My senior dog is drooling, not eating. Is it a seizure or illness?

Excessive drooling can be a sign of nausea, eating something toxic or bitter, tooth problem (such as infection), or a salivary duct blockage, among other things. If the excessive drooling continues, Scoopy should be seen by a vet to determine what's causing the drooling. However, if it has already resolved then you can simply monitor Scoopy for any further symptoms.

It sounds like Charlie is nauseous. Feed him a bland diet of boiled white meat chicken (no bones) and white rice in small amounts several times a day for a couple of days. Then slowly add back in his normal diet. If the excessive drooling continues on the bland diet, he refuses to eat the bland diet, he vomits the bland diet, develops diarrhea, stops drinking water, starts vomiting water, or becomes very lethargic, he will need to see a vet right away.

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.

Seizures don't always include convulsions. Charlie should be examined by your veterinarian to diagnose the underlying cause if possible. A consult with a veterinary neurologist may be indicated. In the meantime, begin a log of his events. Note the time of day/night, duration, behavior before/after the event, diet and any other pertinent information. This may aid in the diagnosis.

I’m sorry to hear that Charlie isn’t feeling well! Chronic vomiting is a cause for concern as it may be caused by toxin ingestion, kidney or liver disease, a foreign body, intestinal parasites, and even certain cancers. Charlie’s increased salivation is a very common sign of nausea. I recommend having her seen by a vet as soon as possible to determine what is going on. Your vet may perform some blood work and take x-rays to get an accurate diagnosis. I hope this helps and that all is well with Charlie!

Shepphard could be nauseous or have a dental problem causing the excessive salivation, and eating grass can also indicate nausea. The cloudy eye could be due to cataracts. It's very conquering that he won't eat his food. I'd have him seen by a vet now to get this diagnosed and treated. Best of luck.

Hello, seizures are very scary, & in an elderly dog like Harley, it could mean some serious inflammation in the brain. Since he is so weak, I would really encourage you to take him to an emergency clinic for treatment. He may need some anti-inflammatory medication or anti-nausea medication to help with the drooling. I hope he is feeling better soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.