Dog Foaming at the Mouth? Top 6 Causes and Solutions

What Causes Dogs to Foam at the Mouth?

When bubbles or froth made of saliva cover a dog's mouth or nose, you might say they are foaming at the mouth. This condition can occur for several reasons. While some are harmless and temporary, others are highly problematic, requiring immediate medical attention. Let's look at the six most typical causes of dogs foaming at the mouth, plus action steps to take to get your pup the proper care. We'll start with the most life-threatening scenario.

1. Poisoning (Treat as an Emergency)

One of the most serious and potentially fatal causes of foaming at the mouth in canines is poisoning—this can happen when a dog ingests something toxic, such as antifreeze, rat poison, chocolate, xylitol, or human medications. Depending on the poison type and amount, symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, seizures, or collapse may arise.

Here are some steps you can take to handle this emergency:

Call a Pet Poison Helpline or Emergency Clinic

The first thing you should do is call a pet poison helpline or an emergency clinic for advice. They can provide information on how to treat your dog, whether you need to induce vomiting, and what to expect when you arrive at the clinic. They can also tell you if there is an antidote or a specific treatment for the poison.

Some of the pet poison helplines and emergency clinics you can call are:

• Pet Poison Helpline®: 800-213-6680 or 877-416-7319 (for Caribbean or US Virgin Islands)
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: 888-426-4435
• Emergency Vet Clinic of Waterloo Region: 519-650-1617
• VSCNL Emergency Veterinary Hospital: 709-221-7838

Please note that some of these services may charge a consultation fee.

Gather Information and Materials

While you are on the phone with the helpline or clinic, try to gather as much information and materials as possible, such as:

• The name and amount of the substance your dog ingested
• The time and place of exposure
• The weight and breed of your dog
• Any symptoms or changes in behavior
• The container or label of the poison, if available
• A sample of the foam or vomit, if possible

This information and materials can help the veterinarian diagnose and treat your pet more effectively.

Follow the Instructions Carefully

Depending on the situation, the helpline or clinic will give you specific instructions on what to do next. Please follow them carefully and do not offer any home remedies or medications without consulting them first.

Monitor Your Dog's Condition

While you are waiting for or driving to the clinic, keep an eye on your dog's condition and behavior. Look for signs of distress, such as difficulty breathing, weakness, tremors, or loss of consciousness. If their condition worsens, please call the helpline or clinic again for further guidance.

2. Rabies (Unlikely but Deadly)

Foaming at the mouth in dogs is often associated with rabies, a fatal viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals. The virus spreads via the bite of an infected animal, like a skunk, raccoon, fox, or bat, or through contact with the saliva or blood of an infected animal.

Rabies is uncommon in domestic dogs, particularly those vaccinated. However, the disease's severity highlights the value of vaccination.

The disease has various terrible manifestations, such as fever, aggression, confusion, paralysis, and seizures. Hypersalivation, where the dog produces excessive saliva, forming bubbles or foam around its mouth, is one of the later-stage symptoms. The virus affects the salivary glands and swallowing muscles, leading to severe foaming at the mouth.

Unfortunately, this fatal and severe illness has no cure once symptoms appear. It can also threaten humans and other animals that come into contact with an infected dog.

How to Prevent Rabies

• It's a priority to ensure that your pup gets the rabies vaccine as recommended by your veterinarian.
• To keep your dog safe, limit their contact with wild animals or strays.
• If you see any suspicious or aggressive animals, don't hesitate to report them to your local animal control or wildlife authorities.
• Should your pet get bitten or attacked by an animal that might have the disease, clean the wound thoroughly with soap and water and then take them to the vet as soon as possible.
• Should you get bitten or scratched by an animal that might have rabies, seeking medical attention without delay is critical.

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3. Seizures (A Sign of Brain Problems)

Various factors, including epilepsy, brain tumors, infections, toxins, or head injuries, can cause seizures. In some cases, dogs may have an inherited tendency to experience them, while in others, the cause may be unknown.

During an episode, the animal may lose consciousness, convulse, stiffen, drool, bite, or paddle their legs, lasting from a few seconds to several minutes. The foam or froth that appears may be white, yellow, or pink, depending on the amount and color of the saliva, and may also contain traces of blood if the dog injures their mouth or tongue.

Action Steps

• Stay calm, and do not panic.
• Move your dog away from any objects or hazards that could hurt them.
• Please stay clear of your dog's mouth; they may bite you unintentionally.
• Time the seizure and note any details, such as the type, duration, and frequency.
• Afterward, keep your dog warm and comfortable; they may feel disoriented or tired.
• Call your vet and report the episode. They may ask you to bring your dog in for an examination and tests.
• Follow your vet's instructions on how to care for and prevent future spells. They may prescribe anti-seizure medications or other treatments.

4. Dental Problems (A Source of Pain and Infection)

A fairly common cause of dogs foaming at the mouth is dental problems, such as tooth decay, gum disease, or oral injuries. These issues can trigger pain, inflammation, or infection in the mouth, pushing them to produce more saliva than usual. This saliva can form bubbles or froth as your dog licks their lips or chews on their teeth.

Sometimes, frequent drooling and foaming can indicate a problematic dental issue that needs to be treated by a vet. If left unaddressed, such concerns can lead to tooth loss, bone damage, or systemic infections, affecting overall well-being.

Tips to Help Your Dog With Dental Problems

• Regularly check your dog's mouth for any signs of trouble, like bad breath, red or swollen gums, loose or broken teeth, or bleeding.
• You can help support your pet's dental health by brushing their teeth daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and canine toothpaste.
• In addition, providing dental chews, toys, or treats can help keep teeth bright and gums pink and healthy.
• It's best to avoid giving your pup hard or sticky foods that could cause damage or get lodged in their mouth.
• Remember to visit the vet for regular dental check-ups and a professional cleaning to ensure continued oral health.

5. Stress or Excitement (A Normal but Manageable Reaction)

Another reason you might see salivary bubbles around a dog's mouth is stress or excitement; it can happen when they react to something that triggers a strong emotional response, such as a new environment, a loud noise, a stranger, or a different animal.

When your pup is stressed or excited, they may pant heavily to regulate their body temperature and calm themselves down. This panting can cause saliva to accumulate in their mouth and form bubbles or froth as they breathe rapidly.

This type of frothy saliva is usually harmless and temporary and will subside once your dog relaxes and slows their breathing. However, if your pup is constantly anxious or overwhelmed, it can affect their health and well-being in the long term.

Tips to Reduce Stress or Excitement

• The priority is to recognize and avoid anything that might make your dog too excited or stressed out.
• Ensure your dog has a cozy and secure spot to relax and take a break.
• Play calming music to help your dog manage anxiety or over-arousal.
• Keep your pup mentally stimulated with fun yet low-intensity puzzle toys to promote their overall well-being, like a snuffle mat.
• Consider using calming aids such as Adaptil to help them feel comfortable and loved.
• If they display any signs of anxiety or aggression, don't hesitate to consult with a vet or a behaviorist.

6. Nausea or Vomiting (A Common but Temporary Cause)

Dogs sometimes produce white foam, which has a variety of causes and effects. On an empty stomach, they essentially spit out saliva and air bubbles. It can be a minor indigestion or acid reflux symptom. However, in some cases, it may also require quick medical attention. Some examples are:

• consuming spoiled food
• foreign objects or grass
• motion sickness
• infections
• conditions like pancreatitis or kidney disease

If the dog recovers quickly with no other signs of distress, it shouldn't be too much of a concern. However, if the vomiting is frequent, with blood in it, or accompanied by dehydration, pain, or weakness, it's time to call the vet.

Tips to Help Your Dog With Nausea or Vomiting

• You can help keep your pet hydrated by offering them water or ice cubes. However, please don't force them to drink water, as it may cause further vomiting. It's important to let them drink at their own pace.
• It's best to wait at least 12 hours after they have stopped vomiting before you give them any food. Doing this will give the stomach enough time to rest and recover.
• Give them easy-to-digest foods like boiled chicken and rice when you resume feeding them. A bland diet can help soothe their stomach and prevent further episodes of vomiting.
• Be sure to keep a close eye on their behavior and condition. Immediately report any abnormal behavior, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or excessive vomiting, to your vet.
• If there is no improvement within 24 hours or if their symptoms worsen, it's best to seek veterinary attention. Your vet can thoroughly examine and provide appropriate treatment to help your pet recover quickly.

Final Thoughts

A dog foaming at the mouth can be scary for pet owners, and you’re right to be concerned because it can indicate a serious health problem, such as poisoning, rabies, or seizures. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean your pup has a severe health crisis. Sometimes, it can be a harmless and temporary reaction to something that bothers their stomach or excites their nerves.

The key is to observe your dog closely and look for any clues that can help you get your dog get the timely care they need. If you are unsure or concerned about their condition, please call a veterinary professional for immediate guidance.

Sources and Further Reading

• Dog Seizures: What to Do When Your Pup Has One | American Kennel Club
  AKC's Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Jerry Klein discusses dog seizures, including what causes them and what to do if your pup has one.
• Why Do Dogs Foam at the Mouth? | Outward Hound
  Rabies isn’t the only cause of dog foaming. Why do dogs foam at the mouth? Read on to learn more about the common causes and when to worry.
• Dealing with Drooling | VCA Canada Animal Hospitals
  Dogs, like people, produce a thick liquid inside their mouths called saliva. While saliva is normal, excessive production is not.
• Rabies in Dogs: Vaccination, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment | WebMD
  Learn about rabies in dogs, including vaccines, rabies symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.

© 2023 Louise Fiolek