Why Do Dogs Drool
29 Aug 2010
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 drool. 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 take notice if the normally non-drooling dog have suddenly become an excessive dripper because the situation 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. Poisoning is one of the reasons why a dog would drool excessively.
Dogs that have suddenly turned into excessive drippers may have an underlying health concern. 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. 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.
Gum problems, chipped tooth and other periodontal diseases can be the cause of the dog’s drooling. 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. The pain and the discomfort will make the dog drool.
