Why is My 3-Year-Old Lab Suddenly Having Trouble Swallowing and Drooling Excessively?

Dear VetBabble: Understanding Excessive Drooling in Dogs

One of our readers wrote in this week with a concern about their pet. They asked: ‘Why is my three-year-old Yellow Lab, who weighs 64 pounds and has never drooled excessively before, suddenly having trouble swallowing and drooling a lot? Could this be due to a tooth or mouth infection, something stuck in his mouth or possibly even some sort of growth?

It’s a great question, and one that transcends to a majority of dog owners who might be experiencing the same concern. The reasons for excessive drooling could be various; let’s try to provide some clarity by breaking it down into three potential categories: oral complications like infections and obstructions, increased thirst, and illnesses like a cold.

Potential Oral Complications

In some situations, your dog’s drooling could indeed be the result of an oral complication, such as an infection or something lodged in the mouth. Dogs are adventurous creatures and may sometimes end up chewing on things they shouldn’t, leading to potential obstructions. Oral infections are also relatively common in dogs and can cause discomfort, making swallowing difficult and triggering excessive drooling. It’s essential to keep an eye on your pet’s behavior and act quickly if you believe they could have an oral issue. Proper dental care can play a role in preventing such problems.

Increased Fluid Intake

Another factor that could be causing your dog’s excessive drooling is increased fluid intake. Dogs might drink more water due to various reasons such as changes in diet, excitement, certain medications, and underlying medical conditions. Excessive consumption of water could lead to increased saliva production, eventually leading to drooling. Keep an eye on your dog’s water drinking habits and consult with a veterinarian if there are drastic changes. To learn more, you can consult our handy guide on why dogs might drink more water.

Possibility of Illnesses

Lastly, dogs might drool more if they are not feeling well. Cold-like symptoms in dogs can lead to a runny nose and increased saliva production, which could easily be mistaken for drooling. Less common but more serious conditions like nausea or gastrointestinal distress can also cause excessive drooling as a response to stomach discomfort. When it comes to determining whether your dog is ill, monitoring other symptoms is crucial. For more information, you can consult the article, ‘Does My Dog Have a Cold?’.

In conclusion, the cause of your dog’s drooling could be trivial or a symptom of something more significant. When in doubt, it’s always a good idea to check with your vet and get the appropriate treatment. To understand more about one of the severe symptoms related to drooling, you might find our piece on vomiting in dogs useful.

Remember, it’s essential to understand your dog’s typical behaviour and mannerisms. Any significant, sudden changes warrant a closer look.