subject: Why Do Dogs Drool [print this page] Saint Bernards, Basset Hounds and Bullmastiffs are only some of the breeds noted to be notorious droolers. These dogs cannot contain the enzyme rich saliva in their mouth because of the short snout and the loose pendulous skin of 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 food motivated thus at the sight and aroma of food, the saliva would drip. But if the dog is not short snouted, does not have loose skin folds on the mouth and normally is not a slobbering breed, the owner must be concerned if the dog suddenly becomes a dripper.
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. Travelling in cars can make the dog nauseous thus aside from vomiting the dog may also drool excessively. 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.
Drooling can be a symptom of some health concerns. The life threatening twisting of the stomach that traps the air and the contents of the stomach is called bloat (Gastric dilatation volvulus. The dog's hypersalivation can be a symptom of bloat. Dog that salivates excessively may be suffering from medical concerns like rabies, distemper, urinary tract infection, ear infection and liver diseases. If the excessive salivation of the dog is not caused by the medical concerns, the pet parent has to open the mouth of the pet to determine of any foreign object is causing the pet to salivate.
Of course the dog's drooling can be caused by a broken tooth, a gum problem or other periodontal diseases. We know that dogs are very curious animals that have the inclination to use their mouths to investigate their surrounding. The dogs inclination to chew and ingest anything can result to injuries to the tissues of the mouth. 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.
