Why does a dog have increased salivation. Why does a dog drool? Causes of increased salivation in animals

In the article I will talk about why the dog drools profusely from the mouth. I will list all the possible causes of such a symptom. I will indicate under what diseases a dog can drool profusely. I will tell you about the methods of diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

Causes of excessive salivation

Dog saliva is a viscous fluid produced by three different salivary glands: parotid, sublingual, and submandibular.

It is also secreted by glands located on the sides of the tongue. Saliva contains enzymes such as maltase and ptyalin, which help break down food.

Increased salivation develops for various reasons: physiological, psychological or pathogenic.

Physiological causes

The abundant flow of saliva is a feature of some breeds of dogs:,.

Also, the physiological causes of salivation include increased physical activity, reaction to food or medication.

Some dogs drool when fed a bitter tablet or suspension.

Psychological reasons

Increased salivation can be observed in stressful situations. Some dogs get sick when traveling in a car or other vehicle, while saliva and foam begin to flow profusely.

Pathogenic causes

Increased salivation can be a symptom of some diseases:

• Stomatitis is an inflammatory process that affects the mucous membrane of the dog's mouth. At the same time, the animal hardly chews food, saliva flows profusely. The mucosa is swollen, reddened, sores or sores on the gums and cheeks may be present.
• Periodontitis. The disease is typical for older animals. A bad smell appears from the dog's mouth, in advanced cases, teeth begin to fall out.
• Infection. Salivation is observed in infectious diseases such as rabies, leptospirosis, distemper, enteritis.
• . Increased salivation may be a harbinger of an imminent epileptic seizure.
• . A dog can get poisoned by any food or substance: fatty foods, household chemicals (including detergents), heavy metals, etc. In case of poisoning, the animal has saliva or foam, vomiting, and stool disorders.
• . Salivation can be observed with a strong helminthic invasion.

How to recognize excessive salivation in a dog

Salivation is often accompanied by other symptoms, which can reveal the cause of this condition. If the pet has gum or tooth pain, he refuses to eat or eats food carefully and slowly, does not allow you to touch the face, or reacts to touch painfully and restlessly.

In case of poisoning, the animal has diarrhea, vomiting, accompanied by profuse salivation. With infectious diseases, the dog becomes apathetic, her body temperature rises.

Diagnosis and treatment

If a pet suddenly begins to salivate, it is necessary to diagnose and identify the cause of this condition.

Remember if the pet has been in contact with toxic substances or new food.

If increased salivation begins when traveling in a car or other transport, you can give your pet one of the following drugs before the road: graying, barbavil, aeron, etc.

The dosage is calculated according to the weight of the pet.

If an infection or disease of the teeth or gums is suspected, the doctor examines the pet, assesses the condition of the mucous membranes, and notes the presence of other symptoms. Also, the veterinarian prescribes tests: and urine, if necessary, ultrasound and x-rays, swabs from the mucous membranes.

Treatment depends on the underlying cause:

• Stomatitis and other diseases of the oral cavity are treated by brushing the teeth and applying ointments and gels that contain an antibiotic to the inflamed areas.
• In case of poisoning, the pet is given activated charcoal or. Other drugs are also prescribed to stop vomiting and diarrhea.
• Infectious diseases are treated with antibiotics, intravenous infusions of nutrient solutions, immunomodulators.

Prevention of increased salivation

Prevention of excessive salivation is as follows:

Increased salivation is a phenomenon that may indicate the development of a serious illness.

However, this condition is not always a pathology and is the norm for some breeds of dogs. If the animal feels depressed, eats poorly, loses weight, you should consult a veterinarian.

Ptyalism (hypersalivation, sialorrhea) is an increase in the secretion of the salivary glands.

The secretion of saliva is exclusively regulated by the central nervous system. Its stimulation is provided reflexively under the influence of smells and taste of food and other environmental factors.

Saliva is necessary for the perception of taste stimuli, for sucking (in newborns), wetting solid pieces of food before swallowing. Serves as a solvent for nutrients. Moisturizes the oral cavity, keeps it clean and prevents the spread of infectious agents. This is achieved, first of all, by constant washing of the oral cavity, the content in saliva of substances with antibacterial and antiviral properties.

Saliva is the secretion product of three pairs of salivary glands: sublingual, submandibular, and parotid. In addition, the secret of small glands located on the mucous membrane of the side walls of the tongue and cheeks enters the oral cavity. Liquid saliva, without mucus, is secreted by serous (parotid) glands, thick, containing a large amount of glucoprotein (mucin) mixed (sublingual and submandibular) glands. Since in their parenchyma there are both serous and mucous cells.

All major salivary glands are innervated by both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Depending on the amount of mediators, acetylcholine and norepinephrine, the composition of saliva changes. The sympathetic nervous system causes the secretion of more viscous saliva with poor water than when stimulated by the parasympathetic system. Acetylcholine also causes contraction of myoepithelial cells around the acinus (terminal secretory section of the salivary gland), as a result of which the contents of the acinus are squeezed into the duct of the gland. Acetylcholine also promotes the release of bradykinin, which in turn has a vasodilating effect. Vasodilation enhances the secretion of saliva.

Stimulation of salivation in physiologically healthy animals can be caused by various reasons.

It happens that the normal production of saliva may seem excessive in animals (in some breeds of dogs, especially those with heavy wet breezes, such as Bloodhounds and Newfoundlands and other similar breeds), salivation is even increased, since the loose skin around the mouth accumulates saliva, and then it flows out out. This condition is called false ptyalism. Increased salivation in animals often manifests itself when they are stroked, from an overabundance of tender feelings (often in cats). At the sight of food (before feeding) or at the sight of a treat. When giving a medicine, whether it is a tablet, suspension, aqueous solution, or any other form of medicine that is unpleasant to the taste of the animal. Other pets drool when they are very nervous, in cats, when they feel tense, they begin to lick themselves excessively, as this helps to calm down. Such licking can contribute to increased salivation. With great physical exertion (competition, running long distances, etc.). All of these causes, and some other physiologically healthy animals, result in drooling, which is usually mild and short-lived.

If excessive and persistent salivation is not normal and typical for your pet, this may be a sign that something is wrong with the pet.

The cause of the pathology of ptyalism in animals can be of infectious and non-infectious origin, disorders of the central nervous system are the most common causes of ptyalism and subsequent salivation. When such symptoms appear, you should always pay attention to the behavior of the animal and the possible cause of the appearance of salivation.

When the body is infected, the central nervous system is often affected, such as:

• Rabies (bites by other animals are often wild or stray, the very behavior of the animal will also change greatly);
• Botulism (food poisoning with low-quality canned food if the production technology is not observed, dried foods are more often freshwater fish, etc.);
• Tetanus (open fresh wounds in contact with the soil); etc. when infected with these diseases, an accurate history is needed.

In cats, frequent increased salivation is manifested by respiratory tract infections (rhinotracheitis, calicivirus), especially if salivation is accompanied by watery eyes and nasal discharge, sneezing, fever, loss of appetite, ulcers and erosions in the oral cavity.

Diagnostics

As you can see, there are many different reasons for excessive salivation. When contacting a veterinarian, you will need to provide as much detail as possible about the health of the animal, including its vaccinations, medications used, possible exposure to toxins, and other symptoms associated with salivation. Your doctor will need to distinguish between drooling caused by difficulty swallowing and drooling from nausea accompanied by smacking and vomiting. It is also necessary to perform a complete physical and neurological examination of your animal. Diagnostic tools may include x-rays, ultrasound and analysis of the clinical and biochemical composition of blood, tissue biopsy, and mucosal lavage.

Treatment

Before contacting a veterinarian, independently inspect the open oral cavity if a foreign object is found, if possible, remove it. If a large amount of saliva is formed after contact with frogs, lizards, etc., thoroughly rinse the oral cavity. After physical exertion, allow the animal to rest, etc.

All other causes of ptyalism are established by a veterinarian with the necessary diagnostic studies and appropriate treatment.

The article was prepared by the doctors of the therapeutic department "MEDVET"
© 2014 SVTS "MEDVET"

Many dog ​​owners notice profuse salivation in their pets. This symptom in some cases indicates the presence of diseases. To understand the reason why a dog is drooling, you need to follow your pet and see exactly when he begins to salivate.

Normal volume of saliva

Saliva in dogs is a colorless liquid that is produced by the salivary glands (parotid, zygomatic, sublingual, and submandibular). It wets the mouth, glues the chewed food and makes it easier to swallow. In addition, this liquid helps to cleanse the oral cavity, as it has a bactericidal effect.

On average, a medium-sized dog produces about 1 liter of saliva per day. This numerical value is considered normal. The animal may produce more saliva. For example, this happens when eating dry food. They cause increased salivation. However, there may be another reason.

Drooling before or after eating

Why does a dog drool is a question that many pet owners ask. A pet's saliva is more actively produced at those moments when he begins to realize that he will soon receive a portion of his favorite food. For example, the owner opens a bag or opens a tin of food. The pet hears this familiar sound, which serves as a signal that it is time to eat. Profuse salivation at such moments and when the pet eats is a natural process.

A piece of food stuck in the teeth or a bone stuck in the soft tissues of the oral cavity can provoke the production of saliva. In such cases, it is worth examining the pet's mouth, removing a foreign object on its own, or seeking help from specialists.

Dependence of salivation on the breed

Increased secretion of saliva in some dogs is normal. This applies to the following breeds:

• basset hound (short-legged hound with massive paws and long ears);
• German boxer (large stocky smooth-haired animal);
• English mastiff (great dog).

In the above breeds, excessive salivation cannot be eliminated. An unpleasant symptom is not treatable. The cause of salivation is associated with the peculiarities of the anatomical structure. When purchasing a Basset Hound, German Boxer or English Mastiff, this is worth considering.

Travel and stressful situations

Some dogs are happy to ride in a car, while others fall into a stupor at the form of transport. The fact is that some animals get sick during trips. In pets, the general condition becomes oppressed. There is nausea. Breathing quickens, and saliva, foam begins to flow.

The problem of motion sickness often disappears with age. The vestibular apparatus improves as the pet grows and develops. If salivation while traveling in a car is observed in an adult dog, then you should contact your veterinarian. The specialist will recommend drugs that prevent motion sickness:

• flightfit;
• graying;
• bubbled;
• aeron etc.

You can't do anything without a doctor's prescription.

Dogs deal with stressful situations in different ways. For example, someone makes a puddle of fear, and someone starts barking loudly and drooling. To prevent salivation, you need to strengthen the nervous system of your pet: walk with him more often, introduce him to other dogs and people.

Viruses and poisoning

If the dog does not eat his favorite food and does not play, he may be sick with something. The reason may be a viral infection. The body temperature rises, the general condition worsens. Only a specialist can make an accurate diagnosis, therefore, if suspicious symptoms occur, you should immediately contact a veterinary clinic.

Viruses are life-threatening. This is especially true for rabies. With this infectious disease, animals become very restless. They lose sleep. Swallowing becomes difficult, saliva, foam begin to stand out. Then paralysis develops, and after a while death occurs.

Sometimes saliva begins to stand out strongly due to poisoning. For example, a four-legged friend may steal spoiled food from the trash can or find some kind of waste on the street while walking. Such food that enters the stomach will irritate the digestive tract. As a result, salivation will increase. Vomiting and diarrhea may occur. In such cases, it is recommended to contact a veterinarian. He will tell you what to do.

Diseases and pathologies

Very often, abundant production of saliva is associated with stomatitis. This term refers to the inflammatory process, covering the gums, the mucous membrane of the mouth, the surface of the tongue. The causes of stomatitis development are associated with bacterial infections, injuries, burns, caries. With symptoms of this disease, the pet should be shown to a specialist as soon as possible.

Another common disease is periodontal disease. It occurs in every third dog. Most often, periodontal disease is detected in older pets. With an illness, the tissues that hold the tooth in the bone become inflamed. Due to periodontal disease, profuse salivation begins, an unpleasant odor from the mouth appears. Appropriate treatment will eliminate these symptoms.

Animals often have misaligned bites. This pathology of the mouth makes it difficult to receive and chew food. Incorrectly positioned teeth injure the mucous membrane, tongue and gums. As a result, drooling begins to stand out strongly. The bite can be corrected, because in veterinary dentistry there is such a direction as orthodontics.

It is relatively rare for dogs to develop inflammation of the salivary glands. However, owners should still keep this disease in mind. In sick animals, the area in the area of ​​localization of any gland swells, the temperature rises, food cravings disappear and profuse salivation occurs.

If there are no irritating factors and suspicious signs, and saliva flows profusely, then you should contact the veterinary clinic and show the pet to specialists. Perhaps the animal has some kind of disease that is asymptomatic. An examination will be required. Only after it, veterinarians will be able to make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Content:

Increased salivation in dogs is common. The phenomenon is called hypersalivation. Anomaly can occur for natural or pathological reasons. The owner of the dog must pay attention to the accompanying symptoms and make a decision - to cope with the problem himself or to use the services of veterinary care. Listed below are the main causes of hypersalivation.

natural causes

Salivation is stimulated by the smells of tasty food (unconditioned reflex) or certain sounds (conditioned reflex), after which the dog is given food. Eating dry food requires more moisture for successful digestion. After intense work, prolonged exercise or in the heat, increased salivation is observed.

Some breeds are characterized by increased drooling (slobbery). This feature is typical for large-faced dogs with short jaws. Bulldogs, mastiffs, sharpei, Caucasian shepherd dogs are characterized by increased salivation, which must be taken into account by the owner when choosing a dog. Excessive salivation is considered a disadvantage, such animals are excluded from breeding.

Diseases of the oral cavity

Diseases of the teeth or gums are accompanied by excessive salivation. This is how the body fights pain. The following symptoms indicate the presence of pathology:

• Caution when eating.
• Head down all the time.
• The dog feels itchy pain in the jaw area, whines.

If there are foreign objects in the mouth, similar symptoms are observed. A thorough examination of the oral cavity is required, perhaps a piece of a branch, a thorn, a small bone is stuck in the mucosa. The secretion of saliva with streaks of blood indicates an injury to the tongue or palate.

The foreign body needs to be removed, the resulting defects should be treated with Zubastic or Dentaveden hygiene products. If a large area of ​​the lesion is found or suppuration has begun, seek veterinary help.

Ear diseases

When an inflammatory process occurs in the ear area, the pressure of the swollen textures on the parotid glands forces the latter to reflexively secrete an increased amount of saliva (saliva). Termination of hypersalivation is achieved by eliminating the cause of the underlying pathology.

Infectious diseases

Additional symptoms indicate an infectious etiology:

• Loss of appetite.
• Lethargy, apathy.
• Hyperthermia.
• Excessive thirst.

The above additional symptoms are characteristic of many infectious diseases that are unsafe for the dog and the owner. The detection of some of the above signs is the basis for seeking veterinary care.

Non-communicable diseases

Constant hypersalivation indicates the transition of the disease of non-contagious etiology into a permanent form. Excess salivation is a symptom of the following diseases:

• Pathologies of the digestive system - gastritis, duodenal ulcer, neoplasms.
• Hepatitis.
• Cholecystitis.
• Inflammatory pathologies of the spleen.
• Hormonal surges in estrus, pregnancy and gynecological diseases.

poisoning

Saliva has buffer properties that allow you to neutralize the burning effect of acids, alkalis, other aggressive substances, as well as toxins. Dogs can become poisoned in the following situations:

• Eating spoiled food.
• Unskilled use of medicines or feed additives.
• Access to trash can, household items, household chemicals.
• Eating food that is not intended for dogs - scraps of human food, chocolate, fatty meat, salted, smoked foods.

In this case, there is a thickening of saliva, hyperthermia, thirst, pallor of mucous membranes, diarrhea, vomiting. First aid consists in the use of sorbents - Enterosgel or Smecta. In the absence of a therapeutic effect, it is necessary to seek veterinary help.

Stress

The imbalance of the psychological state of the dog is accompanied by abundant salivation. This reaction can be caused by the following events:

• The arrival of the owner.
• Meeting a stranger.
• Moving.
• Exhibition unrest.
• Communication with other dogs.

The dog's nervous system needs to be strengthened from puppyhood. The dog needs to be walked, trained, changed the usual environment, taken on short trips, introduced to other people and animals. If you cannot cope on your own, seek veterinary help. The specialist may prescribe sedative medications - Cat Bayun or Stop stress.

A responsible dog owner is obliged to monitor his pet, record everything that happens in writing, and calmly respond to shortcomings. If the dog began to have abundant salivation, it is necessary to find out the cause of the phenomenon, try to fix the problem yourself or seek veterinary help.