PET ARTICLES BLOG

Some dog breeds like the Bullmastiff, the Saint Bernard and the Bassethounds are noted to be drippers. These dogs cannot contain the enzyme rich saliva in their mouth because of the short snout and the loose pendulous skin of the mouth. Due to excessive drooling, owners of these dogs would have to tie a bandana around the dog's neck or have an ample supply of paper towels ready to avoid disaster.

Drooling, especially for dog breeds with short snout and loose skin around the jaws is not an abnormality. Drooling as a reaction to the sight of food should not be made a concern of pet owners given the fact that dogs are food motivated. A dog owner should be concerned if the dog that is not an excessive droller would suddenly droll excessively.

Dog owners should take notice if the normally non-drooling dog have suddenly become an excessive dripper because the situation can result to dehydration. The excessive drooling of the pet can be associated to a situation that has disturbed the pet emotionally. The rolling sounds of thunder, fireworks or even unfamiliar sights can trigger a nervous reaction in dogs and frightened dogs are known to salivate excessively. Motion sickness can also make a dog drool. Dogs are inclined to put anything in their mouths and because of indiscriminate eating habits, it would not be uncommon for dogs to ingest poisonous substances. Hypersalivation can be a sign that the dog was poisoned.

Excessive salivation can also point to a health concern. The life threatening twisting of the stomach that traps the air and the contents of the stomach is called bloat (Gastric dilatation volvulus. The dog's hypersalivation can be a symptom of bloat. Ear and urinary tract infections, rabies, liver diseases are common causes for the drooling of the dog. However if it is apparent that the dog's salivation is not caused by the above mentioned situations, a dog owner has better open and examine the mouth of the pet.

Gum problems, chipped tooth and other periodontal diseases can be the cause of the dog's drooling. Dogs are curious by nature and as they don't have hand, the mouth is used to investigate their environment. The dogs inclination to chew and ingest anything can result to injuries to the tissues of the mouth. A splinter stuck on the mouth tissues, an object lodged between the teeth will cause pain and discomfort thus the dog will be seen salivating excessively.

Read all about dog drooling and why dogs drool at Sarah's Dogs.