Is Unusual Drooling in My Dog a Sign of a Serious Problem?

Dear VetBabble: Unusual Drooling in My Dog, Is It a Cause of Concern?

We got an intriguing question from a worried pet parent that resonates with a common pet concern. The question is: “My 3.5-year-old yellow female Lab started drooling excessively from the right side of the mouth today. Could she have eaten something toxic? Is it possible that she’s experiencing nausea or a tooth infection, and what are indications that a trip to the vet is necessary?”

Dear Pet Parent, it’s understandable to be concerned when a change as noticeable as excessive drooling occurs in your furry friend. Drooling could indeed be indicative of several things and it’s commendable of you to take note of such changes. To further address this concern, we’ll explore three possible reasons: possible ingestion of harmful substances, nausea, and potential dental problems.

Possible Ingestion of Harmful Substances

When dogs ingest substances that their bodies do not agree with, they may begin to drool excessively. A primary concern with this symptom is the potential ingestion of toxic materials— anything from chemicals to certain plants. If you think this could be the case, it is crucial to contact your vet immediately. For more information on the types of symptomatic behaviors to understand, you might want to have a look at our article on ‘Vomiting in Dogs: Causes, Treatment & When to Worry‘.

Nausea in Dogs

A second concern could be nausea. Dogs, much like humans, will drool more when they’re feeling nauseous. A characteristic symptom along with excessive drooling is vomiting. If your dog is vomiting, or you’re noticing signs of dehydration, these might be indicators of gastrointestinal upset. Our comprehensive article, ‘Why Does My Dog Have Diarrhea?‘, covers this in more depth.

Dental Problems

Lastly, the cause of the drooling could indeed be as simple as a dental issue such as a tooth infection. Dental disease can cause considerable discomfort, inflammation, and excess saliva production. If you’re noticing bad breath, reduced eating or any discomfort when your pet is chewing, a dental issue could be the cause. Our resourceful guide on ‘Liver Disease in Dogs’ covers how poor dental health can affect your dog’s liver as a side note and it can be found here.

In conclusion, while these possibilities might seem scary, remember that excessive drooling could simply be a one-off event or due to a minor, easy-to-resolve health concern. However, when in doubt, we strongly recommend reaching out to your vet, especially if the drooling is persistent or is associated with other symptoms. This is of paramount importance in case your pet is suffering from something more serious like ‘Diarrhea in Dogs: When to Worry‘.

Remember, you know your dog best! Keeping an eye on their habits, and consulting professionals when in doubt, is the best way to keep your furry friend healthy and happy. We’re here for you, every step of the way.

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