If your dog is drooling excessively and has a runny nose, it’s natural to be concerned.
These symptoms—though sometimes harmless—can also signal underlying health issues that need veterinary attention.
We outline the potential reasons why your dog is drooling and has a runny nose, what these symptoms mean, what might be causing them, and when it’s time to seek professional help.
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Dog Drooling and Runny Nose: What Do They Mean?
When a dog is drooling excessively and has a runny nose at the same time, it often signals an underlying health issue involving the mouth, nose, or respiratory system.
Common causes include upper respiratory infections, dental problems like gum disease or oral injuries, allergies, or foreign objects lodged in the nasal passages or mouth.
These conditions can cause inflammation, discomfort, and increased saliva production, leading to drooling, while nasal irritation or infection results in a runny nose.
In more serious cases, toxins, tumors, or heatstroke might be responsible. Because these symptoms can range from mild to severe, it’s important to monitor your dog closely and seek veterinary care if symptoms persist, worsen, or are accompanied by other signs like lethargy, bad odor, or difficulty breathing.
Dog Drooling and Runny Nose: Common Causes
1. Upper Respiratory Infections
One of the most common causes of a dog drooling and having a runny nose at the same time is an upper respiratory infection.
These infections may be caused by viruses, bacteria, or even fungal agents.
Canine influenza and kennel cough are typical culprits.
Symptoms to watch for include:
Coughing
Sneezing
Nasal discharge (clear or cloudy)
Drooling
Lethargy
Loss of appetite
Excessive drooling may occur because your dog feels nauseated or swallows more due to post-nasal drip.
Mild infections may resolve on their own, but any worsening or persistent symptoms should be examined by a vet. Antibiotics or antiviral medications may be prescribed.
Related: Pitbull shaking and drooling (Explained)
2. Dental Disease or Oral Injury
Dental problems are a very common reason for a dog drooling and having a runny nose.
When a dog suffers from gum disease, tooth decay, or abscesses, it can lead to drooling due to pain, swelling, or difficulty swallowing.
If the infection spreads to the sinuses, it can also cause nasal discharge.
Oral tumors, foreign objects stuck in the mouth, or trauma can also trigger similar symptoms.
Look for these signs:
Foul-smelling breath
Red or swollen gums
Blood-tinged saliva
Pawing at the mouth
Difficulty eating
Dental problems need professional cleaning, possible tooth extraction, or antibiotic therapy.
Untreated dental issues can lead to severe systemic problems.
3. Allergies
Just like humans, dogs can suffer from —to pollen, mold, dust mites, or even certain foods.
Allergies can cause nasal discharge, sneezing, and sometimes drooling due to inflammation and irritation of the mouth or throat.
Additional allergy symptoms:
Itchy skin
Watery eyes
Excessive licking
Ear infections
Your vet may recommend antihistamines or special diets. Identifying and avoiding allergens is crucial.
Related: My dog is drooling and swaying (Here’s why)
4. Foreign Objects in the Nose or Mouth
Dogs love to sniff and chew things, which sometimes leads to foreign objects like grass seeds, twigs, or food particles becoming lodged in the nasal passages or mouth.
This can cause:
Constant sneezing
Unilateral (one-sided) runny nose
Drooling from discomfort
Pawing at the face or snout
If you suspect something is stuck, don’t try to remove it yourself.
A vet visit is essential. Removal under sedation or anesthesia may be required.
5. Nasal Tumors or Polyps
A more serious cause of a dog drooling and runny nose is the presence of nasal tumors or benign polyps.
These are more common in older dogs and may start subtly.
Common symptoms include:
Chronic nasal discharge (often one-sided)
Facial swelling or deformity
Bloody nose
Bad odor
Difficulty breathing
Drooling from oral discomfort or tumor involvement
Early diagnosis via imaging (X-rays or CT scans) and biopsy is crucial.
Treatment may involve surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy, depending on the tumor’s nature.
6. Heatstroke or Overheating
Dogs don’t sweat like humans. Instead, they cool down primarily through panting. When overheated, they may pant excessively, leading to drooling.
The hot environment may also cause mild nasal irritation, resulting in a runny nose.
Signs of heatstroke:
Heavy drooling
Red or pale gums
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Collapse
Move your dog to a cool area, offer water, and wet their paws. Severe cases require emergency care.
7. Toxin or Chemical Exposure
Exposure to toxic substances—such as household cleaners, fertilizers, or even some plants—can irritate the mouth and nasal passages.
This causes excessive drooling and nasal discharge, sometimes accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea.
Suspect poisoning if your dog shows:
Sudden drooling and runny nose
Shaking or seizures
Vomiting
Unresponsiveness
Contact a veterinarian or a pet poison helpline immediately. Speed is critical in treating poisoning.
8. Congenital or Anatomical Issues
Some breeds, especially brachycephalic dogs (like Bulldogs, Pugs, or Shih Tzus), naturally have narrow nasal passages and elongated soft palates.
These features can cause chronic mild drooling and nasal discharge, especially during exercise or hot weather.
While not necessarily pathological, these dogs are more prone to respiratory issues and may require corrective surgery in severe cases.
Dog Drooling and Runny Nose and Sneezing
A dog with drooling, a runny nose, and sneezing may have nasal or upper respiratory irritation, an infection, allergies, or a foreign object in the nasal passage.
Drooling can occur when nasal congestion makes swallowing more difficult or when the dog is nauseated or has irritation in the mouth or throat.
Smoke, dust, sprays, and other airborne irritants can also trigger sneezing and nasal discharge.
An occasional sneeze may be minor, but persistent sneezing, continuous nasal discharge, excessive drooling, or discharge from only one nostril warrants veterinary assessment.
Difficulty breathing, open-mouth breathing, blue or gray gums, severe weakness, or collapse requires urgent veterinary care.
Dog Drooling and Runny Nose at Night
Drooling and a runny nose at night may occur because nasal irritation, respiratory disease, or congestion becomes more noticeable when the dog is resting.
Dry air, dust, smoke, fragrances, or other nighttime environmental irritants can also contribute to nasal irritation and sneezing.
If the symptoms repeatedly occur at night or are becoming more frequent, the dog should be examined to identify the underlying cause.
Heavy or labored breathing, persistent coughing, open-mouth breathing, or abnormal gum color should be treated as an emergency.
Old Dog Drooling and Runny Nose
An old dog with drooling and a runny nose may have a respiratory infection, chronic nasal inflammation, dental disease, a nasal foreign body, or less commonly a nasal growth or fungal disease.
Dental problems can also cause excessive salivation, while chronic nasal disease may produce persistent discharge and sneezing.
Because chronic nasal discharge in an older dog can have several possible causes, persistent or recurrent symptoms deserve veterinary evaluation.
Bloody nasal discharge, discharge from one nostril, facial swelling, difficulty breathing, reduced appetite, marked lethargy, or increasing drooling should receive immediate attention.
What You Should Do If Your Dog Is Drooling and Has a Runny Nose
If you observe your dog is drooling and has a runny nose, here’s what to monitor and when to act:
Monitor at Home If:
Nasal discharge is clear
Drooling is mild and short-lived
Your dog is otherwise acting normal (eating, playing, alert)
In mild cases due to allergies, temporary irritation, or a minor cold, symptoms may resolve in a few days.
Seek Veterinary Help If:
Discharge is yellow, green, or bloody
Drooling is excessive or accompanied by swelling or pain
Your dog is lethargic, coughing, or has a fever
Bad odor is present from mouth or nose
There’s difficulty breathing or swallowing
You suspect ingestion of a toxin or foreign object
Early intervention can prevent complications, especially in cases of infection, poisoning, or tumors.
Dog Drooling and Runny Nose Treatment
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. The veterinarian may recommend supportive care for mild respiratory disease, treatment for an identified infection, removal of a foreign object, dental treatment, or specific therapy for fungal or chronic nasal disease.
Diagnostic testing may include a physical examination, blood tests, imaging, rhinoscopy, or nasal sampling when symptoms persist.
Prevention Tips for Dog Drooling and Runny Nose
Regular Vet Checkups: Routine exams help catch infections, dental disease, or nasal problems early.
Dental Hygiene: Brush your dog’s teeth regularly and use dental chews to prevent mouth-related drooling.
Avoid Toxins: Store household chemicals, medications, and toxic plants safely out of reach.
Balanced Diet: Feed your dog high-quality food to support immune health.
Limit Exposure: During allergy season, wipe your dog down after walks and reduce outdoor time when pollen counts are high.
Stay Cool: Keep your dog well-hydrated and cool in hot weather to prevent overheating.
Key Takeaway
If your dog is drooling and has a runny nose, it may be due to something mild like allergies or something more serious like a respiratory infection, dental disease, or toxin exposure.
These symptoms should not be ignored, especially when they appear suddenly, are persistent, or are accompanied by other signs of illness.
Consult your veterinarian promptly to determine the cause and provide the appropriate treatment.
The sooner you address the issue, the better chance your furry friend has at a full recovery.
With proper care and awareness, you can help ensure that your dog stays happy, healthy, and symptom-free.