Dog symptom
Excessive drooling in dogs
More saliva than normal. Some breeds drool a lot normally, but a sudden increase can mean mouth pain, nausea, something stuck, or exposure to a toxin.
Common causes of excessive drooling in dogs
- Dental disease, a broken tooth, or mouth ulcers
- Something stuck in the mouth or throat
- Nausea (often just before vomiting)
- Tasting something bitter or toxic; heatstroke
Who's most at risk
- Pets with dental disease
- Curious chewers and puppies/kittens
- Homes with toxic plants or chemicals
- Flat-faced and giant breeds (heat, dental crowding)
What you can do at home
- Gently look in the mouth (only if safe) for anything stuck or red, sore gums
- Remove access to anything they may have chewed; save it for the vet
- Don't put your hand in the mouth of a distressed or painful pet
When to see a vet
- You suspect a toxin, plant, or chemical exposure
- Pawing at the mouth, unable to close it, or something is visibly stuck
- Drooling with collapse, tremors, or trouble breathing
- A painful mouth, not eating, or a bad smell
When it's more serious
- Sudden drooling after a possible toxin needs immediate care — call a vet or poison line.
- Possible foreign body or airway problem — seek emergency care now.
- Likely dental disease or a sore mouth — book a vet visit.
What your vet may do
- Oral exam (sometimes sedated) to find pain or a foreign body
- Remove an object or treat dental disease
- Anti-nausea care if it's a gut cause
- Toxin treatment if exposure is suspected
Questions to ask your vet
- Is there something stuck, or a painful tooth?
- Could this be nausea or a toxin?
- Does the mouth need a sedated exam?
- What pain relief is safe?
Frequently asked questions
What causes excessive drooling in dogs?
More saliva than normal. Some breeds drool a lot normally, but a sudden increase can mean mouth pain, nausea, something stuck, or exposure to a toxin. Common causes include: Dental disease, a broken tooth, or mouth ulcers; Something stuck in the mouth or throat; Nausea (often just before vomiting); Tasting something bitter or toxic; heatstroke.
Is excessive drooling in dogs an emergency?
Book a veterinary visit soon. See a vet right away if: You suspect a toxin, plant, or chemical exposure; Pawing at the mouth, unable to close it, or something is visibly stuck; Drooling with collapse, tremors, or trouble breathing; A painful mouth, not eating, or a bad smell.
What can I do at home for a dog with excessive drooling?
Gently look in the mouth (only if safe) for anything stuck or red, sore gums Remove access to anything they may have chewed; save it for the vet Don't put your hand in the mouth of a distressed or painful pet
Sources
Reviewed by the Webvet Veterinarian Team
This guide is general information, not a diagnosis, and does not replace an exam by your veterinarian. If your pet is in distress, contact your vet or an emergency clinic right away.