Some dog breeds like the Bullmastiff, the Saint Bernard and the Bassethounds are noted to be drippers. These dogs have loose pendulous lips so that the enzyme-rich saliva that is secreted by the four pairs of salivary glands to aid digestion cannot be contained in 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.

Dogs naturally drool. 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. However, if the pet does not have loose skin folds in the mouth and is normally not a dripper, the owner should be concerned if the pet starts to slobber excessively.

Dog owners should not ignore hypersalivation or excessive drooling in dogs that normally do not drool as it can result to dehydration. Excessive drooling can be attributed to a psychological event. 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. Travelling in cars can make the dog nauseous thus aside from vomiting the dog may also drool excessively. 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. Poisoning is one of the reasons why a dog would drool excessively.

Excessive salivation can also point to a health concern. Gastric dilatation volvulus which is commonly known as bloat is a life threatening situation that is caused by the twisting of the stomach. This condition is one of the reasons why the dog would salivate excessively. Dog that salivates excessively may be suffering from medical concerns like rabies, distemper, urinary tract infection, ear infection and liver diseases. 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.

Of course the dog’s drooling can be caused by a broken tooth, a gum problem or other periodontal diseases. Dogs are curious by nature and as they don’t have hand, the mouth is used to investigate their environment. The dog may have been gnawing wood and a splinter may get stuck between the teeth or may be stuck on the gums or on the soft tissues of the mouth. The pain and the discomfort will make the dog drool.

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