufficient, so there is still a risk of heat stroke. That's why you have to support the dog, for example give plenty of water and provide a shady place. Also one Cooling mat or a cooling in Dog pool can relax the situation.

12. Chronic Organ diseases

In addition to diseases of the salivary gland itself can also chronic organ diseases lead to increased saliva production. In particular Diseases of the metabolic organs such as the liver and kidneys, the esophagus and the swallowing system are known for this.

Also Tumors often cause your four-legged friend to suddenly start drooling heavily. If it occurs suddenly and inexplicably, it is definitely advisable to go to the vet.

13. Genetic Attachments

And finally there is also genetic reasons, which cause certain dogs to salivate more than others. This is mainly due to the bred body type, usually it is a poor lip closure, which causes the saliva to drip heavily.

With these breeds you can't actually do anything about the increased salivation; it's just innate.

Meaning & purpose of dog saliva

Salivation is an important physiological process in all mammals. To a certain extent it is absolutely necessary for dogs too.

The secretion is formed by more than a dozen salivary glands, which are anatomically divided into two groups – small and large glands. Saliva plays important roles in the consumption and processing of food as well as in the personal hygiene of four-legged friends.

Indispensable for them food intake

So saliva is very important for a dog to maintain itself feed to be able to: The taste glands tell the four-legged friend, for example, what he likes and what he doesn't like. The regular flow of saliva also causes these glands to become cleaned regularly, so that the animal can perceive new stimuli.

The liquid also ensures that the animal can absorb the food. Unlike humans, dog saliva does not have any enzymes for pre-digestion but the food softens, before it is devoured. This means the stomach and intestines have significantly less work to do.

Helps the four-legged friend clean to keep

Saliva also plays a very important function Personal care the four-legged friend: They clean themselves by licking dirty places. The intimate area in particular is kept clean. In addition, dogs that live in a group also groom each other.

The secretion continues antibacterial properties, which can kill streptococci and E. coli bacteria, for example. This is one of the main reasons dogs often lick their wounds when injured – their saliva helps them prevent infection.