When Saliva Runs Dry: Addressing the Issue of Dog Dry Mouth

We can tell a lot about our dogs by their saliva. Generally, our dogs should produce a normal amount (ptyalism), which occurs when your dog is excited, happy, or about to receive a treat. But sometimes, their saliva production levels can be a cause for concern.

In this guide, AcmeCanine tells you about the causes, symptoms, and remedies for dog dry mouth. Discover how to be great dog owners by keeping your furry friend’s oral health in check and ensuring their overall well-being today.

Dog Dry Mouth: Understanding It

Typically, there is a normal volume of saliva production in our furry friends. If your dog produces substantially either more or less saliva than normal, then this is a cause for medical concern.

But excessive saliva production is a lot easier to identify due to excessive drooling. In the section beneath, we have identified the symptoms of dog dry mouth. Generally, a dehydrated dog will also drool, but the consistency will be thick and ropy.

When it comes to causes, it can range from dehydration to medications ingested to immune system reactions. These, too, are covered below, and it’s worthwhile to be aware of and recognize them to give your dog the treatment when required.

Dog Dry Mouth: Recognizing the Symptoms

• Excessive Thirst and Dehydration: This usually presents itself in the form of a dry nose or mouth. The solution is providing your dog with lots of water and ensuring they have access to it all day.
• Sticky or Tacky Gums: This is another symptom. It requires you to inspect your dog’s gums properly. Other signs to watch for here are dry and cracked tongue and oral mucous membranes and thick and ropy saliva.
• Difficulty Chewing or Swallowing: A dry mouth makes eating and drinking more difficult for your dog, and as a result, they are likely to neglect their food, which compounds the issue. If you notice this, it’s a sign of dry dog mouth, at the least.
• Bad Breath and Oral Discomfort: Bad breath can be a sign of tooth decay, periodontal disease, and dehydration due to a dry mouth.

Dog Dry Mouth: Common Causes

• Medications and Side Effects: If your dog is on medication (antihistamines, for instance), these can cause severe dehydration. If this is the case, discuss how to manage it or rehydrate your pooch with your vet.
• Systemic Diseases and Medical Conditions: It could be a sign that your dog has an underlying condition. In this case, it’s essential to see a vet to identify it.
• Age: As dogs age, they experience health problems, and their mouths can dry as a result. It’s essential to avoid severe hydration, which could lead to the need for emergency care.
• Poor Oral Hygiene Practices: It’s vital that we look after our dog’s oral hygiene. The build-up of plaque and dog tartar and general neglect of your dog’s mouth can lead to dental disease and dry mouth, amongst other symptoms.

Remedies and Treatment for Dog Dry Mouth

Begin at the base front: ensuring your dog has access to drinking water and moisture around the clock. A nutritional diet and even moist food options can prevent such issues, and keep your dog healthy.

On top of this, it’s essential to maintain an oral hygiene regime and, in general, to watch out for your dog. Issues such as dry mouth and pale gums can crop up due to various issues and only worsen with neglect.

Dog’s Oral Health: Preventive Measures

Of course, the best way to avoid all dog health issues, including oral health, skin issues such as skin infections, gastroenteritis, internal bleeding, vomiting, gum disease, and plaque build-up (amongst many other possibles), is to schedule regular checks with professionals. This is even more essential for older dogs as they are at a higher risk of health issues.

Ensure your dog’s drinking water is fresh and has a plentiful supply to its salivary glands. On top of this, provide them with a balanced nutritional diet, including dental-friendly treats. And obviously, ensure your dog is safe from the risk of ingesting harmful substances and chemicals, affecting their health.

Nurture Your Dog’s Oral Health and Overall Well-Being!

As a pet owner, you are responsible for looking after your pooch and ensuring they have the best overall health and well-being possible. This means watching out for symptoms such as these and acting on them when there is a cause for concern.

For more tips on looking after your furry friend and dog health, check out our related posts. The more you learn, the better equipped you will be to be a great dog parent! Good luck, and make sure to treat your pooch!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is dog dry mouth a serious health concern?

This depends on the cause. It could be a sign of dehydration or severe dehydration. Equally, it could be something more serious such as an issue with their immune system, which needs expert care and medication.

Can dry mouth in dogs be reversed?

Absolutely, as long as the cause is identified and the issue addressed.

What can I do to promote saliva production in my dog?

Encourage hydration and moisture, practice good oral hygiene and dental care routines such as daily brushing, adjust their diet, and seek veterinary care and professional guidance when required.

Are there any home remedies for dog dry mouth?

Water and nutrition in cases of dehydration. In more severe cases, your dog must be given the right medication and veterinary care.

When should I seek veterinary care for my dog’s dry mouth?

If there are additional symptoms, such as changes in your dog’s eating habits, or behavioral changes, it’s a good idea to take them to the vet to be safe. Equally, if their dry mouth gets worse, the same applies.