What Should You Do If Your Dog Is Foaming At The Mouth
Like many happy dog owners, you’re used to dealing with a bit of drool — that’s a normal part of being a doggy parent — but foaming at the mouth is a different story. Unexpected foam or froth can be alarming if your dog has never done this before.
Your first thought might go to rabies, but this is very unusual, especially if you keep up with their annual vaccinations. In all likelihood, it’s nothing dangerous. However, there are medical reasons why dogs foam at the mouth. Learning the difference can help Fido get the care he needs.
Why Some Dogs Foam at the Mouth
Has your dog just come inside after doing zoomies in the yard? Has Fido realized it’s time for his annual check-up and is worried about going in the car? Is it especially hot outside, and your dog is panting?
Foaming during these activities may not be a cause for alarm.
Foaming at the mouth can result from high-intensity activity or stress. It happens when your dog is panting, like after too much exercise or worrying about a vet trip. In these situations, foam is just excess saliva that has bubbled with air.
When You Should Call the Vet About Foaming
While some dogs naturally foam more often than others, foaming isn’t always something you should ignore. Sometimes, foaming indicates your dog has gotten into something dangerous, or they are struggling with their health.
Here are some health issues that can cause foaming:
• Toxins and Poisons: Foaming can be the body’s way of flushing toxins out. It can happen if your curious four-legged friend gets into plants, medication, or foods that are poisonous to dogs.
• Physical Objects: Your dog might start to froth to get a foreign object out of their mouth, like a broken stick lodged between its teeth.
• Dental Emergencies: Oral issues such as tooth decay, abscesses, and tumors can cause swelling, as well as excessive foaming.
• Gastrointestinal Issues: Stomach upset can result in foaming — whether it’s caused by eating something bad, an obstruction, or a physical disorder.
• Motion Sickness: Dogs can get motion sickness, just like their owners. Your dog might also foam excessively if they’re dealing with an ear infection.
How to Handle an Unexpected Vet Trip
Any time you see your dog foam at the mouth unexpectedly, call your vet. They can help determine if it’s necessary to bring them in. If it’s after hours, you can call your local pet poison helpline for guidance.
An unexpected trip to your usual vet can be expensive, and an emergency clinic can be even more so. If your savings aren’t enough to cover their urgent care, consider a line of credit for backup. You can even apply for a CC Flow Line of Credit online while waiting in the vet’s office.
If approved, you can use your line of credit to cover your unexpected expense. And once you pay off your line of credit, you can rely on it any time your dog requires urgent care outside their usual check-ups.
Before applying for a line of credit, talk to your vet. You might be able to negotiate a payment plan that allows you to pay off your bill in installments, rather than one lump sum.
Call Your Vet Right Away in an Emergency
While foaming doesn’t always mean your dog is sick or injured, it could be a sign something is wrong. When in doubt, call your vet. This simple phone call can save a life.
