Dog Swallowing A Lot: Causes, Symptoms, and What to Do

If you notice that your dog is constantly swallowing a lot of things and acting like he has something stuck in his throat. In addition to the repeated swallowing, he may also have drool leaking out of his mouth. In this article, we'll look at the potential causes of this behavior in dogs and the recommended steps to take.

Symptoms of a Dog Swallowing a Lot

In addition to swallowing, dogs normally exhibit the following symptoms:

• Frequent Gulping
• Vomiting
• Lack of Appetite
• Pawing at the Mouth
• Coughing
• Drooling
• Licking

Why Is My Dog Swallowing a Lot?

1. Foreign Object Ingestion (Irritants)

Dogs have a penchant for chewing on objects they find intriguing. Unfortunately, this can lead to the accidental ingestion of foreign items such as toys, socks, bones, or even small household items. These objects can cause blockages or irritations in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to increased swallowing.

Common Irritants That Cause Excess Saliva and Swallowing in Dogs

Dogs can experience increased salivation and swallowing due to various irritants. The most effective and quickest solution is to promptly identify possible irritants that cause dogs to swallow a lot. Now let’s explore some of the typical culprits that might trigger this reaction:

1. Electrical Cords: Chewing on electrical cords can cause tissue damage in a dog’s mouth, leading to irritation and excessive salivation.

2. Hot Substances: Lapping up something overly hot, such as fresh coffee with sugar or cream, can upset the tissues in their mouth, resulting in more saliva and swallowing.

3. Spicy Foods: Even sneaking a spicy pepper from your kitchen or garden can irritate a dog's mouth and lead to the same symptoms.

4. Toxic Plants: Certain mildly toxic plants, when nibbled on, can disrupt a dog's oral tissues, causing them to drool and swallow more frequently.

These irritants can affect your furry friend's health, so it's crucial to keep potential hazards out of reach. Always monitor what your dog has access to and act quickly if you notice these symptoms persist.

Blockage in Dogs' Esophagus:

Esophageal blockages in dogs can pose serious health risks and should be treated as medical emergencies. Excessive drooling, repeated swallowing and even choking can occur if a dog tries to swallow something that becomes lodged in the esophagus. Here are the signs to watch for, along with steps you can take:

Indications of a Blockage

1. Excessive Drooling: If your dog is drooling more than usual, it could be a sign of discomfort.
2. Frequent Gagging or Coughing: Watch for any repetitive attempts to gag or cough without bringing anything up.
3. Difficulty Swallowing: Notice if your dog struggles to swallow, showing signs of distress or gulping frequently.

Steps to Check for a Blockage

• Inspect Your Dog's Mouth: If it's safe, gently open your dog's mouth wide. Look for any visible foreign objects that might be causing an obstruction.

• Feel the Neck Area: Carefully palpate the outside of your dog’s neck. While some blockages may not be easily felt, this can sometimes help identify a lodged object. But please be careful of your actions to avoid any advanced discomfort..

When to Seek Veterinary Help

If you suspect a blockage and cannot remove it, or if your dog displays severe symptoms, an immediate visit to the veterinarian is essential. Professional assessment and intervention are often necessary to safely resolve the issue.

Related: Can Pica in Dogs Be Cured

2. Dental Problems

Dental issues like gum disease, tooth decay, or mouth ulcers can cause discomfort, leading to increased salivation and swallowing. As dental disease progresses, owners may notice excessive licking and swallowing, a foul odor coming from their dog’s mouth, significant accumulations of tartar, red inflamed gums, and food and hair wrapped around infected teeth.
Be sure to monitor their dental health. Brush their teeth and provide dental-specific rawhides or other chews that can gnaw on to help support their oral health.

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3. Nausea and Gastrointestinal Upset

Nausea and Gastrointestinal Upset: Dogs may swallow excessively in an attempt to alleviate feelings of nausea or discomfort caused by an upset stomach. Nausea causes hypersalivation, which may provoke dogs to droll, lick their lips, or eat grass.

If your dog is doing more swallowing than licking, esophagitis may prove to be the culprit. ‌Symptoms may include not only excessive swallowing but also crying out when swallowing food or difficulty swallowing. Other esophagitis indicators include poor appetite, weight loss, increased mouth secretions or salivation, and neck pain. Gastrointestinal issues like gastritis, colitis, or gastroenteritis can trigger this response.

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4. Ingestion of Toxins

If a dog ingests something toxic or a foreign object, it can irritate the mouth or throat, leading to increased swallowing. In some cases, this can be a medical emergency and requires immediate veterinary attention.

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5. Anxiety and Stress

Dogs can display stress and anxiety through repetitive behaviors, and swallowing excessively might be one such manifestation. Changes in the environment, routine, or the presence of new people or animals can contribute to their unease.

6. Heatstroke

Dogs regulate their body temperature through panting, but if they are exposed to excessive heat and become overheated, they may swallow excessively as a response.

What to Do If Your Dog is Swallowing a Lot?

If you notice that your dog is swallowing a lot, it's essential to take the following steps to determine the cause and ensure your dog's well-being:

For Nausea or Gastrointestinal Issues: Pay close attention to your dog's behavior and any other accompanying symptoms. Note if there are any signs of distress, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or changes in appetite or drinking habits. Observing these details will be helpful information for your veterinarian.

For Dental Issues: Inspect your dog's mouth for any signs of injury, foreign objects, or dental problems. Be cautious when examining, as a painful area may lead to defensive behavior.

Remove Potential Toxins or Hazards: If you suspect your dog ingested something toxic or harmful, try to identify and remove the source. Examples include chemicals, poisonous plants, or small objects that could be swallowed.

Monitor Food and Water Intake: Ensure your dog has access to fresh water and observe if they are eating normally. Changes in eating or drinking habits can provide valuable information to your vet.

Avoid Force-Feeding: If your dog is experiencing nausea or gastrointestinal issues, avoid force-feeding them. Let them rest and monitor their condition.

For Stress: If stress or anxiety is a possible factor, create a calm and soothing environment for your dog.

For Heatstroke: If excessive swallowing is related to heatstroke or exhaustion, limit physical activity and provide a cool, comfortable environment.

Conclusion

A dog swallowing a lot can indicate various underlying health concerns, from minor irritations to more severe conditions. As a responsible pet owner, it is crucial to observe your dog's behavior closely and seek veterinary attention if the behavior persists or is accompanied by other worrisome symptoms. Early detection and proper treatment can help ensure your dog's well-being and prevent any potential complications. Remember, your veterinarian is your best resource for addressing your dog's health concerns and providing the appropriate care they need.