Do Golden Retrievers Drool? (18 Must-Know Reasons!)

Whether you’re looking for a breed that doesn’t drool excessively or simply worried about your golden retriever’s drooling, we’ll cover your questions/worries in this article.

In this article, we’ll explore when it’s normal for golden retrievers to drool, when they need veterinary attention, how to manage drooling, and more! 

Do Golden Retrievers Drool A Lot?

Drooling is a natural part of a dog’s life, including golden retrievers. 

Every dog has salivary glands that serve essential purposes. 

Saliva aids digestion by lubricating food’s journey from the esophagus to the stomach, as well as helps dogs cool down in warm conditions.

Your golden retriever may drool when getting excited about their favorite meal, playing outside, or even meeting someone they love.

It’s essential to remember that while golden retrievers do drool, it’s typically not excessive compared to breeds with drooping jowls like Bloodhounds, Saint Bernards, and Mastiffs. 

The loose, hanging skin around their mouths and jowls creates pockets where saliva accumulates, leading to increased drooling. 

Excessive drooling (medically termed ptyalism) can indicate health issues and is generally not normal for golden retrievers. 

Why Do Golden Retrievers Drool?

While you have got a hint of why golden retrievers drool normally, let’s elaborate on it. 

Firstly, saliva is rich in enzymes that kickstart the digestion process in the mouth, aiding food breakdown before reaching the stomach.

Your golden retriever may start drooling when they see their favorite food or treat coming, just like we humans do when we see tempting food!

Secondly, drooling serves as a cooling mechanism

As dogs lack sweat glands, they rely on panting and drooling to regulate body temperature, especially in warmer conditions. 

It’s vital to their thermoregulation, ensuring they don’t overheat during activities.

Thirdly, when your golden retriever gets excited, their nervous system becomes more active or stimulated, leading to an increase in saliva production. 

It’s like their body is getting ready for something good, possibly a treat, playtime, or meeting their favorite human!

All this is perfectly natural and normal for golden retrievers

However, there can be some instances where your canine companion can drool like crazy. (Keep reading to know!)

Possible Causes For Excessive Drooling in Golden Retrievers

While moderate drooling is normal in dogs, excessive drooling may indicate an underlying health issue or condition that requires attention. 

Let’s look at the 18 causes of excessive drooling in golden retrievers. 

1.    Anxiety

In addition to excitement, anxiety can also cause drooling in golden retrievers. 

Whether you’re moving to a new home, you’re at the vet with your dog, or fireworks are happening nearby, anything can trigger their anxiety. 

When your golden retriever feels stressed or nervous, it activates their fight-or-flight instinct, stimulates the salivary glands, and increases saliva production

This is a natural, physiological response tied to their survival mechanisms.

If your golden retriever is excessively drooling due to anxiety, it is usually accompanied by other symptoms like diarrhea, panting, and restlessness.

2.    Object Lodged In Mouth

Sometimes, excessive drooling may be a sign that your golden retriever has something stuck in their mouth

Since dogs don’t have hands like we do, they explore the world around them with their mouth. 

Moreover, dogs and even puppies, being curious by nature, may explore and chew on various objects, increasing the risk of such incidents. 

RELATED: Why Do Golden Retrievers Love Socks?

Objects like bones, toys, or foreign materials can cause irritation or discomfort, leading to increased saliva production.

You may also notice them working their mouths and tongues trying to get items out of their mouth.

3.    Dental Issues

Excessive drooling in golden retrievers can also be linked to dental or oral issues. 

Oral health issues like gum disease, tooth decay, or infections may cause discomfort, which can lead to excessive saliva production. 

Moreover, your canine companion’s body may try to wash out the problem as it can get the signal that something is wrong in the mouth. 

4.    Oral Tumors

Oral tumors or abnormal growths in the mouth can also cause excessive drooling in golden retrievers. 

These tumors can cause discomfort, prompting the dog to produce more saliva

5.    Teething

Teething is a normal developmental stage in puppies that involves growing new teeth

During this process, the discomfort of teething can lead to increased saliva production as a natural response

Puppies may exhibit excessive drooling as they cope with the discomfort of new teeth breaking through their gums.

Moreover, you may notice your golden retriever puppy showing biting behavior to soothe their gums.

Recommended Reading: When Do Golden Retriever Puppies Stop Biting? 

6.    Digestive Issues

Excessive drooling in golden retrievers can be linked to digestive issues. 

Gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea or an upset stomach, may prompt increased saliva production

This natural response helps protect the esophagus and mouth from potential irritants. 

Keep an eye on your canine companion for other signs like pain and bloating accompanied by digestive issues, and instantly take them to the vet.

7.    Ingestion of Toxins

Excessive drooling in golden retrievers may occur when they ingest harmful substances and get poisoning. 

Dogs, as a protective response, may drool profusely to counteract or dilute toxins in their mouth

Common household items like certain plants, foods, or chemicals can pose risks. 

It’s also essential to keep your dog away from toxic human foods, which are safe for us but not for them.

Recommended Reading: What Fruits Can Golden Retrievers Not Eat?

Also read, What Human Foods Can Golden Retrievers Eat?

If you suspect your dog has ingested a toxic substance, their increased drooling serves as an early warning sign, which is usually accompanied by pain and nausea.

8.    Allergies and Food Intolerances

When dogs come into contact with allergens or consume foods that don’t agree with them, it triggers an increase in saliva production

Allergies and food intolerances can also cause an upset stomach, including diarrhea, as well as adverse skin reactions like rashes.

RELATED: Why Does My Golden Retriever Puppy Have Diarrhea at Night?

9.    Poor Diet

Inadequate nutrition may lead to various health issues, including dental or digestive issues, which can manifest as increased saliva production. 

Moreover, if your golden retriever isn’t being fed properly, they may not satisfy their hunger and drool more. 

Recommended Reading: Why Is My Golden Retriever Always Hungry? 

10. Prescribed Medication

Certain medications, when administered to golden retrievers for various health conditions, can lead to excessive drooling as a side effect

Medications with potential side effects on salivation may include certain antibiotics, anti-seizure drugs, or medications affecting the gastrointestinal system

This occurs because some medications may stimulate saliva production or affect the normal salivary flow in dogs.

11. Motion Sickness

Golden retrievers, like humans, can experience motion sickness during car rides. 

The sensation of movement can lead to nausea, which may result in excessive drooling. 

This is common in puppies or dogs that haven’t been acclimated to travel

It’s also important to note that anxiety over car rides with motion sickness can cause symptoms like drooling, pacing, whining, and barking

RELATED: Why Do Golden Retrievers Bark So Much?

12. Dysphagia (Difficulty Swallowing)

This condition may be caused by various factors, including structural abnormalities, nerve damage, or muscular issues affecting the swallowing process.

Due to the compromised ability to manage saliva, it may accumulate in the oral cavity, leading to excessive drooling.  

In addition to drooling, other signs of dysphagia include coughing, gagging, or struggling to eat, which needs instant veterinarian attention. 

13. Liver Or Kidney Issues

Certain metabolic conditions, such as liver or kidney disease, can contribute to excessive drooling in golden retrievers. 

When these organs don’t function properly, toxins may accumulate in the body, affecting saliva production and secretion.

Additionally, metabolic imbalances can lead to nausea, prompting increased salivation.

If excessive drooling is accompanied by other symptoms like lethargy and changes in appetite, it requires immediate veterinary attention.

14. Rabies 

Although rare, rabies is a serious viral disease that can affect golden retrievers and lead to excessive drooling, among other symptoms. 

Rabies affects the central nervous system, causing behavioral changes, difficulty swallowing, and increased saliva production. 

Dogs can get rabies through the bite of an infected animal, usually a wild mammal. 

The virus is present in the saliva of infected animals, and transmission occurs through bites or open wounds.

15. Insect Bites or Stings

Insect bites or stings, particularly from bees or wasps, inside the mouth or in the muzzle region can cause excessive drooling. 

The irritation and discomfort from the bite or sting may lead to increased saliva production. 

In addition to excessive drooling, your dog may frequently cough, gag, or wheeze, which signals that the swelling may have blocked the airway.

16. Respiratory Issues

Respiratory issues, such as respiratory infections or nasal blockages, can make breathing through the nose difficult for dogs.

Therefore, they may resort to mouth breathing, increasing saliva production.

If your golden retriever lives with other pets, they may be at a higher risk. Stress is also a factor. 

17. Age

Age-related factors, such as dental conditions, oral health, and the overall aging process, can contribute to increased drooling in golden retrievers. 

As dogs age, they may experience changes in dental health, leading to more saliva production. 

Additionally, older dogs might face challenges in swallowing or controlling saliva, resulting in increased drooling. 

Why?

Older dogs may encounter issues with muscle tone and coordination due to the natural aging process, including those related to the muscles involved in swallowing. 

This can affect their ability to control certain muscle movements.

18. Idiopathic Trigeminal Neuritis

Idiopathic Trigeminal Neuritis, a condition affecting the trigeminal nerve, can lead to uncontrolled drooling in golden retrievers. 

This neurological disorder can cause dysfunction in the nerve responsible for regulating saliva production. 

How to Control Drooling in Golden Retrievers?

When looking for mitigation techniques to manage your dog’s drooling, you need to address the underlying causes.

For instance, if drooling is due to anxiety, providing a calm environment and positive reinforcement may help.

For issues like dental problems, regular oral care is essential. 

For medical conditions, consult a vet for appropriate treatment.

It’s essential to seek professional advice to determine the best course of action for your dog.

How to Manage Drooling in Golden Retrievers?

Drool management in golden retrievers involves practical steps like using absorbent doggy bibs or towels to keep them dry. 

Regularly wiping their mouth can prevent excessive drool buildup. 

Providing engaging toys or treats may help redirect attention and reduce drooling triggered by excitement

Of course, addressing underlying causes, such as dental issues or anxiety, is crucial. 

If you’re wondering how to stop golden retriever from drooling, consult a vet for a comprehensive approach and your dog’s well-being.

When To Be Concerned About Drooling and Rush To the Vet?

If your golden retriever starts drooling excessively or the drool seems unusual in texture or smell, it could indicate an underlying health problem. 

Additionally, if your dog displays other concerning symptoms like pain, lethargy, difficulty swallowing, or a refusal to eat, it’s essential to seek veterinary advice immediately. 

These signs may indicate issues ranging from dental problems to more severe health conditions. 

Getting your dog to the vet promptly ensures a proper diagnosis and timely intervention for their well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.    Do golden retrievers drool while sleeping?

Yes, it’s normal for some dogs, including golden retrievers, to drool a little while sleeping. This can be influenced by their position, dreams, or even the temperature of the environment. However, if you notice excessive drooling during sleep or other unusual symptoms, consult your vet to rule out any potential health issues.

2.    Why is my golden retriever puppy drooling a lot?

Excessive drooling in a golden retriever puppy could be due to teething, excitement, or exploring their surroundings with their mouths. Golden retriever puppies often drool more during these developmental stages. Consult your vet for a thorough examination if other concerning symptoms accompany the drooling.

3.    Do golden retrievers like chewing?

Yes, golden retrievers typically enjoy chewing. Chewing is a natural dog behavior and can serve various purposes, including teething relief, dental health, and mental stimulation. Appropriate chew toys can help satisfy their chewing instincts and promote a healthy mouth.

4.    Do golden retrievers smell?

Like all dogs, golden retrievers have a distinct odor, but it’s generally not overpowering. Regular grooming, including bathing and brushing, can help manage their scent. Factors like diet, overall health, and individual variations may influence a dog’s odor. Consistent hygiene and a balanced diet help keep your golden retriever smelling fresh.

Conclusion

Drooling is a natural behavior for golden retrievers, serving various purposes like aiding digestion and cooling. 

While some drooling is normal, excessive drooling might indicate underlying issues, such as anxiety, dental problems, or health conditions. 

You should monitor drooling patterns and seek veterinary advice if concerns arise. 

Understanding the reasons behind drooling enables responsible pet care, ensuring your golden retriever remains happy, healthy, and comfortable.

Talking about golden retrievers’ behavior, you can check out these articles next:

Do Golden Retriever Puppies Shed?

Do Golden Retrievers Like Water?

Why Does My Golden Retriever Eat Grass?

What Are Golden Retriever Puppy Behavior Stages?

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