If your dog is drooling a lot, it could be a sign of something serious. While some dogs may drool more than others due to their breed or build, excessive drooling can indicate an underlying health problem. If your dog is suddenly drooling excessively, it's important to take them to the vet for a check-up. Some possible causes of excessive drooling include:
- Allergies: If your dog is allergic to something in their environment, they may start drooling excessively as a reaction. Allergies can be difficult to diagnose, so if you think this may be the cause, it's worth speaking to your vet about performing some allergy tests.
- Heatstroke: Dogs can't sweat like humans do, so they pant to cool themselves down. If your dog is panting excessively and also drooling a lot, it could be a sign of heatstroke. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment, so if you think your dog may be suffering from heatstroke, call your vet or take them to an emergency animal hospital immediately.
- Nausea/Gastrointestinal Issues: Excessive drooling can sometimes be caused by nausea or gastrointestinal distress. If your dog is also vomiting or has diarrhea, this is likely the cause. Nausea and gastrointestinal issues can have many different causes ranging from food sensitivities to infections, so it's best to speak to your vet about what may be causing these symptoms in your dog.