It’s not uncommon for dogs to drool but if you have a dog that seems to be excessively drooling, it could be a problem. You might wonder about home remedies for over-the-top dog drooling.
Some drool is normal but if your dog seems to be overdoing it, it could leave your home messy and be a problem for your dog. Luckily, there are some things you can do to deal with the problem at home.
Before reading this guide, “Home Remedies for Dog Drooling,” check out: Why Does My Dog Drool in the Car? (2023) and Why Is My Dog Drooling Clear Slime? Common Causes and When to Worry! (2023).
Natural Remedies for Drooling
If your dog is drooling and you don’t think there is a health problem, you can treat your dog’s drooling problem with natural remedies. Here are some tips for keeping your furry friend happy and healthy.
Provide Plenty of Water
One thing to keep in mind is that dehydration can cause excessive drooling in dogs, so always make sure to leave out fresh water. To make it even more enticing, try tossing some ice cubes in there to keep it cool and refreshing. If you suspect your fur baby is dehydrated, don’t panic.
Make sure they drink plenty of fresh, cool water, especially if it’s hot outside. Dehydration can really throw a wrench in your pooch’s appetite, so keep an eye on their food intake. Not eating enough can make things worse because they won’t be getting enough water from their food.
In some cases, your dog may need extra help in the form of electrolytes. When the body doesn’t get enough H20, fluids with electrolytes are drawn out of the cells, which can cause organs to go haywire.
If your pup isn’t throwing up, you can try giving them an electrolyte-enhanced drink like Pedialyte. It’s important to talk to your vet about the best dosage before taking this route.
Regular Exercise
Another way to keep the drool at bay is by making sure your dog gets enough exercise. Walking stimulates blood circulation and oxygen delivery, which in turn stimulates saliva production and secretion. Plus, exercise can help reduce stress and anxiety, which are common causes of drooling.
Lemon Juice
If you’re dealing with a heavy drooler, consider trying natural remedies. Lemon juice can dry out your dog’s mouth and reduce saliva secretion, but be careful not to give them too much since it can be harmful to their stomach, nervous system, and eyes.
A few drops mixed in with their water bowl or on their food should do the trick. Coconut oil and apple cider vinegar are also great for oral health and can be mixed in with food, used as a rinse, or added to the water bowl.
Improve Your Dog’s Diet
Diet is also a big factor. A balanced, high-quality diet is important for oral health and overall well-being. You can also add supplements like probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins to give your puppy’s immune system a boost.
Provide Chew Toys
Chewing on small pieces of ice or wood can help stimulate salivary glands and keep their mouth moist and clean. Plus, it can alleviate pain and inflammation caused by dental issues. Keep these tips in mind and your pup will be happy and healthy drool-free!
Be careful not to give your dog anything too hard or sharp that could damage his teeth or gums. Try offering ice chips or wooden sticks that are smooth and splinter-free. Avoid giving your dog anything that could add to the injury and make the pain in the mouth any worse.
Keep Your Dog Properly Groomed
Some dogs have long hair around their mouths that traps a bunch of drool. It’s pretty gross, but there’s an easy fix. Just grab some scissors or a trimmer and give your furry buddy’s jowls, lips, and chin a little trim.
This simple act will keep their mouth free from any gunk trapped in their beard. Make sure to be extra careful when you’re snipping away at their hair. You don’t want to cut too close to their skin.
Remember, your pup trusts you to take good care of them. So take your time and do it with precision. That way, your furry friend won’t just look good but also feel comfy and happy.
Why Do Dogs Drool?
Breeds like Saint Bernards and Bulldogs naturally have looser lips and mouths, so they tend to drool more than other breeds. But there are also a bunch of other reasons why dogs might drool excessively.
For example, when dogs get hot or exercise a lot, they’ll often drool to cool down. It’s basically like how we sweat. And just like us, dogs can also drool more when they’re excited or anticipating something delicious, like dinner or a yummy treat.
But sometimes excessive drooling can be a sign that something’s not right with your dog’s health. If your pup is feeling nauseous or gets motion sickness in the car, they might drool a lot as a result.
Or if they’ve got dental or oral problems like gum disease or tooth decay, you might notice more drooling along with other symptoms like bad breath and difficulty eating.
If your dog has something caught in their teeth or throat, that could also make them drool excessively. During super hot weather, dogs can drool a lot due to heat stroke, which is a serious condition that requires immediate attention.
There are some illnesses and toxins that can cause excessive drooling in dogs, like kidney or liver disease, certain types of cancer, or ingestion of toxic plants or chemicals. If you notice your dog drooling a lot and you’re not sure why, it’s best to get them checked out by a vet just to be safe.
What Causes Excessive Dog Drooling?
If you’ve noticed your dog drooling excessively, it could be due to a variety of reasons.
One common issue is a gastrointestinal disorder, like esophagitis or inflammatory bowel disease, which can result in nausea and drooling. Keep an eye out for other symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea and some of these other causes.
Mouth Pain
Another culprit could be gum disease or some sort of oral problem like a sialocele or tumor. It’s a good idea to check for things like bad breath or any masses in the mouth.
If your dog has recently had a mouth injury, like blunt force trauma or chewing something sharp, this could also cause drooling. Be on the lookout for any debris stuck in their mouth.
Chemical Burns
Another potential cause is exposure to chemical or electrical burns. This could happen if they somehow come into contact with battery acid or chew on an electrical cord. These types of burns are often painful and accompanied by lesions.
Toxic substances can also lead to excessive drooling. Some plants, like peace lilies, can be particularly dangerous for dogs. If you suspect that your dog has ingested something toxic, contact your vet ASAP.
Anxiety
Anxiety could also be a factor — if your dog is stressed out, they might drool more than usual. This could occur if they’re going to the vet or have recently moved to a new home. When dogs are nervous, their bodies do odd things.
Drooling could just be a result of your dog’s body working overtime to deal with the issues it is facing.
Stomach Pain
Abdominal pain is another possible cause of drooling. Keep an eye out for symptoms like restlessness, loss of appetite, or abdominal distention. If they seem to be guarding their abdomen, this could also be a sign that they’re in pain.
Dogs may deliberately drool to try to get rid of the food or item in their stomach that is making them sick. If they ate something spicy or toxic, it could be the body’s way of detoxifying the stomach and removing anything harmful through the drool.
Neurological Problems
Neurological conditions could be to blame if your dog is experiencing drooling along with other symptoms, like lethargy or weakness. This could be anything from damage to a nerve or salivary gland to a brain issue.
If your dog has been in an accident or is demonstrating other signs of a brain problem, consider having them checked by a veterinarian.
Congenital Defects
Congenital defects, like portosystemic shunt, could lead to excessive drooling. If you notice any signs that your dog might be in pain or discomfort, it’s always best to check with your vet to get a diagnosis.
When Is Excessive Drooling a Cause For Concern?
A common issue that can cause your furry friend to drool is difficulty swallowing. This can be due to a fractured tooth, tumors in the mouth, throat, or esophagus, tartar buildup, or infections.
Dental Problems
Even a foreign object stuck in your dog’s teeth or throat can cause issues. To prevent this, make sure to brush your dog’s teeth daily and take them to the vet for regular dental checkups.
Look out for warning signs such as yellow or brown plaque deposits on the teeth or red, swollen gums. Any lumps or foreign objects should be taken seriously and require a visit to the vet immediately.
Dental disease isn’t just caused by bacterial infections but also by trauma. For instance, tooth and even jaw fractures can lead to dental disease. One of the most common types of dental disease is periodontal disease, which affects dogs too.
It’s basically an infection that causes inflammation and breakdown of the structures that support teeth and keep them in place. In humans, this type of dental disease happens if we don’t see a dentist often.
Cavities are pretty rare in dogs because the specific bacteria that cause them aren’t common in our furry friends. So, you don’t really have to worry about your dog’s teeth rotting away due to cavities.
Stomach Problems
Another reason for drooling is nausea and stomach issues. If your dog gets carsick, you may notice they drool while in the car. Desensitizing them to rides and treating nausea can often solve this issue.
If your furry friend ate something they shouldn’t have, it can also cause stomach distress and excessive drooling.
You need to be careful as toxic substances like certain plants in your garden or cleaning chemicals under the sink can cause slobbering, along with other symptoms such as vomiting, shaking, or lethargy.
Make sure to keep a watchful eye on your dog, and if you suspect they have ingested something dangerous, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Overheating
Heat stroke can lead to excessive drooling as your dog pants in an attempt to cool down. After a seizure, your dog may also drool. Have you noticed that your dog seems to slow down in the heat?
It’s important to remember that their fur coat is almost the same in both winter and summer, so they’re wearing a thick layer even when it’s scorching outside. This can cause them to feel hot and uncomfortable, and if they’re moving slowly, it’s a sign that they’re overheating.
Dogs use panting as a way to regulate body temperature, but this can become difficult in extremely hot air. When they’re struggling to cool down, you might notice that they start to breathe heavily and quickly in an attempt to get more air into their system.
It’s important to make sure your furry friend stays cool and hydrated in the summer months to avoid overheating.
Sinus Infections
Nose, throat, or sinus infections, or a neuromuscular condition, such as palsy, tetany, or botulism, can also cause excessive drooling. Kidney disease, liver disease, and even rabies share drooling as a common symptom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your veterinarian will give your dog anti-inflammatories or antibiotics to deal with over-drooling.
Drooling can be a sign of dehydration as a god struggles to cool down.
Startled or stressed dogs may drool and lick excessively.
Conclusion for “Home Remedies for Dog Drooling”
It’s important to take drooling seriously as it can be a sign of a severe medical condition, such as bloat which can be life-threatening. Look out for changes in appetite, behavior, and neurological symptoms such as seizures or difficulty standing.
If your dog starts to retch or throw up saliva or if their saliva changes such as foul smelling, thicker, or contains blood, call your vet immediately. Don’t ignore any unusual changes in their behavior.
If the drooling continues or if you notice other health problems, schedule an appointment with your vet. Your vet can check your dog’s overall health and determine if there are severe health problems causing excessive drooling or if it is normal.
If you find this guide, “Home Remedies for Dog Drooling” helpful, check out:
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- How to Treat Dog Foot Fungus? (Medicine and Home Remedies Options) (2023)
- Home Remedies for a Dog’s Bleeding Anus: What to Do and When to See the Vet! (2023)
Learn more by watching “How To Stop Excessive Dog Drooling | Home Remedies For Dog Drooling” down below:
Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
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