Help! My Puppy Drools A lot! (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Veterinarian & Animal Behaviorist
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Paola brings hands-on experience across multiple species. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara, she specializes in preventive care, animal welfare, and positive reinforcement training.
The Question
“Our puppy Gillie is drooling a lot. He’s a Labrador retriever and is 5 months old. He seems otherwise fine. When should we worry, and when is it normal?“– Lily
Quick Info about Gillie
Hi Lily,
Mild drooling can be normal for puppies, particularly when they are teething, chewing, or anticipating food. At Gillie’s age, new teeth are still erupting, and this often stimulates extra saliva. Excitement or chewing on toys can also make a young Labrador drool a bit more. Although Labradors are not typically heavy droolers compared with breeds with loose lips, some occasional wetness around the mouth can be expected.
You should be more concerned if the drooling is excessive, continuous, or paired with other changes such as pawing at the mouth, reluctance to eat, difficulty swallowing, bad breath, or visible irritation inside the mouth. These can signal oral discomfort, such as gum injury, a retained tooth, or a foreign object, and less commonly, they may indicate gastrointestinal or neurological disease. If you notice any of these additional signs, a veterinary examination is important to keep Gillie comfortable and safe.
At home, you can safely check his mouth in a calm moment by gently lifting his lips while offering gentle praise. You want to look for anything unusual, such as swelling, redness, or objects stuck between the teeth. It helps to compare one side to the other. If Gillie resists or you cannot get a clear view, it is best to stop and allow your veterinarian to examine him, as forcing the check can cause stress or harm.
Good luck!
– Dr. Paola