Reasons Why Dog Salivate Excessively

Potential dog owners that cannot tolerate the yucky drool of dogs have better stir clear of Basset Hounds, Saint Bernards and Bullmastiffs as these dogs are notorious droolers. These dogs have loose pendulous lips so that the enzyme-rich saliva that is secreted by the four pairs of salivary glands to aid digestion cannot be contained in the mouth. Owners of these dogs have learned to deal with the dripping dog either by tying a bandana around the pets neck or keeping a supply of towels ready.

Dogs naturally slobber. Dogs are voracious eaters thus the sight of food would make these animals salivate. A dog owner should be concerned if the dog that is not an excessive droller would suddenly droll excessively.

Dog owners should not ignore hypersalivation or excessive drooling in dogs that normally do not drool as it can result to dehydration. A situation that would have a psychological impact on the dog can trigger excessive drooling. Excessive salivation can be the dog’s nervous reaction to loud sounds like the sound of thunder or the sound of fireworks. The dog’s excessive drooling can be due to motion sickness. Because dog are indiscriminate eaters it would not be uncommon for these animals to ingest poisonous substances. Hypersalivation can be a sign that the dog was poisoned.

Dogs that have suddenly turned into excessive drippers may have an underlying health concern. Gastric dilatation volvulus which is commonly known as bloat is a life threatening situation that is caused by the twisting of the stomach. This condition is one of the reasons why the dog would salivate excessively. Ear and urinary tract infections, rabies, liver diseases are common causes for the drooling of the dog. However if it is apparent that the dog’s salivation is not caused by the above mentioned situations, a dog owner has better open and examine the mouth of the pet.

Excessive salivation can be caused by a cracked tooth, an infected gum or other periodontal diseases. Dogs use their mouth to investigate their surroundings. In doing so, the dog may injure the soft tissues of the mouth, the teeth and the throat from slivers of wood, from hooks and from other dangerous objects chewed by the dog. A splinter stuck on the mouth tissues, an object lodged between the teeth will cause pain and discomfort thus the dog will be seen salivating excessively.

Read all about dog drooling and why dogs drool at Sarah’s Dogs.