My senior dog is drooling a lot. What does it mean and is it serious?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
My senior black Labrador male has been drooling excessively for periods lasting a few hours and are generally within a few weeks of each episode
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on April 16th, 2015
Too much drool, or hypersalivation, can be a sign of illness. Here are some causes: Heat stroke and heat exhaustion, nausea and anxiety can cause episodes of drooling. Mouth disease and tooth decay: Tarter buildup can rub against the inside of your dog’s lip, causing drool. To check, pull his lip back toward his ear. Do his teeth look like concrete? Are they brown? Are his gums red, swollen, or bleeding? If so, try a professional cleaning and then daily brushing. Your vet can check for gingivitis, mouth ulcers, and tumors as well. Organ disease: Liver and kidney diseases, for example, can cause drooling. As they age, dogs are more likely to get sick. Vets suggest annual checkups to diagnose and treat diseases early. Poisonous plants: Common plants like tulips, azaleas, and chrysanthemums can not only make your dog drool, but also make him sick. Keep your dog from eating them. For a list of poisonous plants, consult the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Stomachaches: Dogs don’t tend to think before eating. Vets report pulling some strange items from their stomachs, from tennis balls to socket wrenches. This can cause nausea, discomfort and pain. Keep dangerous items away from him. Upper respiratory infections: Drooling can signal an infection of the nose, throat, or sinuses. Dogs that live in homes or shelters with other pets have a higher risk. Stress is also a factor. Only your vet can properly treat an infection. But you can take steps to protect your dog: Keep him indoors, away from other pets, and wash your hands between handling different animals. You’re the best judge of your dog’s behavior. If he’s acting strange for more than a day, he seems stressed, or he is not eating and playing as usual, it’s wise to see a vet.
16Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on May 4th, 2019
That doesn't look too excessive to me. If he was outside in the heat this could be normal, but he may also have eaten something or chewed something that irritated his mouth. Take a look in his mouth, check his gums, his tongue and underneath to see if you can see any injuries and/or foreign material. If the drooling continues without a known cause, I recommend getting him in to your vet to try and find out why he is doing this.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on May 8th, 2018
Check his mouth and check for injuries, ulcers, a bad smell, lots of tartar on his teeth. All these problems will cause a dog to drool. Nausea also can cause drooling, having eaten something that is causing a stomach ache, etc. Please take Bongo to a vet for an exam if he is still drooling in the morning.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on August 14th, 2019
Drooling can be caused by a lot of things, and Penny will need to be examined by a vet to determine what could be going on. Nausea is the most common cause, followed by oral pain. Dogs with hypersalivation should have a thorough medical history discussion and physical exam. Physical exam will evaluate all of the oral structures, and the vet may need to sedate for a more thorough oral exam.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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