Drool is saliva produced by glands in the dog’s mouth. It provides lubrication and aids in the digestive process after eating. Drooling is a normal activity in dogs. However, excessive drooling is not a good sign.
Causes
There are any causes of excessive dog drooling. It could be something simple, such as the dog being scared or anxious. It could also be a happy reaction, such as when the dog sees treats or something else he likes, such as a favorite toy.
Dog drooling can also be caused by diseases such as periodontal disease, distemper or rabies. There may be tumors or other growths in the mouth. Motion sickness and heat stroke can be associated with drooling. Tranquilizers, poisons and foreign objects in the mouth may also cause dog drooling.
Some breeds naturally drool more than others, so in some cases, the excess drooling is nothing to be concerned about. Dog Breed Info Center has a list of dog breeds that drool excessively.
What to do
If the dog appears healthy, there may be something inside the mouth. Gently open the dog’s mouth and look for anything out of the ordinary, such as plants, wood, plastic or fabric. Thoroughly inspect the teeth, gums and tongue. If you find something, determine whether it can be safely removed without causing further pain and damage to your dog. The vet may need to remove it.
Sometimes the mouth and gums may have injuries or infections, so look for redness or bleeding. Go slow and speak softly to avoid scaring the dog. If the dog is whimpering, squirming or attempting to bite you, he is in pain, so stop the exam and have a vet examine the mouth.
Keep looking around the teeth and gums for any further foreign objects or signs of infection. Injuries in the mouth may bleed a lot, so do not be alarmed if you see blood. Clean the area with hydrogen peroxide.
If you see any red areas with pus or exposed teeth, then your dog may have a dental infection. If you see any fractured teeth, schedule a vet visit to have them examined.
Look for any abnormal growths in the mouth. Warts can be ignored, as they will go away on their own. Any other lumps should be looked at by a vet, as they can be cancerous and potentially fatal.
If you could not find anything inside the dog’s mouth, schedule a vet visit. Sometimes dog drooling can be caused by nausea or neurological conditions that only a vet can diagnose.
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