As a dog owner, you would have probably noticed your dog drooling and this is quite a natural thing that pooches do when they are excited or happy and especially at the sight of food when they know they are going to get a treat. There may be several other reasons that could cause your pet to drool such as stress, when they see strangers or another dog.
If you have a Golden Retriever, you may have noticed him drooling too and asked the question, “why is my Golden drooling?” Well, just like other dogs, Golden Retrievers are food motivated and also drool when they see food. In fact, when they see any humans eating, they also drool. Golden Retrievers also have a tendency to drool if they’re stressed or panicked about something. And, generally, Goldens having larger jaws tend to drool more when compared to dogs having smaller jaws. These dogs drool more when they drink, eat or exercise.
In dogs, the production of saliva is a normal response to any stimulation and it helps to lubricate the mouth, prevents gum disease, tooth decay and breaks down the food for digestion. However, excessive drooling because of too much saliva in the mouth is not normal and could be a sign of something serious.
If you notice your Golden drooling constantly, sometimes excessively, then this should be a cause of concern. Excessive drooling or hypersalivation, known as ptyalism could be an indication of some underlying issue. And, it is important to get to the bottom of the problem and ensure that your pet gets proper treatment so that he is happy and healthy.
Related: Can Golden Retrievers Be Aggressive?
Issues That Can Cause Golden Retrievers to Drool a Lot
In this section, we have discussed some problems which may trigger excessive drooling in your Golden. It is a good idea to watch for these issues and have your pet checked by the vet if required.
Liver Problem
This is quite a serious issue for Golden Retrievers and if your pet is suffering from some kind of liver problem, he may drool excessively. If you notice your Golden drooling a lot, then it is recommended that you get your pooch examined by a vet. Liver issues can cause weakness, change in behavior and uncoordinated movements.
Heatstroke
Your Golden Retriever could be suffering from a sunstroke because of the extreme heat if he has been in the sun for a long period of time, which can cause him to drool a lot. Because the Golden Retriever has a double coat, he tends to feel hotter compared to other dogs. So, it is extremely important to take care and keep your pet protected from extreme heat. Other symptoms that may occur because of heat stroke are vomiting, fever and your pet’s tongue can become red.
Related: Do Golden Retrievers Bark a Lot?
Digestive System Problems
If your Golden Retriever is suffering from GDV or gastric dilation-volvulus, caused by the twisting of his stomach or intestinal blockage it can cause his stomach to become dilated and bloated. And, when your Golden can’t vomit the food and water or expel the gas that is trapped in the stomach, he begins to drool excessively. The excessive drooling can be because your pet is in a lot of pain because of the stomach issues and it is advised to get your Golden checked by a vet immediately.
Dental Issues
Your Golden Retriever could be drooling a lot because he may be having dental issues, which may include tooth decay, gingivitis, tartar or tooth fracture. If your Golden has gotten injured in the mouth, then he could be suffering from bleeding or swollen gums that can also cause excessive drooling. Take your pet to the vet immediately if he is not eating, whimpering and whining a lot or is in a bad mood constantly.
Poisoning
Poisoning can be a major reason for excessive drooling in your pet. If your Golden Retriever has been exposed to some dangerous toxin, this may cause him to drool excessively. In the event that your pet is suffering from food poisoning, this may cause him to slow down and he could even collapse because of extreme pain.
Stuck Objects
All dogs, including Golden Retrievers, love chewing on things lying around like bones, toys, fish hooks, pieces of wire or string. Your pet can be in a lot of pain if any of these things get stuck in his gums or teeth and can also cause excessive drooling. Check your Golden Retriever’s mouth immediately to see if there’s something stuck inside if you see that your pooch is drooling a lot. If you’re unable to find anything, it may be a good idea to take your pet to the vet immediately to find out the cause of his excessive drooling.
Related: Can Golden Retrievers Run Long Distances?
Nerve Damage
Your Golden could be drooling a lot because the trigeminal nerve has been damaged because of a tumor or injury. Nerve damage can prevent your dog from closing his mouth fully, which can cause him to drool excessively. It can also prevent your dog from moving his facial muscles properly, because of which he may be having trouble eating and drinking.
Rabies
Rabies is a serious disease that can cause your Golden Retriever to drool excessively. Generally, the rabies vaccination lasts only for around a year, after which you must get your Golden vaccinated again. It is extremely important to keep your pet’s vaccinations up to date. Not only is rabies dangerous for your Golden, if your pet bites anyone, they can also get infected.
Motion Sickness
If you’re traveling with your Golden Retriever in a bus or car, you may see that he is drooling excessively. This could be because your pet suffers from motion sickness. You could check with your vet, who can prescribe medicines that can help to calm your pooch’s nerves and help him deal with motion sickness while traveling.
Anxiety/Excitement
Your dog could be drooling excessively if he is anxious or excited. Your Golden Retriever could be excited about anything, by food, someone he loves or another dog and this added excitement can cause your Golden to drool a lot.
Related: Are Golden Retrievers Good Apartment Dogs?
Ways to Prevent Your Golden Retriever from Drooling Excessively
If you notice that your Golden is drooling a lot, then here are some ways to prevent him from drooling. However, if you are worried that you’re Golden is drooling a lot, then it is better to consult your vet.
Locate the Trigger
If your Golden Retriever is drooling excessively, firstly, try and find out what is triggering it. You should check inside your pet’s mouth to see if there is anything stuck and if you notice something, then you must immediately remove it. If there’s nothing in your pet’s mouth, then get him checked by the vet. Other reasons causing your Golden to drool excessively could be loneliness, strange animals or strangers. Giving your pooch some extra cuddles and affection could also stop him from drooling a lot.
Keep Your Golden Cool
If you feel that the reason why your Golden Retriever is drooling excessively is because of the heat, then you must take adequate measures to ensure that your pet is cool and comfortable. Give him plenty of water to drink and allow him to rest indoors or in the shade. Avoid letting your dog out in the sun for very long and walk or exercise him in the cooler hours of the morning or evening.
Reduce His Anxiety
If your Golden Retriever is getting anxious when you are not around, you could take some steps to prevent this. Leave your pet alone in a room for a while and reward him for good behavior. Gradually, increase the time that you leave your pooch alone. If your Golden seems to be anxious for some other reasons, you can try to find the reason for his anxiety and try to take steps to reduce it.
In conclusion, drooling is a natural phenomenon in dogs and if your Golden is drooling a lot, there is no reason to be overly concerned about it. Nevertheless, it is a good idea to get your pooch checked by the vet if the drooling is excessive. Your vet will be able to determine the issue and will advise how you can tackle the problem effectively.
