What do I do when My dog is Foaming at the mouth?

You are a responsible pet parent; you make sure that your dog's vaccine schedules are met, take all the necessary precautions, and ensure your furry friend lives the most comfortable life. However, one day you notice a strange oozing from your dog's mouth. It is whitish and has a foamy texture. While you may be tempted to reach out to your vet, read on to understand if that step is necessary. 

Foaming of a dog's mouth is generally characterized by excessive drooling, often differentiated from the normally thin and clear drool by its whitish appearance. Most often, dogs will foam when they have engaged in an intensive activity or have been more active than usual. Therefore, you should not worry if the drooling happens after your dog's evening walk or a play day at the park. Some puppies may foam at the mouth when they are teething. Further, a few medications will lead to dogs foaming at the mouth, especially with antibiotics or anti-parasitic tablets. However, if none of these occurrences have happened, there might be a cause for alarm.

 What are other Causes of Foaming at the Mouth?

- Toxin Ingestion 

Sudden foaming may be a result of your dog ingesting something toxic. 

- Rabies

While the occurrence may be low, one of the primary symptoms of Rabies is foaming at the mouth. 

- Ingestion of something bitter 

You may notice Foaming of the Mouth if your dog has eaten something bitter or foul. However, this type of foaming resolves relatively quickly. 

- Gastrointestinal Issues 

Nausea, vomiting, or any upset in your dog's gut may cause increased salivation and foam at the mouth. 

- Heatstroke 

Even in its early stages, one of the most alarming symptoms of a stroke may cause the dog to foam or drool. 

- Oral Issues

A physical object lodged in the dog's mouth, an oral tumor, or an abscess may result in foaming. However, this is often associated with other symptoms, such as bad breath and swelling of the gums. 

What do to do when your Dog is Foaming at the Mouth?

If the foaming is not a result of benign causes, please call your veterinarian immediately. Do not attempt to diagnose Foaming of the Mouth, especially if your dog has not been vaccinated regularly. The veterinarians can perform either physical or internal exams and provide a diagnosis of your dog's symptoms. Treatment may differ depending on the underlying cause of the condition. 

Conclusion 

Your dog may foam at the mouth due to various harmless reasons such as teething, overactivity, or medications. However, if you suspect that your dog may have consumed something poisonous or has a heart condition or Rabies, you should call the veterinarian immediately. 

References: Hillspet, VeterinaryEmergencyGroup

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