Hypersalivation refers to the excessive production of saliva by dogs. Your dog drools more frequently than usual when he has hypersalivation. This phenomenon is called ptyalism when it is not related to temporary or permanent swallowing or to a malformation of the oral cavity. This article sheds light on some rudimentary aspects of ptyalism that you, as a dog owner, might need to know.

What are the causes of ptyalism?

Ptyalism can be due to several factors. Among the main reasons behind ptyalism are stress, anxiety, excitement, regurgitation, and taking certain medications. Below, we investigate each factor and provide tips on what to do in each case.  

The stress

A stressed animal may produce more saliva than usual. This is particularly the case for dogs who find it difficult to travel by car. At other times, being have to spend the night outside the house may cause stress. In the first case, your dog will most probably get used to traveling by car. As for the second case, you need to either let the dog in or build a small convenient kennel for him.  

excitement

An excited dog is likely to hypersalivate. This phenomenon disappears when the dog becomes calmer again. First, you need to find out what excites your dog. It could be a delicious food that you give him from time to time or a certain activity that he enjoys doing. In either case, overoxidation will help. This is due to the fact that dogs get excited when they have something less than they desire. As a result, when they have it, they overreact.

The urge to vomit

Shortly before vomiting, a dog may produce an excessive amount of saliva and then resume normal salivation once the symptom subsides. Vomiting after eating unhealthy food or running a long distance is normal. But this shouldn’t happen more than a few times a year. If your dog regurgitates his food regularly, it’s either due to a stomach problem or sensitivity to a certain type of food. In the first case, a vet visit is unavoidable. As for the latter case, you need to remove that food from his diet.   

Taking certain medications

Some medications cause extra saliva. A doctor can enlighten you on these side effects and possibly, advise you on a change of treatment to alleviate this manifestation. But ptyalism can also be one of the symptoms of a more serious pathology. Hypersalivation can indeed occur in the event of food poisoning or during a convulsive crisis. 

What causes Pseudoptyalism?

Pseudoptyalism is highly common among dogs. In some cases, you cannot do much and, therefore, need a vet’s help. At other times, you can solve the problem by yourself. Here are the main causes of Pseudoptyalism:

Dental pain

As long as dental pain is present, your dog may emit a significant amount of saliva. Dental pain in dogs is usually due to tooth decay or fracture in the tooth. In either case, you must take your dog for a vet’s visit. When these pains are treated and relieved, everything will return to normal.

Myositis of the masticatory muscles

Myositis is an inflammation of the masticatory muscles linked to a dysfunction of the immune system. Unless your dog has been hurt by other people or animals, his immune system might malfunctioning due to poor nutrition or certain viral diseases. Only your dog’s vet can tell what caused the problem and how you can help improve your dog’s condition.

• Dilatation-torsion of the stomach (SDTE)

This syndrome is linked to distention of the stomach by food, liquids, or even by the air in case of panting breathing of your animal. Oftentimes dilation-torsion occurs when the dog runs a long distance and then finds itself dehydrated or too hungry/thirsty to be content with a typical meal. Thus, Pseudoptyalism caused by dilatation-torsion of the stomach can be prevented by controlling the distance your dog runs and the amount of food he consumes.  

Should I be concerned about my dog’s hypersalivation?

Hypersalivation is not in itself sufficient to justify a consultation with the veterinarian. However, if hypersalivation is accompanied by other unusual symptoms in your dog, a consultation is essential. Thus, if you observe an unusual agitation in your dog or a rise in temperature, you must consult a veterinarian urgently.

Why not take out health insurance for your dog?

To keep your pet healthy, prevention is better than cure. But this prevention comes at a cost. Taking out health insurance allows you to ensure, in complete peace of mind, the medical follow-up of your dog. At the time of illness and even surgical interventions, health costs can be partially or totally covered. Do not hesitate to inquire and compare the offers to protect the health of your animal throughout its existence.

In conclusion

Hypersalivation is, therefore, only one clue among others that should alert you to the existence of pathology in your dog. On its own, it is a completely normal and frequent phenomenon that does not require any specific intervention. If you found this article informative, you may also like our blog on dog hairbull treatments. Please share your thoughtsin the comment section below.