If your dog is drooling excessively, acting strange, and refusing to eat, it can be both alarming and confusing.
These symptoms may seem unrelated at first, but together they often point to an underlying health issue that needs urgent attention.
We outline the common reasons why your dog is drooling, acting strange and not eating, what you can do at home, and when to seek veterinary help.
Dog Drooling, Acting Strange and Not Eating — Why It Happens
When your dog is drooling a lot, behaving oddly, and skipping meals, it’s often a red flag for pain, nausea, poisoning, or neurological issues. Dogs may drool when they feel sick, experience dental pain, or ingest something harmful.
If they also act unusually—like being lethargic, disoriented, or anxious—it could signal something more serious like a toxin exposure, gastrointestinal blockage, or even a neurological disorder.
Dog Drooling, Acting Strange and Not Eating: Common Causes
Toxin Ingestion
Dogs that eat toxic plants, household chemicals, or spoiled food may begin to drool excessively due to nausea or chemical irritation.
They may also act strange—pacing, hiding, trembling—or show signs of disorientation.
Refusing to eat is common with toxin exposure, and some toxins can cause life-threatening reactions within hours.
Related: Dog drooling and not eating (Here’s why)
Dental Disease or Oral Injury
Mouth pain from broken teeth, gum disease, or oral injuries can cause your dog to drool excessively and avoid food.
They may paw at their mouth or shy away when touched. The strange behavior may stem from frustration, pain, or confusion over not being able to eat comfortably.
Nausea or Gastrointestinal Issues
Dogs experiencing nausea often drool as saliva builds up in response to an unsettled stomach.
If your dog is also lethargic, pacing, or lying in strange positions, these can be signs of digestive upset or something more serious like pancreatitis or gastrointestinal obstruction.
Neurological Conditions
Conditions affecting the brain—such as seizures, canine cognitive dysfunction, or vestibular disease—can cause strange behaviors, drooling, and appetite loss.
Dogs may stare into space, circle, appear off-balance, or act confused.
These symptoms should be evaluated urgently.
Heatstroke
Excessive drooling, panting, and strange behavior in hot weather may indicate heatstroke, especially if your dog is also not eating and seems weak or uncoordinated.
This is a life-threatening emergency, particularly in flat-faced breeds or during outdoor activity.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Drooling and Acting Strange and Not Eating
Start by removing your dog from any potential danger, such as chemicals, plants, or heat exposure.
Try to note what your dog may have ingested or been exposed to.
Keep them calm and in a cool, quiet place. Offer fresh water, but don’t force food.
Observe closely for other symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or tremors.
If your dog seems otherwise stable, monitor them for a few hours.
Mild nausea or temporary discomfort might resolve on its own. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, it’s time to call the vet.
Never try to induce vomiting or treat toxin ingestion at home without professional guidance.
When to Call or Visit Your Vet
Seek immediate veterinary care if:
Your dog is drooling uncontrollably, especially if paired with vomiting, shaking, or weakness.
They seem disoriented, have trouble walking, or stare blankly.
You suspect they ingested something toxic (e.g., chocolate, xylitol, medications, cleaning products).
There are signs of heatstroke—red gums, rapid panting, weakness, or collapse.
Drooling continues for more than a few hours with no improvement or is accompanied by other signs of illness.
Related: Dog diarrhea and not eating (Causes and what to do)
Key Takeaway
When your dog is drooling, acting strangely, and not eating, it’s usually not something to ignore.
These signs often point to pain, poisoning, or deeper medical issues. Trust your instincts—if your dog isn’t acting like themselves and skips meals, get in touch with your vet right away. Early action can be the key to a faster, safer recovery.