Crazy, unusual behaviors in our pets can be alarming.
One of the most common and concerning ones is excessive drooling and shaking.
There are many reasons why dogs do this.
This blog will investigate the most common and even rare instances of why your dog is behaving this way.
There are many reasons why your dog might be drooling and shaking. It could be due to a change in the temperature, infection near the mouth or throat, allergies, anxiety, parasites, or even rabies.
The first step to finding out what is going on with your pup is to take him in for an examination by a veterinarian so they can diagnose any underlying illnesses and prescribe medication if necessary.
Read along and learn some of the common causes and prevention measures of excessive drooling or hypersalivation.
Common Causes and Prevention of Dogs’ Shaking
1. Distemper
Caused by a virus, sometimes also known as rabies, canine distemper can cause drooling.
The dog is completely unable to control his anger and this sometimes causes them to drool.
It’s also a common cause of trembling and shaking in dogs.
Prevention: Visit the vet for treatment in the form of shots, antibiotics, physical therapy, and fluids to help manage the dehydration from excessive drooling.
2. Generalized Tremor Syndrome (GTS)
GTS in dogs is a disorder that causes shaking.
It’s also known as steroid-responsive tremor syndrome or white shaker dog syndrome and can happen to any size of canine, no matter the breed or color.
Prevention: GTS Treatment generally consists of certain medications in the group of corticosteroids like prednisone.
Results can often be seen as soon as within a week of starting treatment.
3. Nausea
Just like people, dogs also can get nauseous from motion sickness, medication, eating too much, or eating the wrong thing.
Shaking may be a sign that your dog is feeling sick.
Prevention: Nausea is likely to stop when the factor causing also ceases to happen.
For example, if its reason for feeling nauseous was medication, if it stops using the medication it will stop vomiting as well.
4. Foreign Objects in Mouth
Drooling is your dog’s way of telling you that something could be wrong.
Check her mouth for any foreign objects, and remove anything harmful to avoid making the drool worse or increasing pain in sensitive areas like teeth and gums.
If nothing seems obvious, please consult a vet close by who can properly assess how serious this issue may be.
5. Mouth Injuries
Make sure to check your dog’s mouth for any signs of injury or bleeding.
Prevention is key so use hydrogen peroxide if you find a small wound on their tongue, gums, teeth, and other parts in the oral cavity that need attention.
If it’s more serious than just scratches then make an appointment with your vet as they know what best works for these types of injuries.
6. Heatstroke
It might not seem real, but drooling is a symptom of heatstroke.
If you feel that maybe your dog is spending too much time in the sun and notice common signs like drooling and unresponsiveness, heatstroke may be the culprit.
Prevention: It is important to know that this condition is critical and can be fatal to your dog, you must take it very seriously and get her to your vet with immediate effect.
You can help prevent heatstroke by ensuring your dog always has easy access to water.
Also do not leave her out in the sun for so long or on hot days or alone in a parked car ever.
7. Liver or Kidney Disease
Both of these diseases also happen in dogs and may cause hypersalivation.
You should visit your vet if you are concerned with your dog’s health, and also remember to schedule regular checkups to identify and treat health problems before they become more critical.
8. Dental Issues
There is something usually known as tartar in dogs’ mouths. You might want to ask your vet what it is and how to spot it.
Tartar usually builds up inside your dog’s mouth, and it can cause him to drool excessively.
You can check his teeth for browning and his gums for redness, swelling, or bleeding.
Consult with your vet if you think that problems like broken teeth, ulcers, and growths are causing excessive salivation.
Your veterinarian will be able to check for more serious dental injuries such as dangerously cracked teeth and recommend appropriate treatments.
Depending on what is found in the examination of their mouths including extraction surgery or a professional cleaning routine.
9. Anxiety
Similar to people get anxious, dogs also sometimes become anxious or carsick during car rides, especially if they are not used to riding.
When anxious, it is common for the dog to drool excessively.
Prevention: You can help him feel more at ease and reduce the occurrence of nausea by taking him on short rides before building up to longer ones.
10. Nose, throat, or Sinus Infections
that affect the muscular part of the nose like palsy, of some kind can also lead to slobbering.
Prevention: See a vet for medication.
11. Old-Age and Pain
Like people, as dogs get older, some conditions develop. Some dogs develop tremors in their hind legs.
While some may be in the front legs, these tremors usually don’t affect how your dog moves or walks.
Though you might assume that symptoms like shaking legs are due to your dog’s old age, it might also be a sign of pain.
It is best to talk to your vet if you notice any unusual shaking from an aging pet.
Sudden Excessive Drooling in Dogs
Dogs usually drool when they are happy or excited, especially if they know that they are about to receive a treat for being a “good boy”.
However, excessive drooling because of too much saliva build-up in the mouth is not normal and might be a sign of a serious health condition.
This condition is typically referred to as Ptyalism and it might be caused by some issues on the mouth, throat, or this might be a systemic disorder.
Take note that rabies can cause extreme salivation, so it is important to rule that possibility out first before seeking other treatments.
Ptyalism may be caused by any of the following:
- Irritation from a foreign object. Take note that plastic toys and sticks may be lodged in your dog’s mouth and this can cause extreme salivation, pain, and inflammation.
- Mouth injuries. Sudden excessive drooling in dogs might be caused by scrapes, cuts, or bites inside their mouth.
- Excessive emotions. Sudden excessive drooling in dogs may be brought about by emotional stimuli, and intense or traumatic emotions might increase this natural response.
- If your dog is taking medications, then it may be the cause of the excessive saliva production they are experiencing.
- Various types of poisoning may lead to excessive salivation. As the symptoms worsen, the dog might even start foaming at the mouth.
Final Thoughts
When your dog is drooling and shaking excessively, it’s not always because they are happy.
There are a number of possible causes for these symptoms, including distemper disease, GTS (Giant Cell Tumor), nausea, foreign objects in the mouth, or heat stroke.
It can be difficult to determine which one is causing the problem without a veterinary examination so if you notice any of these signs please contact your vet immediately.
