Excessive Canine Drooling

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - All dogs drool at times. For most dogs, it's a natural reaction to the sights and smells of certain foods or simply just from the anticipation of being fed.

There are several larger breeds of dogs that are naturally prone to much more drooling than others, just by the very nature of their breeds, such as the St. Bernard, Boxers, Bulldogs and Mastiffs.

But if it's not inherent to a particular breed, excessive drooling may be an indication that something may be physically wrong. It could mean that a foreign object may be stuck in your dog's mouth, teeth or throat. It can also be a sign of tumors, injuries or infections with the teeth or gums. It can be an indication of pain, liver disease, stomach upset, heatstroke, bloat, poisoning, an allergic reaction to something in the environment or insect sting, etc, or even distemper.

It can also be a symptom of fear and anxiety, especially if paired with behavioral changes such as excessive chewing, cowering or hiding.

Any behavior that exists naturally such as drooling on an occasional basis is natural, but in excess, it bears looking into for the health and well-being of your dog.

Reported By Nan Talleno, KYW Newsradio