If your precious pup is drooling, this may be a sign that they’re hungry. But there are a lot of pet owners who overlook signs of excessive drooling, which may indicate something deeper going on that relates to your dog’s wellbeing.
If drooling is excessive, you should take them to a veterinarian, as this can be a sign of a wide range of issues that are usually simple to treat. And, as we’re going to discuss the potential that CBD has to regulate excessive drooling and even potentially some underlying causes, we’ll be helping you figure out how to get your furry friend started on a CBD routine.
Why Dogs Drool
Simply put, mammals drool. A dog’s drooling function is not unlike a human in terms of its purpose and mechanisms at work. Drool is simply the accumulation of saliva that is consistently secreted from the salivary glands. In fact, salivation is technically part of the digestive system, as it aids in the digestion of food. Within our saliva are enzymes, and these enzymes help break food down as it passes through the body. When we are hungry, we tend to salivate more, and this is because our digestive system is preparing for food intake by getting these enzymes ready to get to work.
Therefore, if your dog is drooling prior to mealtime, or around certain smells, then there’s a good chance that he or she is simply ready for their meal.
Further, you may be surprised to learn that some dog breeds drool more than others. Mastiffs, saint bernards, and bloodhounds all have a reputation for drooling more than other dogs, because their upper lips are looser, which causes saliva to accumulate in the mouth.
When Drooling Isn’t Normal
As a dog owner, you should monitor your dog carefully in order to determine whether or not their drooling is a normal part of the digestive process, or something that’s more excessive in nature. If your dog is drooling at all times of the day, regardless of how close it is to mealtime, this can indicate something deeper going on. Also, if your dog is producing a lot of drool compared to what’s considered normal, this may be a sign of something going on that’s unrelated to digestion.
What Excessive Drooling Can Indicate
So, what could excessive drooling mean?
Dental or Oral Health Problems
Dogs who have tooth decay, mouth ulcers, gum disease and other conditions that can cause pain in the mouth are more prone to drooling excessively, especially after eating.
Vomiting
Dogs will also drool prior to vomiting, as is the case with humans as well. This means that if your dog drools excessively, this may indicate some form of chronic nausea. It can also be a sign of stress, as drooling is a common anxiety response.
Heat Stroke
A more potentially serious cause could be heat stroke, which some dog breeds are more prone to than others, including boxers, bulldogs, pugs and other dogs with shorter noses.
When your dog is drooling excessively, you should look for other related symptoms, such as:
- Loss of appetite
- Excessive panting
- Signs of pain after eating
Treating Excessive Drooling
To treat excessive drooling, you must first know the underlying cause. This is why having your dog checked out by a veterinarian is absolutely critical. Some of the potential causes listed above could become serious if left untreated.
Once the cause is determined, your vet will choose to treat the underlying issue so that the dog’s excessive drooling can be properly managed.
CBD for Excessive Drooling: Can it Work, and is it Safe?
More and more dog owners are giving their pooches cannabidiol daily, because dogs, like humans, have an endocannabinoid system that sends CBD to cannabinoid receptors to produce regulatory actions that promote maximum wellness. Interestingly, there are cannabinoid receptors in the salivary glands which help regulate the secretion of saliva.
But that’s not all that CBD is used for. We said that drooling may indicate pain in the mouth. Your vet will want to do a dental exam to see if there’s an issue that requires medical attention. However, you can speak to him or her about managing the actual pain using CBD, which has been shown in studies to offer analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
If the drooling issue relates to anxiety or stress, CBD may still come in handy. We know from studies that CBD has a calming effect on mammals thanks to its cortisol-regulating effects.
Giving Your Dog CBD Properly
Now that you know the potential that cannabidiol has for this specific issue, let’s talk about how to give it to your dog properly. We’re going to emphasize again the importance of getting your vet’s approval prior to starting them on a daily routine. Your vet must know their medical history and any medications that they may be presently taking.
It’s also very important that you choose a CBD formula that’s made specifically for pets. These products have milligram strength amounts that are appropriate for specific breeds and ranges of weight. And, they don’t have ingredients that may be safe for humans, but toxic to dogs.
We suggest that you go with an oral product such as a treat or tincture, which allows the CBD to make direct contact with the mouth before dispersing throughout the body. Daily use is ideal, as this best supports the endocannabinoid system for more long-lasting and noticeable effects.
Keep Your Dog’s Drooling in Check with the Help of CBD
While drooling is a normal function of dogs and other mammals, excessive drooling may point to something more severe going on in their body. If you’re concerned that your dog is drooling excessively, we suggest that you bring them to your local vet and discuss possibly giving them cannabidiol as part of their daily regimen.
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