Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo
  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Why is my dog drooling at the dog park? Is he scared or over-excited?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Maltese | Male | neutered | 1 year and 5 months old | 12 lbs

Why is my dog drooling at the dog park? He loves going there, but last Sat, I found him drooling in the first 15-30 min. I've heard that drooling is the expression of extreme fear (ie, the doggie equivalent of humans peeing in their pants). Last time (2 mo ago), we started in the big doggie side, and he drooled, so we moved to the small dog side (where there were no dogs). But why drool this time? Small dog side only this time.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Jessica Desrosiers

Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on September 10th, 2018

Drooling can be a sign of stress or just hyperexcitement, so it could be that the anticipation of going to the park is getting Bamboo very excited (even if it's good excitement rather than fearful.) Taking some time to maybe go to the park, but not go inside it, and offer treats if Bamboo is sitting calmly may help reduce some of the hyper excitement of going to the park. Changing up your routine of going there may also help decrease the behavior.

If he does seem very stressed out by going to the park or isn't enjoying it, there are plenty of other activities you can do together to get out energy without causing stress. Some dogs are just not very into dog parks, and finding other more enjoyable activities are just as good.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share

Styled arrow button