Because dogs do not have sweat glands, they frequently pant. However, all dogs do have saliva – and when that saliva gets excessive and begins to drop or fall from their mouths, we call that drooling. While drooling can be a little gross to dog owners, it’s important to keep an eye on it as it can be a sign of problems both big and small.

You may notice your beagle drool in response to a variety of things, some behavioral and some biological. Your beagle may drool for completely innocuous reasons, such as being excited about the prospect of food! However, drooling could also be caused by things such as food poisoning or heat stroke, or even allergic reactions.

Read on for tips on how to evaluate your beagle’s drooling problem and when a visit to the vet might be in order.

Common Reasons That Beagles Drool

While drooling is not in and of itself a problem, it is vital to keep an eye on your beagle to ascertain why he or she is drooling and whether they might need you to get a closer look. Here’s a list of the most common causes of excessive drool and slobbering in beagles:

• Hunger

You may notice your beagle drooling when it’s close to dinner time or when there is yummy food in their line of sight. Dogs can drool in anticipation of food, or even if they are really hungry – whether or not food is present. This happens because hunger stimulates the salivary glands, which produce the saliva which helps humans and dogs alike to break down and digest food. If your beagle is particularly hungry, he may drool excessively in anticipation of eating.

This can happen in particular for some beagles, as the breed is tend to experience more hunger than other breeds. That’s why beagles are also more food-motivated than other dogs.

• Thirst

You may also notice that your beagle drools a lot when it is hot outside or if they are drinking lots of water. Because dogs lack sweat glands, they cool off via panting. Panting cools the air that is coming in through the mouth, while also expelling heat from the body. When dogs are hot and thirsty they’re known to start panting excessively, which means that drool can start to pool up or drip from their mouths. The solution is simple – be sure to keep your dog hydrated!

This is especially important in the hot summer months, so always check on your beagle frequently during this time of year.

• Exercise

For the same reason listed above (thirst), your dog may also drool when they are exercising. When your dog is exerting him or herself, it’s important to take a break if you notice excessive drooling going on. As noted above, keeping your dog hydrated while exercising will also decrease drooling. On particularly hot days, limiting time outside by taking shorter, more frequent walks is a good idea as is finding physical activities and toys that your dog can engage with while indoors.

• Motion Sickness

Another common reason that beagles drool is due to motion sickness or nausea. Many beagles get sick in cars, or on boats. You may notice that your dog is lethargic and seems dizzy or uncomfortable. Motion sickness is not a behavioral problem but a physical one, and you can take steps to lessen your beagle’s sensitivity to motion.

One thing that you can do is to put something in your car or boat to elevate your dog, so that they can see out the window. This helps to match up what the dog is seeing with the motion they are feeling, which can decrease feelings of motion sickness. You may also want to give your dog some kind of dry snack, such as a cracker, before you leave on a car or boat trip. This will help soak up excess stomach acid and decrease feelings of nausea. Your vet may also recommend giving an oral medication – either prescription or over the counter – for more severe cases of motion sickness.

When my beagles are showing signs of heightened nausea, I also turned to pumpkin to help settle their stomachs. You can read my recent article on the benefits of pumpkin for beagles right here.

• In their sleep

Many beagles drool in their sleep. While it may look a little strange, it’s quite common and nothing to worry about as long as no other significant symptoms are present with it. When beagles go to sleep, their jaw muscles relax which causes the jaw to fall open. Depending on what position your beagle is sleeping in, this can leave space for the saliva in their mouth to fall out, causing them to drool.

When Is Drooling Excessive and Dangerous in Beagles?

As discussed above, most drooling is normal and not a cause for concern, particularly if there are no other worrisome symptoms. However, if drooling is excessive, or you see changes in your beagle’s general health or temperament, you should definitely get a veterinary checkup, as excessive droolings can be signs of conditions such as:

• Periodontal disease

Periodontal disease includes a collection of different diseases of the teeth and gums which can arise from tartar buildup and irritation. It is vital to seek immediate treatment for this condition. Not only is it painful and irritating to your dog, it can lead to more serious infections and have a detrimental effect on your dog’s overall health.

You can prevent or manage periodontal problems by practicing good dental hygiene at home, including brushing your beagle’s teeth with a dog toothbrush and providing dental treats and safe things for them to chew on. However, advanced cases of periodontal disease should be assessed by a vet and may warrant additional treatments such as tooth scaling, antibiotics or other treatments.

• Salivary gland infection

The salivary glands produce the liquid that can escape the mouth as drool. When a salivary gland becomes infected, it can cause excessive drooling. Most often, the glands affected are higher in the dog’s face, meaning you may notice other signs of infection such as discharge from the eyes or general face swelling. This type of infection is very uncomfortable for your beagle and will require veterinary care for assessment and treatment.

• Cysts and Tumors

Cysts, which are benign masses of tissue and tumors, which can be benign or malignant (cancerous) can also cause excessive drooling by pressing on the salivary glands or stimulating them to produce more saliva in an attempt to “clean out” the area. If you notice any type of lump or bump in your dog’s face or excessive drooling with no other obvious cause, you should have your bagel evaluated to rule out cysts and tumors.

• Reaction to poisonous foods or plants.

If your beagle ingests a plant or another substance that is potentially poisonous, he or she requires immediate veterinary treatment. Poisoning can be serious or even fatal. Excessive drooling often accompanies episodes of poisoning, along with nausea.

Some common yet dangerous poisonous foods and plants that can affect beagles include:

• • Ivy
  • Foxgloves
  • Hydrangea
  • Bluebells
  • Azalea
  • Lily of the Valley
  • Lupins
  • Morning Glory
  • Nightshade
  • Oleander
  • Rhubarb Leaves
  • Sweet Pea
  • Tulip Bulbs
  • Umbrella Plant
  • Dog’s Mercury
  • Hemlock

Common poisonous foods that can be dangerous to dogs, but not humans also include:

• • Alcoholic beverages
  • Apple Seeds
  • Cherry Pits
  • Apricot Pits
  • Macadamia Nuts
  • Chewing Gum (if it contains xylitol)
  • Grapes
  • Hops
  • Coffee Grounds
  • Raw Pumpkin Seeds
  • Mustard Seeds
  • Onion and Onion Powder
  • Garlic
  • Tomato Leaves and Stems
  • Walnuts
  • Yeast Dough

• Heat Stroke

As discussed above, thirst can cause excessive drooling in dogs. The next – and more serious step up – is heat stroke. This condition can escalate rapidly and can be fatal to beagles if it is left unchecked. When dogs become overheated, they open their mouths to pant more, which can result in excessive drool. In the event of heat stroke, you should get the dog to a cooler, shaded area and provide cool (never ice cold) water and consult a vet.

Other signs and symptoms of heat stroke include:

• • Rapid heart rate
  • Dry nose
  • Vomiting
  • Warm to the touch
  • Quiet or being poorly responsive
  • Showing trouble with mobility
  • Fatigue

• Anxiety

Dogs can exhibit excessive drooling when they are anxious. Beagles as a small breed tend to get anxiety more frequently than other types of dogs. One of the most common forms of anxiety is separation anxiety, in which your dog experiences genuine symptoms of anxiety whenever you leave, or even if they suspect that you are leaving soon.

Managing anxiety in dogs can be difficult, and may require special training and therapy in some cases, but working to provide a safe and happy environment for your dog, and adjusting your behavior to keep them calm is a great start. I also encourage practicing good separation anxiety training methods, like not acting overly excited when you greet them after being away for a long time, and not making a big deal out of leaving for the day. This over time will teach your dog to be more independent.

I found also that getting my beagle a friend – a second beagle – was a massive help for her separation anxiety and anxious behavior in general.

• Epilepsy

If your dog is having seizures with drooling, this can be a sign of epilepsy. With epilepsy, there are different types of seizures which can all look very different from each other. If you notice your dog “spacing out” with drooling, “passing out” or having any type of muscular spasms, it should warrant an immediate visit to your vet.

Beagles are particularly predisposed to epilepsy as a breed, and unfortunately there isn’t a whole lot that you can do to prevent it, as it tends to be a genetic condition. I recommend consulting with a vet for all therapy and treatment options in epilepsy. You can learn more about treating dogs with this condition here.

• Distemper

Distemper is a very serious disease that is related to the measles virus and can cause convulsions and jaw movements with excessive drooling. Distemper can be deadly and is highly contagious, however, it is preventable if you keep up to date with your dog’s vaccinations.

Typically, your puppies’ early rounds of vaccinations will cover distemper, and you should be good to go. Distemper is most commonly contracted when puppies without the vaccine interact with other dogs, or even go where other dogs have been such as parks or public patches of grass. That’s why it’s important to stay up to date on your shots to stay safe.

Generally, treatment requires rounds of antibiotics, so if you suspect that your dog’s drooling could be from distemper, you’ll want to consult with a vet immediately. Other more telling symptoms of distemper include:

• • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Thick yellow discharge from the eyes and nose
  • A chronic, productive cough
  • In severe cases, seizures

How to Deal With Excessive Beagle Drool

While drooling is not dangerous in and of itself it can be irritating to both you and your dog. There are many options to help keep your dog’s skin (and your household!) dry and clean if they are a frequent drooler. Dog bibs and bandannas are one great option, with the added bonus of making your dog extra adorable!

If your dog has issues with muscle function of the mouth or other health issues, your vet can recommend specific treatments or exercises to address these concerns and hopefully decrease drooling.

Additionally, making sure that your dog is adequately fed and hydrated, and is able to regulate their body temperature effectively is the best line of defense you have against the more common causes of excessive drooling.

Final Thoughts

There’s no question that beagles are adorable dogs, but none of us want to deal with dog drool all over ourselves and our home. Luckily, most causes of drooling can be easily identified and dealt with. Keeping your dog healthy, up to date on vaccinations and being careful to keep your dog out of extreme temperatures and fully hydrated will go a long way in keeping that drool in your dog’s mouth where it belongs.