When bubbles or froth made of saliva cover a dog foaming at the mouth or nose, it can be alarming for any pet owner. This condition can occur for several reasons. While some are harmless and temporary, others are highly problematic, requiring immediate medical attention. Let’s examine the six most typical causes of a dog foaming at the mouth, plus action steps to get your pup the proper care. We’ll start with the most life-threatening scenario.
1. Poisoning (Treat as an Emergency)
One of the most serious and potentially fatal causes of foaming at the mouth in dogs is poisoning. This can happen when a dog ingests toxic substances, including antifreeze, rat poison, chocolate, xylitol, or human medications. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center reports over 200,000 cases of pet poisoning annually in the United States (1). Depending on the poison type and amount, symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, seizures, or collapse may arise.
Call a Pet Poison Helpline or Emergency Clinic
The first thing you should do is call a pet poison helpline or an emergency clinic for advice. They can provide information on how to treat your dog, whether you need to induce vomiting, and what to expect when you arrive at the clinic. They can also tell you if there is an antidote or specific treatment for the poison.
Contact these pet poison helplines and emergency clinics:
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435 (available 24/7)
- Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 (available 24/7)
Please note that consultation fees may apply.
Gather Information and Materials
While on the phone with the helpline or clinic, gather as much information and materials as possible, such as:
- The name and amount of the substance your dog ingested
- The time and place of exposure
- The weight and breed of your dog
- Any symptoms or changes in behavior
- The container or label of the poison, if available
- A sample of the foam or vomit, if possible
This information helps the veterinarian diagnose and treat your pet more effectively.
Follow Instructions Carefully and Monitor Your Dog’s Condition
Depending on the situation, the helpline or clinic will give you specific instructions on what to do next. Follow them carefully and do not offer any home remedies or medications without consulting them first.
While waiting for or driving to the clinic, monitor your dog’s condition and behavior. Look for signs of distress, such as difficulty breathing, weakness, tremors, or loss of consciousness. If their condition worsens, call the helpline or clinic again for further guidance.
Important: Poisoning is a severe and potentially life-threatening situation that requires immediate attention.
2. Rabies (Unlikely but Deadly)
Dog foaming at the mouth is often associated with rabies, a fatal viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals. The World Health Organization estimates approximately 59,000 people die from rabies annually worldwide, with dog bites accounting for 99% of human rabies cases (2). The virus spreads via the bite of an infected animal. For example, a skunk, raccoon, fox, or bat, or through contact with the saliva or blood of an infected animal.
Rabies is uncommon in domestic dogs, particularly those vaccinated. However, research shows that once clinical symptoms appear, rabies is virtually 100% fatal (3). The disease has various manifestations, including fever, aggression, confusion, paralysis, and seizures. A study of rabid dogs in Haiti found that hypersalivation (excessive drooling leading to foaming) occurred in a significant percentage of confirmed cases and was 31.2 times more likely in rabid dogs compared to non-rabid dogs (4). The virus affects the salivary glands and swallowing muscles, leading to severe foaming at the mouth.
Unfortunately, this fatal illness has no cure once symptoms appear. It can also threaten humans and other animals that come into contact with an infected dog.
How to Prevent Rabies
- Ensure your dog gets the rabies vaccine as recommended by your veterinarian
- Limit your dog’s contact with wild animals or strays
- Report any suspicious or aggressive animals to your local animal control or wildlife authorities
- If your pet gets bitten or attacked by an animal that might have rabies, clean the wound thoroughly with soap and water and take them to the vet immediately
- If you get bitten or scratched by an animal that might have rabies, seek medical attention without delay
3. Seizures (A Sign of Brain Problems)
Seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain and can result from various factors, including epilepsy, brain tumors, infections, toxins, or head injuries (5). According to Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, grand mal seizures (the most severe type) involve widespread abnormal electrical activity in both sides of the brain (6).
During a seizure, the dog may lose consciousness, convulse, stiffen, drool, bite, or paddle their legs. Episodes can last from a few seconds to several minutes. If the dog is foaming at the mouth, the foam or froth that appears may be white, yellow, or pink. This depends on the amount and color of the saliva. It may also contain traces of blood if the dog injures their mouth or tongue. The foaming occurs due to increased saliva production combined with rapid breathing and the inability to swallow during the seizure.
Action Steps
- Stay calm and do not panic
- Move your dog away from any objects or hazards that could hurt them
- Stay clear of your dog’s mouth; they may bite you unintentionally
- Time the seizure and note any details, such as the type, duration, and frequency
- If the seizure lasts more than 3-5 minutes, seek emergency veterinary care immediately—this is called status epilepticus and can be life-threatening (6)
- After the seizure, keep your dog warm and comfortable; they may feel disoriented or tired
- Call your vet and report the episode. They may ask you to bring your dog in for an examination and tests
- Follow your vet’s instructions on how to care for and prevent future seizures. They may prescribe anti-seizure medications or other treatments
4. Dental Problems (A Source of Pain and Infection)
A fairly common cause of dog foaming at the mouth is dental problems, such as tooth decay, gum disease, or oral injuries. These issues can trigger pain, inflammation, or infection in the mouth, causing dogs to produce more saliva than usual. This saliva can form bubbles or froth as your dog licks their lips or chews on their teeth.
Frequent drooling and foaming can indicate a problematic dental issue that needs veterinary treatment. If left unaddressed, such concerns can lead to tooth loss, bone damage, or systemic infections affecting overall well-being.
Tips to Help Your Dog With Dental Problems
- Regularly check your dog’s mouth for any signs of trouble, like bad breath, red or swollen gums, loose or broken teeth, or bleeding
- Brush their teeth daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush and canine toothpaste
- Offer dental chews, toys, or treats to help keep teeth bright and gums healthy
- Avoid giving your dog hard or sticky foods that could cause damage or get lodged in their mouth
- Visit the vet for regular dental check-ups and professional cleaning
5. Stress or Excitement (A Normal but Manageable Reaction)
Another reason you might see salivary bubbles around a dog’s mouth is stress or excitement. This can happen when they react to something that triggers a strong emotional response. For example, a new environment, a loud noise, a stranger, or a different animal.
When your dog is stressed or excited, they may pant heavily to regulate their body temperature and calm themselves down. This panting can cause saliva to accumulate in their mouth and form bubbles or froth as they breathe rapidly.
This type of frothy saliva is usually harmless and temporary and will subside once your dog relaxes and slows their breathing. However, if your dog is constantly anxious or overwhelmed, it can affect their health and well-being in the long term.
Tips to Reduce Stress or Excitement
- Recognize and avoid anything that might make your dog too excited or stressed out
- Ensure your dog has a cozy and secure spot to relax and take a break
- Play calming music to help your dog manage anxiety or over-arousal
- Keep your dog mentally stimulated with fun yet low-intensity puzzle toys
- Consider using calming aids to help them feel comfortable
- If they display any signs of anxiety or aggression, call a vet or behaviorist for guidance
6. Nausea or Vomiting (A Common but Temporary Cause)
Dogs sometimes produce white foam when experiencing nausea or vomiting. On an empty stomach, they essentially spit out saliva and air bubbles. It can be a minor indigestion or acid reflux symptom. However, in some cases, it may require medical attention. Common causes include:
- Consuming spoiled food
- Ingesting foreign objects or grass
- Motion sickness
- Infections
- Conditions like pancreatitis or kidney disease
If the dog recovers quickly with no other signs of distress, it shouldn’t be too much of a concern. However, if the vomiting is frequent, contains blood, or is accompanied by dehydration, pain, or weakness, call the vet.
Tips to Help Your Dog With Nausea or Vomiting
- Keep your pet hydrated by offering water or ice cubes. Please don’t force them to drink water, as it may cause further vomiting
- Wait at least 12 hours after they have stopped vomiting before giving any food, allowing the stomach to rest and recover
- When resuming feeding, give them easy-to-digest foods like boiled chicken and rice
- Monitor their behavior and condition closely. Report any abnormal behavior, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or excessive vomiting, to your vet immediately
- If there is no improvement within 24 hours or if symptoms worsen, seek veterinary attention
When to Seek Emergency Care
Seek immediate veterinary care if your dog experiences:
- Seizures lasting more than 3-5 minutes or multiple seizures within 24 hours
- Suspected poisoning or toxin ingestion
- Behavioral changes, aggression, or paralysis (possible rabies signs)
- Foaming accompanied by difficulty breathing, collapse, or loss of consciousness
- Persistent vomiting or signs of severe distress
A dog foaming at the mouth can signal anything from stress to life-threatening emergencies, so quick assessment and vet guidance is needed.
Final Thoughts
A dog foaming at the mouth can be scary for pet owners, and concern is warranted because it can indicate a serious health problem, such as poisoning, rabies, or seizures. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean your dog has a severe health crisis. Sometimes, it can be a harmless and temporary reaction to something that bothers their stomach or excites their nerves.
The key is to observe your dog closely and look for any clues that can help you get them the timely care they need. If you are unsure or concerned about their condition, call a veterinary professional for immediate guidance.
Sources
- Southeast Veterinary Neurology. What Toxins Can Cause Seizures in Dogs?
- World Health Organization. Rabies
- National Center for Biotechnology Information. Rabies
- Wallace, R.M., et al. (2015). Retrospective Cohort Study to Assess the Risk of Rabies in Biting Dogs, 2013–2015, Republic of Haiti. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 9(11).
- Canidae. Why Is My Pet Foaming at the Mouth?
- Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Managing Seizures
