If you have a German Shepherd, you know they show affection in many different ways. But recently, your pup has started drooling excessively – an alarming behavior change from the usually dignified and stoic canine. You’ve probably asked yourself, “Why is my German Shepherd drooling so much when they never used to? Is it something I should be worried about?
Don’t panic – I can help you figure out exactly what is happening with your furry friend. Keep reading to discover some possible reasons why your dog might be salivating more than usual!
What is Drooling?
Drooling, also known as ptyalism, is simply the production of saliva. In dogs, saliva serves several vital functions, like helping digestion and keeping the mouth clean. It’s normal for your German Shepherd to drool occasionally, especially during and after meals or when excited.
However, excessive drooling could be a sign of something unusual. You know your German Shepherd is drooling excessively when there’s a big pool of slobber under his mouth or when his fur around the mouth stays wet. This might be a cause for concern and could indicate various health issues. If you notice an abrupt change in your dog’s drooling habits, it’s a good idea to seek advice from a vet.
Common Reasons Why Your German Shepherd May Be Drooling
There are several reasons why your German Shepherd is drooling more than usual. Some of the most common ones include:
🐕 Excitement or Anticipation of Food
Dogs can also start to drool when they’re excited or anticipating a yummy meal. Think of how your mouth waters when you smell your favorite pizza – it’s the same for your German Shepherd! Dogs have a keen sense of smell, so when you’re preparing their favorite food or know it’s mealtime, they might start to drool. This is completely normal and nothing to worry about.
However, if your German Shepherd starts drooling excessively every time it’s excited or anticipating food, which wasn’t the case before, it may be a sign of an underlying problem. In such cases, it’s best to consult with a vet. Remember, changes in behavior are often the first signs of health issues in pets, so don’t ignore them.
🐕 Nausea or Car Sickness
Just like kids, German Shepherds can get queasy during car rides or feel unwell due to something they ate. When your dog is feeling nauseous, one of the first signs is often drooling. This is because the body produces extra saliva to protect the teeth and stomach lining from corrosive stomach acids that might come up if your dog throws up.
Thus, if you’ve noticed your German Shepherd slobbering more than usual during or after car rides, or if they seem to drool excessively right before throwing up, they might be dealing with nausea or car sickness. If nausea or car sickness is causing the drooling, your pup will likely show other signs of feeling unwell, like a lack of appetite or low energy.
🐕 Dental Problem
Dental issues are among German Shepherds’ most common causes of excessive drooling. Just like in humans, dogs can have a variety of dental problems, and these can cause a lot of discomfort and lead to excessive drooling. Here are some of the most common dental issues in German Shepherd dogs:
🦷 Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
Tooth decay and gum disease in dogs, also known as periodontal disease, can cause your German Shepherd to drool excessively. This happens because the bacteria that cause these problems can make your dog’s mouth uncomfortable and increase saliva production.
🦷 Broken or Loose Tooth
Just like people, dogs can also break or lose teeth. When this happens, it can cause your dog pain and lead to more drooling.
🦷 Oral Tumors
Oral tumors are growths in a dog’s mouth that can cause excessive drooling. While not all oral tumors are cancerous, they can all cause discomfort and increased drooling.
🐕 Allergic Reaction
Dogs can experience allergic reactions, and one of the symptoms can be excessive drooling. Your German Shepherd could be having an allergic reaction to something it ate or perhaps something it came into contact with during a walk outside.
Common allergens could include certain foods, plants, or even household cleaning products. If you suspect your dog might be having an allergic reaction, it’s important to figure out what’s causing the allergy. Look for other signs such as itching, redness, sneezing, or swelling.
🐕 Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is another serious condition that can cause excessive drooling in your German Shepherd. Dogs, including German Shepherds, do not sweat like humans do. To control their body temperature, they pant and expel heat through their paw pads and nostrils. When your dog is exposed to high temperatures or intense physical activity, especially in hot weather, they can overheat. This is called heat stroke, and it’s a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.
In dogs, heat stroke can lead to increased salivation and drooling. This is because the heat can cause your dog to pant heavily, and the heavy panting can stimulate the salivary glands to produce more saliva. Other symptoms of heatstroke in dogs include excessive panting, red or pale gums, increased heart rate, dizziness, weakness, agitation, vomiting, and even collapse.
🐕 Foreign Object in Mouth
Another possible cause for your German Shepherd’s excessive drooling could be a foreign object lodged in its mouth. Dogs are naturally curious and love to explore their surroundings, which often involves picking up, chewing, and sometimes swallowing various objects. These objects can sometimes get stuck in their teeth, gums, or throats.
When there’s a foreign object in your German Shepherd’s mouth, it can cause discomfort or pain, which triggers the production of extra saliva, hence drooling. This could be anything from a small piece of a toy, a bone, or a thorny twig picked up from the garden.
If your dog is drooling more than usual, is pawing at its mouth, or seems to have difficulty eating, it might have something stuck in its mouth. In that case, you should gently open your dog’s mouth and check for any visible foreign objects.
Remember, some objects may not be easily visible or located deep in the mouth or throat, and attempting to remove them might lead to injuries.
When to Seek Veterinary Help
If any of the following symptoms accompanies your German Shepherd’s drooling, it’s time to seek immediate veterinary attention:
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Unusual lethargy or drowsiness
- Upset stomach
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- A significant change in drinking or urinating habits
- Sudden weight loss or gain
These symptoms could indicate serious underlying health issues like an infection, organ dysfunction, or even cancer. Early detection and treatment are crucial to your dog’s recovery.
🐕 What to Expect at the Vet’s Office
When you bring your German Shepherd to the vet’s office, you can expect a thorough examination. The vet will first visually examine your dog’s mouth, checking for any visible issues like foreign objects, swollen gums, or oral tumors.
They might also perform a complete physical examination to assess your dog’s overall health. This could include checking your dog’s weight, temperature, and heart rate and listening to its lungs.
Your vet may order additional tests like bloodwork, x-rays, or an ultrasound to diagnose the cause of the excessive drooling. Remember, these tests are vital in helping your vet understand what’s happening inside your dog’s body.
The vet will then develop a treatment plan based on the findings. This might involve medication, dietary changes, or surgery in more serious cases.
Remember to ask any questions that you have during the visit. Your vet is there to help and wants you to understand your German Shepherd’s health and treatment options. Keep in mind that each dog is unique, so the treatment plan will be tailored to your German Shepherd’s specific needs.
Prevention and Management of Excessive Drooling
While some causes of excessive drooling, such as dental issues or allergic reactions, may be difficult to prevent, there are still things that you can do to help manage the condition.
🦮 Dental Care
In order to prevent tooth decay and gum disease in dogs, it’s essential to maintain good oral hygiene. This includes brushing your dog’s teeth regularly with a soft-bristled toothbrush and dog-specific toothpaste.
You can also provide your dog with dental chews or toys that help clean their teeth while they chew, reducing plaque and tartar buildup. Regular visits to the vet for professional cleanings are also necessary.
🦮 Maintain the Temperature
Make sure your German Shepherd is kept in a comfortable, cool environment, especially during the warmer months. Overheating can cause heatstroke, which leads to excessive drooling. Provide plenty of fresh water and shaded areas if your dog spends a lot of time outdoors.
Never leave your German Shepherd in a parked car, even if the weather seems cool, as the temperature inside a car can skyrocket quickly. Additionally, try to avoid strenuous exercise during the heat of the day. Early morning or late evening walks are best when the weather is hot.
🦮 Regular Check-ups
Routine veterinary check-ups can help catch any potential health issues early, including those that may lead to excessive drooling. Your vet can regularly examine your dog’s mouth for any dental problems, tumors, or signs of other diseases that may cause drooling. These visits are also an excellent opportunity to discuss any concerns or changes you’ve noticed in your German Shepherd’s behavior or health.
🦮 Monitor Your Dog’s Objects
Keep an eye on the toys, bones, and other items your German Shepherd has access to. Make sure they are safe and appropriate for your dog’s size and chewing habits. Regularly check these items for any signs of wear and tear and replace them when necessary to prevent them from breaking into small, swallowable pieces.
🦮 Allergy Management
If your German Shepherd has allergies, try to identify and eliminate common allergens from their environment. This could involve changing its diet, using hypoallergenic cleaning products, or removing certain plants from your garden. Your vet can help you with an allergy management plan.
🦮 Feed Dry kibble
Feeding your German Shepherd dry kibble can also help keep their teeth clean and reduce the chances of dental disease, which can contribute to excessive drooling. Dry kibble is designed to be harder and crunchier, requiring your dog to chew thoroughly before swallowing. This process helps to naturally scrape off plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth, keeping them clean and healthy.
In contrast, wet food can sometimes stick to teeth, promoting bacterial growth and plaque formation. However, some dogs might require wet food due to dietary restrictions or health issues. Always consult with your vet to determine the best diet for your German Shepherd.
🦮 Exercise and Swimming
Exercise can greatly reduce your German Shepherd’s stress levels, indirectly reducing their drooling. It’s crucial to provide your dog with regular and adequate physical activity according to age and health status. A game of fetch, a long walk, or a good run can keep your German Shepherd healthy and happy. Physical activity keeps your dog’s body healthy and provides mental stimulation.
Swimming is another excellent exercise for German Shepherds. It’s a low-impact activity that is easy on their joints but still provides a good workout. Plus, the water can help cool them down on hot days, reducing drooling caused by heat. Always supervise your dog while they’re swimming to ensure their safety.
Remember, every dog is unique. What works for one German Shepherd may not work for another. Always monitor your pet’s reaction to any new exercise regimen and adjust accordingly. It’s also a good idea to consult with your vet before introducing any new exercises, especially if your German Shepherd has any existing health conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is my German Shepherd excessively drooling?
Excessive drooling in German Shepherds can be attributed to a variety of causes. While it is a common characteristic in some dog breeds, excessive salivation in German Shepherds is not typical and could indicate an underlying issue. Factors such as dental issues, heatstroke, allergies, or excitement can increase drooling. It’s important to monitor your dog closely and seek veterinary advice if the drooling is persistent or associated with other symptoms.
Q: Can mouth injury cause drooling in my German Shepherd?
Yes, a mouth injury can indeed cause your German Shepherd to drool more than usual. Injuries to the mouth or gums, objects lodged in the teeth, or problems with the salivary gland can all lead to increased saliva production. If you notice your dog drooling excessively, it’s important to check their mouth for any visible problems and get them checked out by your vet if needed.
Is excessive drooling a sign of rabies in dogs?
While excessive drooling can be a symptom of rabies, it is not the only sign to look out for. Rabies typically presents with a range of symptoms, including behavioral changes, aggression, and difficulty swallowing. If your dog has not been vaccinated against rabies and starts showing signs of the disease, it’s an emergency, and you should take them to the vet immediately.
Q: How can I train my German Shepherd puppy to control drooling?
Training a German Shepherd puppy to control their drooling can be a bit tricky since it’s a natural process. However, addressing the cause of the drooling can help manage it. For instance, if your puppy drools excessively during feeding times, try to make feeding more calm and relaxing. If anxiety is the cause, dog training to alleviate stress can help.
Q: Should I be worried if my older German Shepherd is drooling more than usual?
Increased drooling in an older German Shepherd can be a cause for concern, especially if other symptoms or behavioral changes accompany it. It could indicate dental issues, a problem with the salivary glands, or other health issues that can arise in older dogs. If you notice any unusual or excessive drooling in your older German Shepherd, scheduling a check-up with your emergency vet is best.
Final Words
To conclude, German Shepherds can drool for numerous reasons. Whether it is due to being excited or stimulated, having a medical problem, or being in pain, understanding why your GSD is drooling will help you respond appropriately and ensure they are healthy and happy. If any of these conditions apply, do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian for further assistance. It’s important to always watch for any health concerns that may arise so that you know when something serious is wrong with your dog and can take the necessary steps to help them. A well-cared-for GSD can lead a long and happy life – and a little drool here and there is no cause for alarm!