Do Huskies Drool? [Expectations, Potential Causes & Solutions]

A dog that drools excessively can be a bit of a turn-off. It’s one of those habits and behaviors that we would rather not have to consider. But unfortunately, this is not always the case with dogs. But what about huskies? Are they known to drool and what could cause them to do so? Here is what you should know.

So, do huskies drool? Huskies can drool but are not known to drool a lot. However, a husky can begin to drool more than usual due to certain circumstances. These include: being too hot, expecting food, eating, licking, suffering separation anxiety, or an illness like dental/gum disease.

Thankfully, keeping your dog cool, their mouth hygienic and clean, and visiting a vet to examine your dog are practical ways to keep drooling to a minimum.

For the most part, a husky will only drool in response to a certain event or experience. They are not likely to just drool without reason.

Understanding why a husky may drool is an important part of keeping this behavior to a minimum and ensuring that your dog remains as safe and comfortable as possible.

Let us now take a look at the most probable causes of drooling in this breed and then some practical ways to prevent drooling from becoming excessive and getting out of hand!

Why A Husky May Drool

While huskies are not known for their drooling, this does not mean that they are not able, nor that they will not if certain situations do not present themselves.

The following are the most likely reasons and causes, for drooling in this breed.

Heat and Temperature Control

Huskies were bred to be working dogs in extremely cold climates.

As such, they have developed a thick double coat to keep them warm in the most extreme of weather.

As you can imagine, if it is sunny, or if there is an increase in the temperature a husky may attempt to keep cool by drooling.

For a husky, it’s especially difficult to remain cool in warmer climates, especially when we consider that this is not natural to them.

So, when the temperature changes during the spring and summer seasons, or when the environment gets warmer, you should expect to see some drooling from this breed.

You might even notice an increase in panting too!

To support your dog and keep them comfortable during this time, you should ensure they have access to plenty of cold drinking water, areas of shade, and you do not walk them during the heat of the day. You can also look to provide cold baths and even shave their undercoat.

Expectation of Food

Another common reason why a husky may drool is around dinnertime – both for them and equally for you and your family.

If food is expected, a huskies salivary glands are likely to begin working, their mouth-watering, as they anticipate that food is due to be provided.

Dogs, especially huskies, have a keen sense of smell and the preparation of food can pique their interest and hunger levels.

Furthermore, if you as an owner offer regular treats, snacks, or tip bits your dog may come to expect food more often and outside of scheduled meal times.

It’s important to note that this kind of drooling is not uncommon.

Practical ways to prevent drooling over, or in expectation over food, are preventing your dog from seeing you cook/prepare it, keeping them out of the room as you cook, and also by not regularly offering foods to your dog that you may be cooking for your family.

Keep to structured feeding patterns and routines, and your dog will be far less likely to expect being fed (and drooling as a consequence of that).

Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety occurs in dogs that have been left alone too long and too often.

It is more common in social breeds of dogs and those that develop close bonds with their owners.

Huskies are one such breed that suffers from this more than others.

For this reason, drooling may occur as you attempt to leave the house, and also while you are away or outside.

In this way, your dog is anxious without you nearby, or when you are not around to meet their needs and offer your attention.

Additional drooling can occur in such circumstances.

Usually, if a dog is suffering from separation anxiety then it is usually accompanied by other behaviors; like biting, barking, whining, howling, or chewing.

A great approach for preventing separation anxiety and this cause for drooling is to ensure you never leave your dog alone for too long.

If you need to work or be away for an extended period of time (3+ hours), then get a trusted friend, neighbor, or family member to swing by your home.

Get them to let your dog out for the toilet, give them a stroke, feed them and make generally make a fuss of them.

Also, be sure to leave them with plenty of things to do while you are out and away.

This will prevent boredom.

Keeping your dog mentally stimulated with puzzle toys works well here.

Eating Something Irritating or Poisonous

Dogs like to eat and are known for having insatiable appetites. For this reason, they tend to consume foods or items even if they are not the best idea!

For this reason, a husky could begin to drool if they consume or lick something that they are allergic to.

It could be a plant that is poisonous, or they could just be irritated by the texture or something sharp (like a sharp bone that may have cut their mouth).

If drooling occurs, for this reason, it could be a cause for concern and may require a visit to the vet.

Usually foaming around the mouth and or/blood (from a potential cut) are some of the common signs to look out for.

As an owner, you need to be careful about the plants, insects, or other chemicals your dog may come into contact with.

Weedkiller and products like Roundup are ones to be very careful when using on and around your property.

As dogs like to eat grass, you need to ensure they are not ingesting such chemicals as it can be fatal if consumed.

Illness and or Dental/Gum Disease

Another reason why a husky may begin to drool is that they are suffering from an illness or health issue. Certain illnesses, in particular, are known to invoke this response.

Drooling is often accompanied by other symptoms, like diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy or vomiting if an illness is a cause.

In such a situation a visit to the vet should be arranged at the earliest opportunity.

Mouth hygiene is another potential area to consider. Drooling often occurs in dogs that have issues with their gums and teeth.

Whether this is due to something (like food) getting stuck in the teeth, or a general build-up of plaque – it can cause a husky to drool.

As an owner, you should look to regularly inspect your dog’s mouth – looking out for signs of decay, soreness, or bleeding.

If you suspect that your dog is drooling due to dental issues, then again, a visit to the vet is the best place to start.

From there, it’s important that you initiate a regular tooth cleaning regimen – either with a brush designed for dogs or through specific toys or dental sticks designed to clean the mouth.

How To Stop A Husky Drooling Excessively

First and foremost, it’s important to try and identify the cause of drooling. As an owner, you should begin to observe patterns in behavior and also how your dog reacts and responds to certain situations, events, and stimuli.

That being said, if your dog begins to drool or more so than necessary, it is usually because of something that has occurred in the preceding moments up to that point.

So, keep an eye on your dog, monitor their movement patterns and behaviors, and see what they are doing throughout the day.

It may be that they are disappearing somewhere in the backyard, it may be that you have recently changed their food, or have offered a carcass/bones.

It could be that the season has changed and the weather has recently got warmer, or that the temperature has increased in your home.

Consider when drooling occurs and try to work backward from there. Try to see if there are any connections; such as drooling occurring while you are away, or after a period of time outside.

In this way, you can usually identify the cause and then take the necessary steps to prevent drooling going forwards.

With this information in mind, here are some effective ways to prevent a husky from drooling in the first place:

Keep Your Huskies Environment Cool

If you suspect that heat is causing your husky to drool – proactively take measures to ensure that their environment is as cool as could be.

Maybe this is moving their basket away from a large and open window. Perhaps you need to turn the temperature down in your home.

You may need to consider taking your dog for a walk during a cooler period of the day.

Outside of these things be sure to give them plenty of cool drinking water, shade and consider upping the grooming during the warmer months of the year.

Keep Your Husky Occupied

Huskies are sociable dogs that need to spend time with their owners.

Therefore, if you need to spend a lot of time away from your home (for work, travel) and you cannot make suitable arrangements, then this dog breed is likely, not right for you.

That being said, many owners are able to take care of this dog, limit separation anxiety/ drooling, even with regular time away throughout the day.

It does require some planning and consideration. Whether you return home during lunchtime, or if you get a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member to stop by.

Essentially, your dog needs to have contact with people and never go too long a period on its own.

With plenty of socialization, your husky shouldn’t get anxious when you are not able to be around.

You can also look to train and reward your dog for good behavior when they are left alone, you can leave on some appropriate music while out and you can also provide them with some interactive toys to keep them occupied during the day.

Other than this be sure to give them plenty of exercise, access to outdoor space to run and play around, and sufficient space to roam in your home.

Prevent and Limit Access To Harmful Things

Another good preventative measure to reduce drooling and harm to your dog is to be careful of what you give them, and where they can access in and around your home.

Bones can be sharp and can even splinter when your dog chews on them.

You, therefore, need to be careful with the type of bone you offer your dog and other items that can harm your dog’s mouth and result in harm and damage.

Equally, be careful that your dog is not licking or eating anything poisonous.

This could be a plant, or it could be something more subtle like a product you are using on your lawn or another item in your backyard.

You may need to install some fencing or corner off particular areas. Otherwise, you should never leave your dog for too long alone unattended.

Another good approach is to train your dog commands – such as ‘leave it’ and ‘drop’ if they were to get their mouths on something potentially harmful.

Veterinary Examination

If you suspect your husky is unwell or suffering from an illness or injury, you should consider taking them to a vet.

Common symptoms alongside excessive drooling to look out for include: lethargy, aggression, weight loss, bad breath, and bad behavior.

If you suspect or observe any of these symptoms alongside the drooling, take your dog to a vet at the earliest opportunity.

They will be able to conduct a thorough investigation on your dog and ensure they are all okay.

If not, they will be able to recommend or implement a course of treatment that may lead to a reduction in drooling.

Finally

Huskies drool. This is just the way it is. It is one behavior that most dogs share in common.

Thankfully, huskies do not drool excessively or often. In fact, owners often report that their husky has a dry mouth or question if everything is okay due to limited drooling.

There are specific reasons and causes why a husky may begin to drool more than usual. Some of these are normal, others may be cause for concern and further investigation.

Nonetheless, be rest assured that this is not a slobbery dog breed, for the most part.

Related Husky guides you may want to read:

• Do Huskies Like To Cuddle?
• Do Huskies Bark A Lot?
• Why Do Huskies Pant So Much?
• Are Huskies Aggressive?
• What Size Crate For A Husky?
• Best Heavy Duty Dog Crate For Husky