Why Dogs Slobber

Most dogs slobber when they see food. A few breeds slobber more than others. However, if you observe your pet drooling more than he usually does, it may be an indication of some other underlying condition. Dental and digestive problems, allergies, heart trouble and poisoning all have the potential to set a dog drooling excessively.

  1. Natural Condition

    • Certain breeds of dogs are natural droolers, because of their physical make-up. Features such as loose skin around the jaws, a wide jaw-line and a big mouth, cause these breeds to slobber more than others. The looseness of their lips makes it difficult for them to retain the drool within the mouth. Great Danes, American mastiffs, Saint Bernards, boxers, bull mastiffs, bloodhounds and Newfoundlands are a few natural slobberers. If you own one of these breeds, you are likely to find drool on your clothes, as well as the walls and furniture of your home.

    Mouth and Dental Conditions

    • Dogs that suffer from some problem with their teeth, throat or mouth, tend to slobber more than usual. Infected and inflamed gums -- like the condition of periodontal disease -- can cause drooling. In some cases, infection from a cracked tooth or splinters lodged between the dog's teeth may cause drooling. Spider and insect bites, as well as bee stings within the mouth also evoke a response of excessive slobbering -- along with a noticeable inflammation.

    Digestion Problems

    • Some dogs slobber when they feel nauseous. If your pet suffers from car sickness and has had a recent trip in the car, the drooling could be a result of this feeling of nausea. Indigestion may also lead a dog to slobber more than usual. Feel the stomach of your dog and check if it feels hard. If the slobbering is accompanied by foaming at the mouth -- and repeated efforts at vomiting -- along with a hard stomach, it may indicate the condition of gastric distortion volvulus, commonly known as bloat. This is a very dangerous situation with the potential to kill a dog within a few hours.

    Other Illnesses and Conditions

    • A few conditions such as heat stroke, pseudo-rabies, epilepsy and masticatory muscle myositis also cause excessive drooling. If your dog develops a cough, in addition to this abnormal drooling, it is best to consult a vet; because it may be a sign of some trouble with the heart. Uncontrolled drooling accompanied by a swelling of the dog's throat may also indicate an allergic response to a particular food or a poison.