Why is my dog's jaw drooping on one side and drooling excessively?

This sounds like a serious problem, especially given the chronicity. A neurologic problem with the nerves to the face or a neuromuscular problem (facial muscles) may be options. Unfortunately there are many things that could be causing these symptoms. A good place to start is baseline bloodwork to check organ function along with a full neurologic exam by a vet. If your family vet is stumped then referral to a veterinary specialist (internist or neurologist) is indicated. More testing is needed in a case like this in order to know what is the best treatment. Your family vet should be able to provide referral or you can search for a specialist online. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Poor pup! I'm sorry to hear that she's having this problem. There are a number of different things that could cause problems with closing the mouth and excessive drooling like this, so it's hard to say what might be wrong without being able to examine her. Some common possibilities would include an injury to the mouth or jaw, a tumor or infection in the mouth, or a neurologic problem such as a stroke. I would recommend taking your dog to the vet for an exam today, if possible, since some of these problems can be quite serious. Your vet can do a complete neurologic exam and may also sedate her so that a thorough oral exam can be performed as well. Once a diagnosis is made, he/she can talk to you about what treatment will be needed.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! After being able to see the pictures, the possibilities that I mentioned before are all still true. Also, I would be concerned that it could be something called a sialocele which is essentially an accumulation of salivary fluid. Also, it could be an enlarged lymph node secondary to an infectious condition or even cancer. The recommended test remains the same. It is a fine needle aspirate to be submitted to a reference laboratory for cytologic analysis. This can help clarify all the things that I have discussed. Good luck!

Poor Thor! I am concerned that he could have a problem with the nerve that innervates his tongue or he could have something like masticatory myositis which affects the muscles of the jaw. Usually with masticatory myositis, the dog will be painful when the mouth is fully opened. If the antibiotics and steroids do not help than consider taking him to a veterinary neurologist or internal medicine specialists for a work up and treatment. If he is not able to drink than your vet can give him subcutaneous fluids to help keep him hydrated.Hope he feels better soon!

Too much drool, or hypersalivation, can be a sign of illness. Here are some causes: Heat stroke and heat exhaustion, nausea and anxiety can cause episodes of drooling. Mouth disease and tooth decay: Tarter buildup can rub against the inside of your dog’s lip, causing drool. To check, pull his lip back toward his ear. Do his teeth look like concrete? Are they brown? Are his gums red, swollen, or bleeding? If so, try a professional cleaning and then daily brushing. Your vet can check for gingivitis, mouth ulcers, and tumors as well. Organ disease: Liver and kidney diseases, for example, can cause drooling. As they age, dogs are more likely to get sick. Vets suggest annual checkups to diagnose and treat diseases early. Poisonous plants: Common plants like tulips, azaleas, and chrysanthemums can not only make your dog drool, but also make him sick. Keep your dog from eating them. For a list of poisonous plants, consult the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Stomachaches: Dogs don’t tend to think before eating. Vets report pulling some strange items from their stomachs, from tennis balls to socket wrenches. This can cause nausea, discomfort and pain. Keep dangerous items away from him. Upper respiratory infections: Drooling can signal an infection of the nose, throat, or sinuses. Dogs that live in homes or shelters with other pets have a higher risk. Stress is also a factor. Only your vet can properly treat an infection. But you can take steps to protect your dog: Keep him indoors, away from other pets, and wash your hands between handling different animals. You’re the best judge of your dog’s behavior. If he’s acting strange for more than a day, he seems stressed, or he is not eating and playing as usual, it’s wise to see a vet.

Although the area in your picture does look red and potentially inflamed I don't think it looks infected. It would be best for your vet to make that call in person - I'd recommend making an appointment to have them examine the area in person and until then you should prevent Rocco from licking the area. I doubt the drooling is related. Drooling can be related to a tooth problem (possibly something you can't see), nausea, pain or ingesting something that tastes bad. If the drooling continues you should bring this up to your vet as well.

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.