Dog Foaming At The Mouth & Shaking: (Important Advice)

In the world of pet parenting, seeing your dog foaming at the mouth and shaking can be a scary sight.

If this happens to your furry friend, you may feel anxious or confused, wondering what’s causing it and how you can help.

This article aims to alleviate some of that worry by providing you with useful, easy-to-understand information on this matter.

What Is Foaming

Dog foaming is when your dog’s mouth produces a large amount of saliva that forms bubbles around its mouth or drips off its jowls. This frothy, bubbly substance can be clear or slightly white, and it often forms when dogs are panting heavily. However, excessive foaming might be a cause for concern.

Foaming vs Drooling

Although both involve saliva, foaming and drooling are different. And there’s an important distinction to be made.

➡️ Foaming

Foaming is marked by a frothy saliva around the mouth, often when the dog is panting or excited. It’s typically a short-lived event, subsiding once the triggering situation passes.

➡️ Drooling

On the other hand, drooling involves a continuous flow of saliva, sometimes caused by mouth diseases, toxins, or neurological issues. A dog that’s drooling excessively may have saliva hanging from the mouth, creating a wet mess around.

Emergency Vs Non-Emergency

The situation can be better understood when we categorize the symptoms into two scenarios.

You’ll immediately want to know if what you’re dealing with is either an emergency, or non emergency. And as you can imagine, this will change what you should do next.

➡️ Emergency

These situations often require immediate veterinary attention:

• The dog is disoriented, unresponsive, or seems unusually agitated.
• There’s persistent foaming even after the possible stress-inducing situation has passed.
• The foaming is coupled with vomiting or diarrhea.
• Your pet displays unusual behavior such as difficulty walking, seizures, or loss of consciousness.
• The shaking and foaming persist for more than a few minutes.

➡️ Non-Emergency

In these cases, monitoring your dog might be sufficient, although a vet check-up would be advisable if symptoms persist:

• Your dog has just finished an intensive play session or exercise, and the foaming subsides shortly after the dog rests.
• The foaming appears during a temporary stressful situation like a thunderstorm or fireworks, and it stops when the event ends.
• The shaking seems related to feeling cold, which gets resolved once the dog is warmed up.

Determining whether your dog’s foaming and shaking are an emergency situation can be challenging. However, if you notice these signs accompanied by other distress signals, it’s often an emergency and seeking professional help is imperative.

Foam Types & Colors

Dog foaming can present itself in various ways. It helps to know these as it can give you an idea into the cause of the foaming, and whether or not it indicates a more pressing issue.

• Clear, frothy foam is typically harmless and often results from panting, stress, or excitement.
• Yellowish or greenish foam can indicate gastrointestinal issues.
• Thick, white foam is commonly seen in dogs with rabies, although it’s less likely in vaccinated pets.

Foam Color & Texture	What It Means
Clear, frothy	Typically harmless, often from panting, stress, or excitement
Yellowish or greenish	Can indicate gastrointestinal issues
Thick, white	Commonly seen in dogs with rabies, but less likely in vaccinated pets

Why Is My Dog Shaking & Foaming At The Mouth

Let’s run through each of the reasons below in detail. But first, I’ll quickly summarize the issues into those that are considered an emergency, and those that are not.

➡️ Emergency

• Serious Medical Conditions
• Seizures
• Exposure to Toxins
• Allergic reactions: Seek immediate veterinary attention if you suspect your dog is having an allergic reaction, particularly if the symptoms are severe or the dog has difficulty breathing.

➡️ Non-Emergency

• Anxiety or Fear
• Nausea
• Eating Something Foul
• Overexertion
• Dental Issues: These are usually non-emergency, but it’s important to address dental issues promptly to prevent worsening of the condition.

Remember, these categorizations are guidelines. While I try to provide helpful information, owners must always use common sense. If you have a gut feeling the situations is bad, waste no more time in getting your dog to the vet!

Serious Medical Conditions

Certain serious medical conditions, such as distemper, rabies, or parvovirus, can cause both shaking and foaming at the mouth. These are serious illnesses that affect a dog’s nervous system, leading to a range of symptoms including, but not limited to, shaking and foaming at the mouth. These situations are considered emergencies and require immediate veterinary attention.

Seizures

In more severe cases, shaking and foaming at the mouth can be signs of neurological issues like seizures. A dog experiencing a seizure may lose control over their body, leading to shaking or convulsions. This can also trigger excessive salivation, which may result in foaming at the mouth.

Exposure to Toxins

If a dog has ingested something toxic, it can lead to gastrointestinal distress, often causing foaming at the mouth. The dog might also start shaking or trembling due to the general discomfort or distress caused by the toxin. Common toxins include certain human foods, plants, chemicals, or certain medications not intended for dogs.

Allergies

An allergic reaction can cause a dog to shake and foam at the mouth. Allergies in dogs can occur from various triggers like certain foods, chemicals, or insect bites, causing symptoms like itching, swelling, and sometimes, shaking and foaming.

Anxiety or Fear

Just like humans, dogs can experience anxiety or fear, leading to physical responses such as shaking or shivering. If the fear or anxiety is intense, it might also cause them to foam at the mouth. This could happen during a thunderstorm, fireworks, a visit to the vet, or any situation that your dog finds stressful.

Nausea

If your dog is feeling nauseous, they might start foaming at the mouth. This is a result of increased salivation, a common reaction when a dog is about to vomit. The nauseous feeling could also cause shaking or trembling, particularly if the dog is feeling unwell.

Eating Something Foul

Dogs are known for their curiosity, which can sometimes lead them to eat foul-smelling or spoiled substances. This can cause an increase in saliva production, resulting in foaming. The unpleasant taste or resulting stomach upset might also lead to shaking.

Overexertion

Dogs who have been exercising heavily or playing vigorously can start to foam at the mouth due to heavy panting and increased saliva production. They might also tremble or shake from the physical exertion or if they’re overly excited.

Dental Issues

Dogs with dental issues such as gingivitis, tooth decay, or oral injuries might start foaming at the mouth, and the pain or discomfort can cause shaking. Regular dental check-ups are essential to prevent such issues.

What Should I Do Right Now Before Seeking Vet Help

If you notice your dog shaking and foaming, follow these steps:

• First, remain calm. Your pet can sense your emotions, and staying calm can help prevent further stress.
• Ensure your dog’s safety. If your pet is convulsing, remove any objects that could cause harm.
• Take a video of the incident. This can help your vet understand what’s happening.
• Note any possible triggers, like recently ingested food or exposure to a new environment.

Opt to get your dog to the vets as soon as possible if you consider the situation to be an emergency. You can also call your vet first to get immediate advice over the phone.

When To Go To The Vets

If your dog’s symptoms are recurring or accompanied by other signs of distress (such as lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, or difficulty walking), it’s time to visit the vet immediately.

Also, if the shaking and foaming persist for more than a few minutes, seek professional help right away.

What Will They Do & How Much Might It Cost

Vets will typically conduct a full physical examination and may recommend blood tests, x-rays, or ultrasounds to identify the cause.

The cost varies widely based on your location, the severity of the condition, and the necessary tests or treatments.

It could range from $50 to $300 for a consultation, while tests and treatments could cost hundreds more. This would likely be covered by insurance, but you would need to check beforehand.

FAQ

• What does foaming at the mouth indicate? Foaming at the mouth in dogs can be due to excitement, stress, nausea, toxins, or various medical conditions.
• Is foaming at the mouth a sign of rabies in dogs? While foaming can be a sign of rabies, it’s rare in vaccinated dogs. It could also indicate other conditions. If you’re unsure, consult a vet.
• Why is my dog shaking and foaming at the mouth? Shaking and foaming at the mouth can be due to anxiety, exposure to toxins, nausea, seizures, or certain medical conditions.
• Should I take my dog to the vet if it’s foaming at the mouth? If the foaming is accompanied by other signs of distress or persist for more than a few minutes, it’s best to take your dog to the vet.

Last Thoughts

In conclusion, while dog foaming and shaking can be a sign of several health problems, it’s essential not to panic.

Stay calm, observe your dog’s behavior, and seek professional help when needed. Remember, a good pet parent is an informed one.

Knowing the potential causes, what to do, and when to seek help can make a world of difference for your dog’s health and happiness.