Can Skin Conditions Cause Excessive Drooling in Dogs? Understanding the Connection

Why is My Dog Drooling So Much? My senior American Bulldog, who is 16 years old, suddenly began drooling heavily, which was unusual for him. Alongside this, he has developed multiple red, open sores on his abdomen and groin area. Despite a recent vet visit, the cause of his drooling and accompanying cough remains undiagnosed. They opted not to prescribe antibiotics. Instead, they focused on his more alarming skin lesions. He is scheduled to see a dermatologist soon. Could there be a link between his excessive drooling and his skin issues?

Common Causes of Excessive Drooling in Dogs:

• Oral Health Issues: Problems like abscessed teeth, oral tumors, or gingivitis can lead to drooling.
• Foreign Objects: Older dogs might get objects like bones stuck in their mouths, causing drool.
• Nausea: Various infections can induce nausea, leading to increased drooling.
• Heatstroke and Poisoning: Both can cause excessive drooling, often accompanied by other symptoms.
• Pain: This is a significant cause of drooling, especially if related to other physical ailments.

Our vet conducted a thorough examination. He ruled out oral health problems, heatstroke, and poisoning. The drooling might be due to the discomfort caused by the ulcers.

Could the Skin Ulcers and Drooling be Related? Yes, they could be! Skin ulcers on a dog’s belly can often result from:

• Allergic Reactions: These include reactions to grass or other contact allergens. This is particularly true if your dog spends time on carpets or upholstered furniture.
• Infections: Bacterial infections can cause open sores (pyoderma), while a fungal infection might look similar to ringworm.

If your dog is scratching more than usual, this might indicate infected scratches or an allergy. Although uncommon in older dogs, allergies can still develop later in life.

Addressing Fungal Infections in Dogs: A significant possibility is a fungal infection like ringworm. This could also explain the coughing if it has spread to the nasal passages or lungs. While typically seen in younger dogs, older dogs with weaker immune systems can also be susceptible. Treatment options include topical antifungals and oral medications, particularly if the infection has become systemic.

As you await the dermatologist’s consultation, it might be wise to inquire if a fungal culture was performed. Additionally, ask if your vet considered pain management.

Home Care Tips: In the absence of immediate veterinary care, consider using a medicated antibacterial shampoo with chlorhexidine for bathing. If symptoms worsen, you might need to start treatment for a fungal infection. Use a medicated shampoo while awaiting further medical advice.

Next Steps: Follow up with your veterinarian for possible systemic treatments if coughing persists. Confirm the diagnosis with a biopsy or swab during your dermatological consultation.