Why Do Dogs Froth at the Mouth?

Dogs froth or foam at the mouth for many reasons, not all of them having to do with illness. If the froth is red or accompanied by other symptoms such as seizures or vomiting, contact a vet immediately.

  1. Breed

    • Some breeds drool so heavily that the drool resembles foam. One such breed is the bloodhound, which drools in order to keep the folds of the skin moist, which helps to pick up scent.

    Hyperactivity

    • Dogs or puppies that are very excited may be too excited to swallow drool and will start foaming at the mouth, according to veterinarian Jon Gellar, DVM, writing for DogChannel.com.

    Poisoning

    • Frothing at the mouth is a common symptom of poisoning, including vomiting, diarrhea, shaking uncontrollably and losing coordination, according to "Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook."

    Illness

    • If a dog does not normally foam at the mouth, the dog may have an illness such as rabies or canine epilepsy. This is an emergency, so contact a vet immediately.

    Warning

    • If the froth is red, flecked with red or if the dog is pawing at the mouth, the dog may have injured the mouth or has a foreign object stuck in it, according to "The Veterinarians' Guide to Your Dog's Symptoms."