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My dog is drooling from one side of mouth. Is it a vet emergency?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | spayed | 61 lbs

Dogs temperament is fine but drool dripping from left side of mouth. Does not seem in pain and will let you open and close mouth. Do we need to take her to a 24 hour vet?

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian

Published on January 6th, 2018

Poor Lola. Unless she is foaming at the mouth, there is excessive drool from her mouth, vomiting, refusing to eat, or acting abnormal then I would watch her closely. If the drool is continuing tomorrow or becomes excessive, then I would consider taking her to your emergency vet. Drooling can be a sign of toxin ingestion but they usually are drilling excessively and it isn’t just from one side of the mouth. She could be drooling due to nausea, a tooth problem, oral ulcers, tumors in the mouth and much more. Your vet will be able to help determine the cause if she continues. I hope this helps.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Sarah Derksen, DVM
Veterinarian
Hi. Drooling can occur from nausea, oral infections, GI diseases, and dental problems. She may have an oral issue and some can be painful. I would recommend getting her in tonight or first thing tomorrow for the Gosport aspect. Good luck.
0Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on December 13th, 2018
Drooling can be a sign of nausea, occasionally pain, or an oral lesion or tooth problem. Sometimes ingestion of something that has a bad taste or something caustic can also cause drooling. I would recommend having your vet perform a complete oral exam if the drooling continues.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on November 14th, 2016
Excessive drooling in dogs can be due to nausea, bloat, dental problems, poisonous plants, or heat stroke. Whether this is bad or not depends on the presence of other signs, such as vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, excessive panting, or behavior out of the ordinary. If Bugsy is simply excessively drooling, he could be feeling nauseous or may have a dental problem, but if there are other symptoms, then it is likely something more serious. If there are any of the symptoms I mentioned above or his behavior is different from the normal, I would take him into a vet now. If he's just drooling, I would monitor him. Should the drooling continue for hours or additional symptoms develop, I would take him into the vet.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Juliana, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 11th, 2017
Excessive salivation can mostly commonly be due to nausea or can occur immediately after eating something caustic like certain plant material that is very irritating to the mouth. It can also be caused by tooth pain or if they have chewed something that is stuck in the throat/tonsil (this is often accompanied by excessive swallowing or hacking). I'm not sure how long he has not been drinking but it is likely secondary to whatever is causing the drooling. I would check his mouth for an obvious tooth issue or foreign material. If the drooling is continuing i would have him evaluated by a veterinarian. They can do a complete oral exam and also palpate his abdomen to sort out what is causing the salivation. They can do tests to figure out if there is more serious underlying cause (e.g. Pancreatitis causing nausea) and can prescribe medication accordingly. I really hope glen is feeling better soon.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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