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Why is my Lab drooling from one side, but eating and playing fine?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | neutered | 5 years and 9 months old | 110 lbs

My six-year-old chocolate lab started drooling yesterday out of the left side of his mouth. He's eating fine he's drinking fine playing fine just excessive drooling. I looked in his mouth I cannot see anything in his mouth such as a foreign lodged object or a decaying tooth or a swollen gum. Any ideas?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on December 4th, 2016

It was the right thing to do to look into Jasper's mouth! You are right the excessive drooling could be due to dental problems, but it could also be due to nausea, stress, or anxiety. Since he is eating fine, drinking normally, and behaving normally, then I would not take him into a vet just yet. If the drooling continues through today, then I would take him into the vet tomorrow for an exam. It could be that he may have a dental problem, but it's far back in his mouth and may require sedation for a thorough look.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    He may have a tooth root abscess or gotten in contact with something that irritated his mouth on the left side. He could also have a problem with his salivary gland. You should take him to a vet and have his mouth checked by the vet.

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    Answered By Claudia Fioravanti

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    My other question would be if he has been playing with a stick. Sticks sometimes can cause injuries to the back of the throats that can' t be seen from outside and cause hypersalivation and pain. Apart from that, teeth conditions and foreign objects lodged are also a good guess. Remember that it takes a lot to stop a Labrador to skip her meal ! I would recommend a vet check up as soon as they are open.

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