Anyone that owns a beagle knows that they are notorious for drooling, which usually takes place at the slightest whiff (or anticipation) of any yummy treats coming their way. And with that being the case, many owners simply write off excessive slobber as a quirk of the breed.
However, if your beagle is suddenly drooling more than usual, or if they are drooling and showing other specific signs (such as lethargy or trembles), it could be an indication that something is wrong.
Having owned several of these hounds for many years, we’re going to cover the 17 most common (and not so common) reasons why beagles drool, and the additional signs that can tell you whether it may be something a little more serious.
Do Beagles Drool a Lot?
Yes, beagles drool a lot more than other common or popular dog breeds, thanks to their loose lips, low-hanging jowls, and incredible drive to always be on the hunt for food.
Firstly, drooling is a natural way for beagles to cool down. When their body temperature rises, drooling helps to evaporate the saliva and regulate their temperature.
While beagles do generally tend to drool more than other common dog breeds, it is perfectly normal, and is usually nothing to be concerned about. In fact, all dogs produce saliva, and they typically drool when they eat or drink, are excited, or are trying to cool down.
This doesn’t mean that beagles are constantly dripping saliva. The vast majority of drooling occurs when they are anticipating food, and while some beagles may slobber a bit more than others, most do a good job of keeping their drooling under control.
If you’re looking for a dog that won’t leave your clothes covered in slobber, a beagle might not be the best choice. But if you’re willing to put up with a little drooling, these lovable hounds do make the best companions!
Beagle Drooling Category
When it comes to popular dogs that drool, beagles are often near the top of the list, and fall into the heavy drooler category, meaning they can produce a great deal of saliva and tend to drool a lot of the time.
They drool way more than a labrador, but nowhere near as much as a St. Bernard or a Dogue de Bordeaux (extra-heavy droolers).
If you are particularly house-proud or love to wear dark colors, you’ll have to be prepared for slobbery patches over clothing and furnishings around the home, and they especially love to leave drool over the knees of your dinner guests!
However, it’s generally not as bad as a ‘Turner & Hooch’ style headshake where you’ll have saliva dripping from the ceilings and walls!
17 Reasons Why Beagles Drool
While it’s perfectly normal for beagles to generally slobber, there are certain situations where this behavior can be a sign that something is wrong. However, there is a clear winner when it comes to the No.1 reason why beagles drool though!
1. Hunger (It’s a Beagle!)
While there are many reasons why a beagle might drool, the most common is simply that they’re a beagle! They are constantly on the hunt – after all, it’s what they were bred to do.
Coupled with their incredible sense of smell, which can be up to 10,000 times more sensitive than ours – this is what drives their insatiable appetite for food.
They’re scavengers by nature, and will drool at the slightest whiff or sight of any food (edible or not). So, if you see your beagle generally drooling, don’t be alarmed. It’s just their way of saying that they’re ready for their next meal!
What it comes down to, is that they simply produce more saliva than they are capable of keeping in their mouths. So yes, beagles are drooly dogs, and it’s actually one of their most distinguishing features!
2. Chowed Down on Something They Shouldn’t Have
Beagles are typically scavengers, which means they will try to eat anything and everything they can get their paws on, including things that are not fit for consumption – such as eating poop!
When they’ve eaten really bad poop or anything else that is toxic to them (including certain fruit & veg), this can cause gastrointestinal upset, often leading to trembles and excessive drooling until they have thrown up. Their bodies will often produce extra saliva in an attempt to remove the toxin from their body.
If your beagle has eaten something toxic, it is important to seek professional medical help as soon as possible. The sooner the toxin is removed from their system, the better their chances of making a full recovery.
3. Excitement
Excitement is one of the most common triggers for drooling in beagles, causing their heart rate to increase, and the onset of panting. This panting causes them to produce more saliva, which can lead to drool escaping from their loose lips and jowls.
Other excitement-related activities, such as chasing squirrels, or going for a walk, can also trigger drooling.
4. Blockage in Stomach
Beagles are known for being a little mischievous, which is why it’s important to beagle-proof their environment and prevent them from getting themselves into trouble.
However, sometimes, they will eat things that are difficult to foresee.
It’s not extremely uncommon for beagles to ingest household items (such as socks), subsequently causing a blockage in their stomach. Excessive drooling takes place when their body is trying to get rid of the toxic substance. In the case of an extreme blockage, this will be of no help to them.
If you suspect your beagle has a blockage in its stomach, seek emergency medical attention immediately, as surgery may be required to remove the item.
5. Hot Weather
Beagles can drool for a variety of reasons, but one of the most common is when they’re hot. When a dog’s body temperature rises, its blood vessels dilate in an effort to cool down. This increased blood flow causes the salivary glands to produce more saliva, which then leads to drooling.
In addition, when they pant heavily, their mouth becomes dry, leading them to salivate more in order to provide moisture.
So next time you see your beagle drooling on a hot day, don’t be too alarmed – they’re just trying to keep cool!
Just be sure to know what the potential signs of heatstroke are.
6. Heat Stroke
A dog’s normal body temperature is between 101 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit, and they will start to pant and drool when their temperature rises above this. However, if their temperature continues to rise, they may develop heat stroke, which can be a very serious condition.
One of the most common signs of heat stroke in dogs is excessive drooling, as their bodies try to cool themselves down by evaporating the saliva on their tongue.
Other symptoms include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Bright Red, Purple, or Blue Gums
- Lethargy
- Disorientation
- Seizures
- Collapse
If you suspect that your beagle has heat stroke, it is important to take them to a vet immediately, as they will need to be treated with IV fluids and cooled down gradually.
In severe cases, heat stroke can cause organ damage or even death, so it is important to be aware of the signs and take action quickly if you think your beagle may be affected.
7. Nausea or Motion Sickness
When a beagle’s inner ear senses movement, it sends signals to the brain that tell the body to adjust. This process also causes the digestive system to slow down. If a dog is moving faster than the inner ear can keep up with, it can cause drooling, nausea and vomiting.
Excess saliva can also help to neutralize stomach acids, and in some cases, dogs will also vomit when they are motion sick. While this may seem unpleasant, it is actually their way of getting rid of anything in their stomach that might make them feel worse.
They may also have anxiety about riding in the car, which is another cause of drooling in beagles.
8. Anxiety or Fear
It is not too uncommon for beagles to drool when they are fearful or nervous.
Fear and anxiety can trigger the fight-or-flight response, which increases heart rate and blood flow. This, in turn, can cause the salivary glands to produce more saliva than normal.
It can also be a way for them to self-soothe during particularly stressful situations (a visit to the vet, thunderstorms). This drooling may be accompanied by other signs of anxiety, such as panting, pacing, and shaking.
9. Sinus Infection
When your pup has a sinus infection, they may drool more than usual. This is because the infection can cause inflammation and blockages in the nasal passages, making it difficult for them to breathe. The drooling may be accompanied by other symptoms such as sneezing, runny eyes, and a runny nose.
If your dog is drooling excessively for prolonged periods, it is important to have them checked out by a veterinarian to rule out any potential health problems.
10. Injuries to the Mouth
If your beagle has sustained an injury to its mouth, it may start to drool more than usual. This is because the body is trying to protect against the injury by producing more saliva.
Saliva contains enzymes that help to clean the wound and prevent infection. In addition, drooling can help to cool the mouth and reduce inflammation. While it may be messy, increased drooling is often a sign that your dog is on the road to recovery.
Beagles are highly active with their mouths and likely to sustain more injuries than most other breeds due to aggressive chewing.
Learn more about appropriate chews for beagles and what you should look out for.
11. Growths Inside the Mouth
Dogs drool when they have growths in their mouths for a few reasons. These growths can irritate the lining of the mouth, triggering a reflex that causes drooling. As the growths increase in size, they can press on the salivary glands, causing them to secrete more saliva.
If your beagle is drooling excessively and you’ve noticed a growth inside of its mouth, or they are scratching (or pawing) at it constantly, it’s important to have them examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
12. Dental Disease
Drooling is a common symptom of dental disease in beagles. Dental disease is caused by a build-up of plaque and tartar on the teeth, which leads to inflammation and infection. The bacteria that cause dental disease can also cause drooling, as they irritate the gums and release toxins into the bloodstream.
In severe cases, drooling can also be caused by an abscessed tooth or gum cancer. Untreated dental disease can lead to pain, problems eating, and even organ damage – so it’s important to get them checked out by a vet.
13. Foreign Object
Beagles drool when they have a foreign object in their mouth for a few reasons. Drooling allows them to keep their mouths moist which prevents the object from drying out and becoming difficult to remove.
The saliva produced when they drool contains enzymes that can break down the foreign object, making it easier to digest or expel. While beagles may be more prone to drooling, all dogs will drool to some extent when they have something in their mouth that doesn’t belong there.
The extra saliva helps to lubricate the object, making it easier for them to spit it out.
14. Allergic Reaction
Beagles drool when they have an allergic reaction because their bodies produce histamines in response to an allergen. The histamines cause the blood vessels in the dog’s mucous membranes to swell and leak fluids, and lead to the muscles in the dog’s jaw to loosen, which in turn causes drooling.
As a result, dogs with allergies often drool excessively as their bodies attempt to rid themselves of the allergen.
15. Infectious Diseases
Infectious diseases, such as rabies or distemper, can damage the nerves that control saliva production where there is inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. As the disease progresses, it can also cause paralysis of the muscles used for swallowing, leading to excessive drooling.
16. Medical Condition
If your beagle has a medical issue such as kidney failure or liver disease, this may cause excessive drooling, as these conditions can lead to imbalances in the body’s electrolytes (which help to regulate saliva production).
Additionally, the medical condition may cause inflammation of the salivary glands, which can also lead to excessive drooling.
If you notice that your beagle is drooling more than usual, it is important to take them to the vet to rule out any potential medical problems.
17. Medications
Some medications can cause an increase in saliva production. This is because it triggers a reflex in the salivary glands, which signals for them to produce more saliva, which can lead to excessive drooling. In addition, some medications have a bitter taste, which can cause dogs to drool in an effort to get rid of the taste.
Regardless of the reason, drooling is a normal part of taking medication for many dogs. So if your beagle starts drooling after starting a new medication, don’t be alarmed – it’s likely to be their body’s way of adjusting to it.
What if my Beagle is Drooling more than Usual?
If your beagle is drooling more than usual, or if the drool is accompanied by other signs of discomfort, such as pawing at the mouth, trembling, or vomiting, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue or medical emergency.
Whenever you’re concerned about your beagle’s drooling, it’s always best to consult with a veterinarian. They’ll be able to help you determine whether it is normal or not, and they can provide guidance on how to best care for your beagle.
Drooling with Other Signs
Drooling on its own can give very little indication about what may be wrong with your beagle. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to other signs and symptoms that might accompany the drooling, such as:-
- Shaking
- Diarrhea
- Not Eating
- Not pooping
- Lethargic
- Aggression
- Excessive Panting
- Pawing at their mouths or dropping food
- Bleeding from the mouth
- Gagging
- Bad breath
- Sensitive around the mouth
- Coughing
- Seizures
- Vomiting
- Swelling or growth of any kind
Drooling Treatment
In most cases, treatment for drooling involves managing the underlying cause your beagle is experiencing.
For example, if they are drooling due to nausea, your veterinarian may recommend a change in diet or medication to settle their stomach.
Allergies can often be managed with antihistamines or other medications. And if your beagle is drooling due to heat stroke, they will need to be cooled down slowly and given fluids to prevent dehydration. In rare cases, it may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as liver disease or an obstruction in the digestive tract. If your beagle is drooling excessively or you are otherwise concerned about their health, it is always best to consult with your veterinarian right away.
If the cause is behavioral, try settling your beagle down before allowing guests to enter the house, or place them in a quiet area while you entertain visitors. Be ready for drooling when you cook dinner by having a towel handy to mop up the deluge.
Otherwise, if your beagle is a healthy, happy chappie, and you would like some useful tips on reducing general slobber, then you’ll love this post on How to Prevent your Beagle’s Hunger-Related Drooling!
Is Drooling a Sign of Stress?
While it is normal for beagles to drool occasionally, excessive drooling can be a sign that they are feeling overwhelmed or anxious, and it is important to take note of other signs of stress. These can include panting, whining, trembling, or even hiding.
If they are displaying any of these behaviors, it is important to seek professional help. A qualified veterinarian or animal behaviorist can help you identify the source of your beagle’s stress and develop a plan to address it.
Are Older Beagles More Prone to Drooling?
Older beagles are prone to drooling due to the likelihood of them developing more health issues than younger pups.
As beagles age, they are more susceptible to problems like liver disease, neurological conditions, and dental disease, all of which can cause drooling. Additionally, many older beagles are on medication, of which the side effects can be increased salivation.
Why Normal Drooling is a Healthy Sign
Drooling is often considered to be a sign of good health in dogs. While some may slobber more than others, all dogs will drool to some extent.
The saliva produced by drooling helps to:-
- Regulate their body temperature
- Keep the mouth moist
- Pre-digest and break down food
- Prevent the growth of bacteria
- Remove food particles from the teeth and gums
- Reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease
While drooling may not be the most glamorous bodily function, it does serve an important purpose!
General Beagle Drooling is Healthy
Beagles drool for a variety of reasons, but the No.1 reason is most definitely due to their high food drive, coupled with their loose lips and low-hanging jowls.
However, excessive drooling can be a sign of a more serious underlying health condition, so it is always best to consult with your veterinarian if you are concerned.
It’s important to understand that all dogs drool, beagles just tend to be a bit more…expressive about it! Take a look at our list of 15 Beagle Pros and Cons for more insights into life with a beagle.
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