PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Why is my dog drooling? Here’s when to be concerned about sudden or excessive dog salivation

This is why your dog slobbers all over you and themselves

Nikiko / Pixabay

Although St. Bernards, Mastiffs, and several other large breeds are known for their tendency to drool, it may be quite a shock if your usually drool-free pup suddenly starts to salivate. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place if you find yourself asking, “Why is my dog drooling?”

We’ve looked into many causes of excessive and sudden salivation, from the easy fixes to the more concerning problems. Most likely, drooling is nothing to worry about, but it never hurts to take a more careful look — especially if your pup is behaving oddly. Here’s everything you’ll want to know about canine salivation.

Reddogs / Shutterstock

Why is my dog drooling and is sudden or excessive drooling a cause for concern?

Though drooling has many harmless causes, which we’ll cover later in this article, you may want to keep a closer eye on your pet if you notice sudden salivation — especially if it’s a large amount.

Recommended Videos

Nausea and stomachaches are common causes of sudden drooling for dogs, although they will be temporary. If you think about it, many humans experience the very same thing! You may also notice vomiting or lethargy if your pet has ingested something they’re not supposed to, so don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian if you’re concerned about your best buddy’s wellbeing.

On a more urgent note, dogs may also salivate if a foreign object becomes lodged anywhere in the mouth or throat. This can become a dangerous situation if the object blocks their airways, so you should waste no time in getting your fur baby to your closest veterinarian’s office if this could be the case.

Excessive, sudden drooling can also occur when a dog is overheated. Ashely Gallagher, DVM, explains that although salivation can act as a way of cooling off, just like panting, dogs don’t usually resort to this technique unless they are having trouble regulating their temperature through panting alone.

One last cause of sudden drooling is an upper respiratory infection. An illness of the nose, throat, or sinuses is more likely for pups who have been in group settings, such as shelters or kennels, but any dog can catch one, according to Amy Flowers, DVM. Luckily, your veterinarian will be able to guide you toward the best treatment for your furry friend. In most cases, it’s a quick fix!

Mary Swift / Shutterstock

Is salivation or drooling a symptom of stress in dogs?

A stressed-out pup may show their emotions in different ways, including salivation. The team of veterinarians with VCA Hospitals lists both drooling and excessive licking as symptoms of anxiety in dogs. You might even notice a stress yawn, which looks “more prolonged and intense than a regular yawn.”

If your dog is feeling overwhelmed, you will likely notice at least one of the other signs of stress in canines. These are some of the most common, as listed by VCA Hospitals:

  • Pacing
  • Rigid posture
  • Tail tucked between legs
  • Trembling
  • Whining
  • Panting
  • Increased shedding, or “blowing their coat”
  • Barking out of normal occasions
  • Dilated pupils and rapid blinking
yhelfman / Shutterstock

Do dogs drool when the end is near? How can you tell?

Like a number of symptoms, excessive drooling can, but doesn’t always, occur in a dog’s final days. Adrienne Farricelli, DVM, explains that drooling can be a common symptom of nausea and imminent vomiting, which could be present for a number of reasons. As you likely know, the vast majority of nausea cases are not fatal, but it can hint at the end if a dog is already in a severe health decline.

Farricelli also reminds pet parents that drooling can happen when a dog loses their ability to swallow. In this case, the pooling of saliva can be indicative of a dying canine’s final hours.

New Africa / Shutterstock

How do you treat a drooling dog?

This depends a lot on the underlying cause, since the treatment should match the problem. If it’s an issue of stress or with his teeth, you’ll have an easy fix. Try some techniques to calm your pet in the former or take him to the vet for his yearly dental cleaning in the latter. Those causes aren’t a big concern and you should see his drooling going down afterward.
Vomiting might require a bigger intervention if there’s a blockage, since that can be fatal if left alone. However, drooling could also mean a deeper issue is at play. As usual, your dog doctor will partner with you to get to the bottom of the mystery.
K.K.T Madhusanka / Shutterstock

Why is my dog drooling? Here’s how to find out:

Overall, drooling can have so many causes, from harmless to harmful. This can make the diagnosis hard to identify at first glance, which is why it’s so important to keep an eye on your pup if you notice a change in salivation habits. Here are a few symptoms — and their causes — you can watch out for:

Even though a few of these signs of excessive or sudden drooling can be scary to read about, you don’t necessarily need to worry. As long as you’re able to keep an eye on your pet for any further symptoms, you shouldn’t run into any problems you can’t handle. Remember, your veterinarian is always there if you need them, too, and you should waste no time if you think you may need their advice.

Editors' Recommendations

Gabrielle LaFrank has written for sites such as Psych2Go, Elite Daily, and, currently, PawTracks. When she's not writing, you…
Can dogs eat shrimp? The answer may surprise you
How to cook, cut, and prepare shrimp for dogs

When dog owners are in the kitchen, it's only normal to have an extra pair of eyes watching their every move. Furry friends are never far away when food is around, and it's all too easy to toss your dog a table scrap their way when they look up with those pleading eyes. How could you say no?
Unless a dog is dealing with dietary restrictions or medical issues, the occasional bite of people food won't hurt. Of course, it's important to make sure that whatever you're feeding them is safe for canine consumption, as so many dog owners go to the internet to double-check. That's why you're here!
If you've been wondering, "Can dogs eat shrimp?" -- you've come to the right place. We'll break down everything you need to know about feeding dogs shrimp so you can get back to cooking.

Can dogs eat shrimp?

Read more
Does your dog drink a lot of water? Here’s when you should be concerned
It's usually just the weather, but you should look for signs of dehydration or excess thirst

Ensuring your furry best friend gets plenty of water is one of the most important parts of being a pet parent. But how much water should your dog drink on a daily basis? Veterinarians claim the general rule of thumb is a simple equation: The majority of dogs require around 1/2 to 1 ounce (about 1/8 of a cup) of water per pound of body weight each day. Don't want to reach for your measuring cup? Make sure your pup has round-the-clock access to clean water, and everything should be fine.

That being said, if your dog empties their water bowl several times a day, or you notice their intake has increased drastically, you should probably keep a close eye on things. If your dog drinks a lot of water, you may be wondering, "Why is my dog always thirsty?" We'll share how to monitor your pup's water intake, the most common reasons your dog may be thirsty, and when you should speak with your vet.

Read more
Can dogs eat mango? Read this first
Find out if this tropical fruit is safe for your pup

As humans, we love to share with our dogs. Perhaps your pet snuggles up to you in bed, sharing — or stealing — your blankets. Sharing experiences, like holiday activities, can also be a fun way to bond.

Food can get dicier, though. Some human-favorite items, like chocolate, are toxic for dogs. Others make fine (and even healthy) treats. If mango is your favorite fruit, you might want to slip your pet some. Also, your dog might always be around the fruit and sneak some off your plate. Can dogs eat mango safely? Generally, the answer to this question is yes, but there are some caveats. Also, correctly serving a mango is critical. Before throwing your dog a piece of this sweet fruit, here's what to know.

Read more