Why is my Dog Foaming at the Mouth?
Why is my dog foaming at the mouth? Read on to learn more about the common causes and when to worry. There could be a variety of other causes for your dog’s excessive drooling and frothing at the mouth.
If you notice your dog exhibiting what is technically known as hypersalivation, you want to know what is causing it.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common causes of excessive foaming in dogs.
Why Do Dogs Foam at the Mouth?
There are several reasons why your dog might be foaming at the mouth, and only one of them is rabies.
In fact, the numerous possible causes of dog foaming range in severity from nothing to worry about.
Let’s look at each possibility:
1. Stress and Anxiety
This is probably one of the most common causes why dogs foam at the mouth. Stress can easily cause hypersalivation, heavy breathing, and other kinds of fearful behavior.
When your dog starts breathing heavily, the movement of his mouth aerates the drool and turns it into a frothing foam at the corners of his mouth.
That very thing likely happened when you took your dog for his first car ride, but it can also happen when he knows he’s going to the vet or when there is any other stressful situation that causes a nervous reaction in your pooch.
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2. Upset Stomach
That’s also a very common reason for frothing at the mouth, and it’s probably why your dog experienced hypersalivation and foaming when he took that car ride.
If his upset stomach causes him to vomit, that can also cause frothing.
If your dog’s frothing is caused by nausea, there might also be other symptoms to look out for like a lack of appetite, diarrhea, or a lack of energy which is also called lethargy.
If you see those kinds of symptoms, it may be time for some veterinary care to check him out.
Motion sickness, such as he might have experienced on that car ride, can also cause an upset stomach, so it may be nothing more serious than that.
3. Too Much Activity
Another common cause of frothing at the mouth is over-exertion. Just like when you engage in vigorous exercise, it can also cause heavy breathing in your dog.
Once again, the motion of air in your dog’s mouth can cause his drool to turn into a froth.
While some frothing is normal after exercise, you do want to be aware if it appears excessive. Too much frothing is a clear indication your dog needs a break from the activity. They can overheat or become too excited.
That can result in erratic behavior and other serious health issues. It’s time to let your dog cool down, drink some water, and rest a bit.
What Does a Dog Foaming at the Mouth Look Like?
Foaming at the mouth is the common term given to excessive, frothy drooling.
Foamy drool often takes on a thick, whitish appearance and is different from more typical drool which is thin and clear.
Some dogs may foam at the mouth as a result of overactivity. If your dog has just been playing and has been more active than usual, there is probably nothing wrong with her even if she is foaming at the mouth a bit.
However, if your dog has not recently been active or if she is exhibiting any other strange or concerning symptoms, the foaming at the mouth could be a sign of a more serious issue.
What Can I do to Help my Dog Stop Foaming at the Mouth?
Please call VEG right away if you are concerned that your dog’s foaming at the mouth may be due to something serious or if you can’t easily explain the cause for it.
Identifying the reason for this behavior will be key in making sure the proper care is given.
Our veterinarians can perform a physical examination and certain tests to try and diagnose the cause of your dog’s signs, then offer solutions and options to help her recover whenever possible.
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If you notice your dog foaming at the mouth, this does not necessarily indicate that he has rabies. There are numerous other reasons he could be experiencing hypersalivation with heavy breathing that produces froth.
CSN Team.