Have you noticed that your dog is drooling clear slime? Perhaps a lot of it. Well, naturally, you are going to want to find out why and what you should do in response. Is it even something to worry about? That’s what I’m going to be helping you with here today.

So, why is your dog drooling clear slime? Your dog may be drooling clear slime because his mouth simply cannot hold much excess drool. He may be anticipating a treat. Other times, he’s drooling because he’s eaten something he doesn’t like, or that is harmful. Some medical conditions can also cause excessive drooling.

As you can see, there’s no one definitive cause.

It can be one of many.

Even a result of several, such as a lack of ability to hold excess drool, and the expectation of a treat.

So you may be able to work it out, depending on the context, when, how often and how much clear slime there is.

But if you’re still not sure or want to learn more, keep reading.

Besides, we will be getting onto those responses too, so it doe s make sense to stick around!

Why Is My Dog Drooling Clear Slime?

Reasons your dog may be drooling clear slime include his morphology, anticipating a treat, or perhaps he’s just eaten something he doesn’t like the taste of. It’s worth knowing, though, that there are various medical conditions that can cause your dog to be more slobbery than usual.

The Shape of His Mouth and Jaw Can’t Hold Much Saliva

Some breeds are more prone to drooling than others simply because of their morphology.

Some breeds that are known for being heavy droolers are:

Bloodhounds
Mastiffs
Boxers
Saint Bernards

The reason these breeds drool more excessively is because of the extra skin that they have around their muzzle and lips.

Saliva collects in these skin folds and then either drips down from their upper lips (referred to as ‘flews’), or gets flung everywhere when these breeds shake their heads.

Sometimes water can get trapped there, too, after they take a drink.

Your Dog Is Anticipating A Treat

Most dogs will drool when they’re anticipating a tasty treat – much like our mouths fill with saliva when we are about to eat a delicious meal.

Saliva is key to your dog’s digestive system, so even the thought of a juicy steak or a favorite treat can get your dog’s drool going.

Read more: Why Do Dogs Drool When They See Food? [Can You Stop Them?]

Your Dog Has Eaten Something He Doesn’t Like

Sometimes dogs drool if they’ve just eaten something they don’t like the taste of.

Certain medications can cause excessive drooling for this reason.

Your Dog Has Eaten Something Harmful

Dogs can eat all kinds of things that they shouldn’t, and this can cause excessive drooling.

Sometimes it can be something inedible like a sock or a piece of string – many of these items can cause serious harm if not removed quickly.

There are also many inherently toxic substances that can cause drooling and can be dangerous for your dog, such as:

Poisonous garden plants
Antifreeze
Cleaning products
Food that’s fine for us but not for dogs (like chocolate)

If your dog has eaten something poisonous or toxic, in addition to his excessive drooling, you might see:

Vomiting
Shaking
Lethargy

If you see any of the above signs, or even if you only suspect he’s eaten something toxic or poisonous, contact your vet immediately.

Your Dog Has A Medical Condition Or Problem

Some medical conditions can cause dogs to produce excess saliva or to not be able to swallow normal amounts.

When Should I Worry About My Dog Drooling Clear Slime?

You don’t need to worry if your dog is drooling because of his physical makeup, or if he’s eaten something harmless that he doesn’t like. If he drools as a reaction to his medicine, you can check with your vet, but usually, there’s no need to be concerned. However, if your dog is drooling because of a medical condition or problem, you will need to take action.

Dental Problems

Excessive drooling can be a sign of:

A fractured tooth
A tumor in the throat, esophagus, or mouth
Tartar buildup
Irritated gums

The Presence Of A Foreign Body

If your dog has swallowed a foreign body or has got it lodged in his throat, this can lead to drooling as well as serious problems (some of which can be fatal).

Anything that gets caught in your dog’s teeth, stuck in his throat, or blocks other parts of his digestive system can be very dangerous and needs immediate veterinary attention.

Eating Something Toxic or Poisonous

Anytime you suspect your dog has eaten something toxic or poisonous, contact your vet immediately.

Health Problems

If your dog suddenly starts drooling more than usual or you notice any changes, it can be a cause for concern.

Many medical problems – some of them emergencies – can start with excessive drooling.

Stomach Problems

Stomach problems are an example: if your dog has an upset stomach, he may drool more than usual.

Many dogs drool in the car because of nausea caused by motion sickness.

You’ll know if your dog suffers from motion sickness if his drooling subsides once you’re out of the car.

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke can lead to excessive drooling as your dog starts panting to try and cool himself down.

After a Seizure

Dogs may drool after having had a seizure.

An Allergic Reaction

Dogs can drool when experiencing a severe allergic reaction.

If you see any swelling in your dog’s face, lips, or tongue, get your dog to the vet as an emergency.

An Infection

Some infections can cause drooling, especially:

A nose infection
An infected throat
Sinusitis (infected sinuses)

Neuromuscular Conditions

Several neuromuscular conditions can cause drooling, like:

Tetany
Botulism
Palsy

Diseases

Excessive drooling can also be a symptom of:

Liver disease
Kidney disease
Rabies
Certain types of dystemper

Any of the above conditions will most likely show other signs, as well as drooling, but it’s worth being aware of any changes in your dog’s drooling.

Some conditions, like bloat, can be life-threatening.

Additional danger signs to know about include:
Sudden changes in appetite
Behavioral changes (e.g., becoming more aggressive, seeming to be depressed)
Vomiting (even vomiting up saliva)
Retching
Difficulty standing
Seizures

Changes in your dog’s saliva can also be a sign of a problem, such as:

Thicker than usual saliva
Saliva with a strong odor
Traces of blood in the saliva

If you notice any increased or new drooling, speak to your vet.

What To Do About Your Dog Drooling Clear Slime

The steps to take to help your dog and his drooling depend on the reasons for his drooling.

If Your Dog Is A Drooling Breed

If you have a slobbery breed (see list above), you may want to do the following:

Get yourself a drool rag – such as an old, soft cloth – to have on hand (you will probably want several).
Wipe your dog’s muzzle regularly, especially after he’s had some food or a drink.
Try tying a handkerchief around your dog’s neck to act as a bib to catch the drool. You can also get doggy bibs which sit around your dog’s neck but are easy to take off (and you won’t have to worry about him getting caught in it).

If You Suspect Your Dog Has Dental Problems

Check your dog’s gums and teeth regularly.

Look inside your dog’s mouth to be sure there are no yellow or brown deposits of plaque on his teeth. Make sure his gums are pink (rather than red) and are not inflamed.

Brush his teeth every day, and make sure he has his teeth checked during his yearly vet checkups (or twice yearly for senior dogs).

If you suspect there is tartar buildup or any other problem (see above), get your dog to the vet for a checkup.

Dogs will instinctively hide their pain (as in the wild, pain makes animals vulnerable), so you may not know your dog is hurting.

If Your Dog Has A Medical Problem Or Another Condition

Carsickness

If your dog tends to get motion sickness, you can help desensitize him to rides in the car. Your vet can also help with possible nausea treatments.

Here are other steps you can take if your dog gets carsick:

Take control of your dog’s view. He’s less likely to feel nauseous if he doesn’t see the world speeding by, so put him in the middle of the back seat. Use a safety harness or doggie seat belt to keep him safe and in place. You could also try a crate with solid sides to limit his field of vision.
Don’t feed your dog too much before getting in the car. Try fasting him for 12 hours before the trip, but give him plenty of fresh water.
Give your dog something that smells like home for the trip. An old t-shirt, a blanket, or a favorite toy can help him adjust.
Consider getting him a special toy that he only gets in the car. Try to make car trips fun for him where possible.
Make sure the windows are down. Just a few inches of open air will keep the car ventilated and cool, as well as equalize the outside and inside air pressure (which can help reduce nausea).

Intense Emotions

Dogs will react to intense emotions by drooling – not just excitement, but stress or upset.

If you know your dog may be having an emotional reaction while he’s drooling, consider helping him with the cause of the emotion.

For example, if your dog becomes stressed while eating or drinking around other pets at home, consider feeding him separately.

If Your Dog Has Eaten Something Toxic or Poisonous

Call your vet immediately, letting them know what your dog has eaten (if you managed to catch him in the act).

Your dog may have ingested a household item that you didn’t even know was toxic for him.

Don’t try giving your dog a home remedy without speaking with your vet. If your vet’s office is closed, contact the nearest veterinary emergency clinic for help.

You may be directed by your vet to contact Animal Poison Control. Some vets prefer to do this themselves, but it’s good to have these phone numbers handy just in case:

The Pet Poison Helpline is at 800-213-6680.
The ASPCA Poison Control is at 888-426-4435.

What Your Vet May Do

When you bring your dog to the vet for excessive salivation, your vet will most likely do any or all of the following:

Rule out rabies (checking your dog’s vaccination records and other possible symptoms)
Examining his mouth, teeth, and throat (checking for any foreign objects, dental problems, medical problems in this area, etc.)
Checking your dog’s saliva glands to see if they’re swollen

If needed, your vet may run additional tests to see if your dog has an infectious disease or another medical issue.

Finally

How you respond is ultimately dependent on the underlying cause and how often (and potentially how much) clear slime there is.

Perhaps it’s obvious to you, but if you are not sure, or are particularly concerned, then do contact a vet.

They’ll be able to get to the bottom of it.

Other drooling guides you may want to check out:

Jeremy Williams

I am an experienced pet owner with decades of experience owning a number of different pets, from traditional pets like dogs and cats, to the more exotic like reptiles and rodents. I currently own a Cockapoo (pictured) called Bailey. I am also the main writer and chief editor here at Pet Educate; a site dedicated to sharing evidence-based insights and guidance, based on my vast pet ownership knowledge, experience, and extensive research.

Dog Is Drooling Clear Slime [Why & What To Do]