If a dog suddenly begins drooling a lot, seek veterinary help. Although some breeds are drool-prone, excessive drooling is abnormal. While drooling is usually just annoying, it can also be a sign of disease or poisoning. Minimization of the drooling depends on a diagnosis of what's causing the problem.
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What Causes Drooling?
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Called pytalism, excessive drooling could be the result of the dog's particular head and mouth structure or could indicate illness or injury. Excessive drooling may be a sign of liver disease or, in a worst case scenario, rabies. Watch for head shaking or pawing at the mouth. Fever, vomiting or loss of appetite along with drooling is an indication of disease.
Breeds that Drool
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All dogs have salivary glands, but all salivary glands are not created equal. Boxers, Saint Bernards, mastiffs, bulldogs, Great Danes, Labrador retrievers and some hound breeds are the most likely to be serious droolers.
Mouth Inspection
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If drooling is sudden, check the mouth for injuries or foreign objects. If an object is embedded, take the dog to the vet immediately. Look for signs of infection, including pus or bad breath. Damaged teeth are a possible reason for excessive salivation. If the dog attempts to bite or is fractious, call the veterinarian. A vet visit is advised for if there is serious bleeding from the mouth or the dog appears to be in pain.
Poisoning
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Sudden drooling could result from poisoning. Avoid letting dogs into the yard if the grass has been recently fertilized or chemically treated. Drooling could be a reaction to such chemical exposure. In certain areas of the country, poisonous toads caught and chewed on by dogs will cause them to drool. If poison is suspected, take the dog to an emergency veterinary hospital at once.
Stomatitis or Peridontal Disease
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Excess drooling could be caused by stomatitis, a bacterial infection in the mouth. Veterinary diagnostics include oral examination, X-rays, blood tests and urinalysis. Periodontal disease has similar symptoms to stomatitis. Both diseases include excessive drooling, difficulty chewing or eating, weight loss and foul mouth odor. Depending on the diagnosis, treatments may include antibiotics or non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS).
Dental Hygiene
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Brush your dog's teeth every day to maintain dental hygiene and minimize drooling. Use a soft toothbrush and specially-made canine toothpaste. These are available at pet stores and come in favorite doggy flavors such as beef and chicken. Homemade canine toothpaste can be concocted out of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. For dogs that won't cooperate with teeth brushing, try oral dental sprays made for this purpose. Treats that aid in teeth cleaning at available at supermarkets and pet stores.
Diet and Herbs
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Dietary changes can result in less drool. Feed a high-quality dog food that includes probiotics, which helps digestion. Pro and pre-biotics may be purchased over the counter and sprinkled over dog food. If the dog is diagnosed with liver disease, or poison has affected the liver, certain herbs may aid in detoxification. Mix with food or wrap the capsules in cheese for the dog. These herbs include milk thistle, dandelion and burdock. Check with a veterinarian before administering.
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