Drooling in Dogs

Everyday when I get back home from work, this is how my boxer greets me. He comes charging towards me through the gallery and jumps on me, sending these long trails of saliva all over my clothes. He then realizes that I'm not dirty enough, so he starts chewing at my arm, all this time he is on his twos, slobbering his drool all over me. This obviously will put off some of you out there but trust me, something about drooling in dogs lets you know that your tough boxer loves you.

Obviously, there are limits to how much a dog can drool but if a dog seems to be uncharacteristically salivating, you may need to check your pet for certain things. Let us take a look at some reasons for why dogs drool to understand better when it can mean a sign of an illness.

Causes

Dogs are lovable creatures and they never seem to run out of ways to make you smile. Just like us humans, dog behavior too is very complex. Over a period of time by just observing your dog, you can tell if something is bothering him. The most common reason for dogs to drool is when they are happy and excited. This happens when they have a sight of their victim or when they see their favorite edible treats. Some dogs also drool to keep themselves cool. Some dog breeds tend to drool more due to their mouth structure such as Bull Mastiffs, Boxer dogs and Great Danes.

In most cases, his behavior will suggest that he is excited or tired. Some dogs also tend to drool if they are thirsty which is perfectly normal but what if your dog doesn't drool and has suddenly started. Is this normal? Sudden or excessive salivating is not normal. Let us take a look at some of the causes.

• Sudden slobbering can be a symptom of a health problem. The dog may have a gum problem or an infected tooth.
• There can be some foreign object stuck in his throat. Check for signs of hacking cough.
• The dog could also have been stung by a bee or an insect. Check for signs of swelling around the mouth region.
• If a dog is feeling nauseous, he may drool. Certain digestive problems in dogs also cause excessive drooling.
• Dogs may also drool if they are allergic to certain foods or if they have food poisoning.
• Dogs with rabies also drool excessively. Tumor or injury around the mouth could be the other serious causes.

Treatment

If you notice excessive drooling then watch out for other signs that may suggest that there may be an illness, for example - Is the dog moving his head from side to side? Is he frequently touching his paws to his mouth? Is he trying to vomit? And can you notice signs of lethargy in dogs? After ascertaining this, check for injury marks and signs of tooth or gum problems. The treatment in the non serious cases is very simple. If the dog has been stung by a bee, give him a mild anti allergic medication. If dental problem is the cause of unusual drooling, then treat the problem. If there is a foreign object, try removing it or give the dog bread or something to help him swallow it. Otherwise go to the vet for help. If no other signs are visible but you suspect something wrong, it is best to consult a vet who will run tests to determine the cause.

Before you panic remember that drooling is absolutely normal. In rare cases if there is severe drooling, basic care at home can bring the dog back to normal. But if you have tried everything and the situation is beyond your control, let the vet do what he's good at. Soon your slobberer friend will be back to his usual antics.