Does your dog drool when walking? Most dog owners experience this problem with their dogs, therefore we looked into why canines slobber on walks.
As much as we dog owners would love to know, it’s always impossible to unearth exactly what your dog is feeling or their thoughts on why they’re behaving a certain way.
Occasionally, you may become concerned and puzzled as to the cause of your furry friend’s drooling when walking.
Drooling in dogs while out on a walk might be a sign of enthusiasm, nervousness, or stress. Dental issues, heat exhaustion, and poison ingestion are all invasive possibilities.
However, the best way to solve the issue of your dog drooling while on a stroll is to determine the cause. Hence, we’ve put down a list of possible causes of dog drooling on walks.
But first:
Is it normal for dogs to drool on a walk?
An occasional bout of drooling while on a walk is quite normal for dogs. Some dog breeds are genetically predisposed to be more prone to drooling than others, whereas for others, it’s a reaction to excitement, discovery of new scent, etc.
But if your dog is drooling a lot, or if it’s happening for no apparent reason, then there may be something inwardly wrong with your dog.
If you’re unsure as to whether you should be concerned about your pet’s drooling, you should have your dog checked for a possible health problem, as there are several potential causes that require veterinary treatment, such as dental problems, poisoning, or heat stroke.
It could be nothing, but it’s preferable to err on the side of caution just in case.
Keep in mind that one dog’s “extreme” drooling while walking could be another’s “normal” drooling. Based on your canine’s typical demeanor, only you can determine what’s excessive and what’s not.
Reasons why dogs drool when walking
Excitement
A lot of emotional messages can be expressed by dogs in varied and often odd ways. When a dog is very interested in something, it may slobber either while waiting for it to happen or while it is actually happening.
A simple example is a dog knowing exactly when he is going to be fed, he may get too eager and start to dribble more than usual.
Or, as is the case above, your dog may become so thrilled while walking with you because you are using a different or more interesting route. In a similar fashion, a dog that’s happy to finally go on a stroll may drool as well.
Your dog may have picked up something while on a walk
Dog drooling can also be caused by licking or eating something they shouldn’t. If your dog accidentally picks up something like a poisonous plant or toxic chemical while enjoying a morning walk, this may cause your dog to drool temporarily.
Fido is feeling hot
Your dog may be drooling because it is experiencing heat stroke while you are out on a walk in the summer or typically hot conditions. Long distance hikes in hot weather usually exacerbate this which frequently results in your dog drooling excessively during walks.
Heatstroke is a medical emergency; take your dog to the doctor immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms: restlessness, panting, a pale tongue, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Excessive exercise
If you’ve noticed that your dog drools excessively on walks, he may be getting too much exercise or just be too fatigued.
We think it’s important to stress that not all dogs are created equal; some can only handle light exercise, while others thrive on rigorous activity.
This truth varies greatly between breeds.
For instance, Labs or Vizslas can take on really demanding outdoor activities without tiring out easily.
On the other hand, breeds like pugs, boxers, and bulldogs are far less tolerant of those draining activities since their respiratory systems tend to overheat.
This process often leads to drooling excessively especially for a dog breed that already drools occasionally (example, bulldogs).
So before jumping into conclusions regarding your dog’s health when he drools on a walk, do check to see what breed your dog is.
Hunger
Your dog may start to drool excessively if it associates something with eating, such as a particular sound, scent, or sight.
This can happen while out on a walk with your dog. Nothing to worry about; there’s absolutely no need to panic here. When your dog no longer expects to be fed, the drooling will most definitely end.
Nausea
You may consider the possibility that your dog’s noticeable drooling when walking is due to an upset stomach.
One possible explanation is that he ate something he shouldn’t have before going for a walk, or that he has vestibular problems that are making his stomach unhappy. Puppies can experience motion sickness, which can lead to drooling.
Dog breed
To a greater extent than others, several dog breeds are known to drool or slobber. You shouldn’t fret too much if your dog is a member of one of these breeds.
These dogs typically have slobber dripping from their mouths by several inches, and they frequently shake their heads to get rid of it.
Your dog’s inclination to drool may be slightly elevated if he or she has a long, thick coat.
However, you should see if the breed of your dog is included here. And if that’s the case, you shouldn’t worry too much as to why your dog drools on a walk.
Your dog is not fine
If your dog drools on a walk, then it could be a problem with your dog’s salivary glands, most definitely, an infection or blockage. However, this could signal a more serious health issue, such a kidney failure or liver disease.
Furthermore, a tumor inside your dog’s mouth is another potential culprit of excessive drooling on a walk. So, if your dog drools excessively more than it usually does ona walk, then your dog is certainly not fine!
Your dog is anxious
If your dog is feeling anxious, you may notice an increase in drooling during walks. Typically, unusual sounds, sights or smells are all examples of potentially stressful activities that could cause increased drooling.
Or perhaps, your dog has had a negative encounter in the past while taking a similar path. This could be a cause for anxiety which may cause your dog to drool.
Still, If you’re worried about your dog’s health, it’s a good idea to discuss possible treatments for anxiety and stress with your veterinarian.
A dental emergency
The most prevalent reason for drooling in dogs is dental disease; if your dog has difficulties with their teeth or gums, they may start drooling.
This occurs frequently with dental problems that worsen over time, including tartar buildup, but can sometimes occur suddenly.
If a dog gets a piece of food, a stick, or anything else stuck in its mouth, or if something hurts its mouth, it may start drooling excessively. Coincidentally, this may be more evident during a walk with your dog.
Dogs are more resilient than us humans since they will usually go about their daily activities like taking on walks or even eating when experiencing oral discomfort.
How to stop your dog from drooling during walks
Take your dog’s dental hygiene up a notch
Inadequate oral hygiene, which frequently results in periodontal disease and drooling, is the most common cause of tartar formation.
Brushing your dog’s teeth regularly, providing him with dental chews, and taking him to the vet for checkups on a regular basis are all great ways to keep this issue from occurring and the drooling from occurring as a result.
Always carry a water bottle for long walks
Your dog’s mental as well as physical health benefits from regular walks. Unfortunately, if your dog gets a heatstroke on a lengthy walk in the heat, it could be fatal.
While drooling is the least serious issue that could arise, you should still bring a bottle of fresh water with you wherever you go so that your dog can drink whenever he needs to avoid being dehydrated.
See a vet
It’s best to take a dog to the vet if you’re having trouble determining the source of his or her persistent drooling when out for a stroll. Your veterinarian should be able to diagnose any problems with your dog and offer appropriate treatment.
Conclusion
Lots of things can make your dog drool when walking with you. His dribbling may seem random, but be assured, there’s a reason for it. There are a number of possible causes, including excitement, anxiety, discomfort, or the ingestion of a poisonous substance by your dog. When the issue is identified, it may be addressed and resolved more effectively.
