Expert: Delores Beck - 11/11/2008

Question
QUESTION: My cocker is just under one year old. About two months ago we started to
notice that he droops excessively. At first I just thought that he was playing in
his water dish but I soon realized the puddles were caused from him drooling.  
My first reaction was to have the vet take a look and after serveral exams
and tests it was determined that he is perfectly healthy. The next step was to
have him neutered as I had thought that that may have been causing this
problem. Well, that did not change anything. For the past month I have been
paying more attention to this. I have concluded that he droops excessively
when left alone. Either outside or in his caged area in the house. The only
time he does not drool is when he is with us. He can't stand to be away from
us. When he is outside he just stands there as drool drips down his face. It is
unpleasant to look at and it does not smell very good.  I have switched food,
increased his exercise and walks and generally just spent more time with
him. We are doing everything possible to make him feel more comfortable but
he just will not get any better. I am not sure what else can be done short of
spending every second of my day with him. Obviously that's not possible so I
welcome any help as he is otherwise a great dog. Thanks in advance and I
hope this can be worked out.

ANSWER: I'm glad you had him checked out by your vet.  And yes, excessive drooling can be anxiety.

I'd like to know just how much he's alone.  You mention his "caged area" and being outside.  How much time does that entail?

And where does he sleep?

If you can give me a general picture of his day, that would help.
Delores

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: First off, thank you for the timely response.

Here is some background. The "caged area" that I mentioned is in reference to a small closed off area that is used instead of a kennel. Itstead of putting him in a kennel, I have used a childs gate to create an area in our home that is roughly 6' x 4'. This is where he sleeps and goes when we are not at home. I have made it as comfortable as possible. The area includes a dog bed, toys, a few bones and water. He never spends more than a few hours at a time in this area except for a night when we are sleeping. He is not a spoiled dog but he does get plenty of walks, lots exercise, attention and love. When I say that he is not spoiled I mean that he does not eat human food, he is not allowed on the couch, peoples laps, beds etc. In regards to the drooling it starts almost immediately when he is left alone. It is rather annoying and starting to take its toll on my family as they are having a difficult time interacting with him as the drool is just too much. I appreciate the help and I look forward to any respone you or others may have.

ANSWER: More questions:)

Does he drool at night when he's confined to his bed?
Why does he have to be confined when you're out?
If he's not confined and you leave, does he drool?

I'd like you to try something.  When he has to go out, go with him and after he does his business, praise-reward and bring him right back in with you.

Unless there's a reason - stop confining him at all for a few days.
Take the gate down and bring his bed into your room (or one of the kid's rooms).  

In other words, remove the stimulation to drool/become anxious.
Sometimes if you "interrupt" a behavior and change the "routine"
the behavior will stop.

What this experiment will do is key in on the precise reasons that are causing this.  I'd like to hear how he does and then I think I'll have more concrete suggestions.

I'd also like to know what you're feeding him and when?  When you leave I'd also suggest that's a good time to feed him.  He's distracted and will associate you leaving with a good thing.

Also..wipe his mouth & chops off with a mixture of 1/2 water & 1/2 plain white vinegar - use a clean cloth..soak & wring out then clean his mouth.

And there's nothing wrong with letting him on furniture or in someone's lap.
Delores

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Delores.

I wrote to you a few weeks ago regarding my Cocker that has an excessive
drooling problem. You had suggested changing his food (which we did) and
allowing him to not be confined when we are away or at night. You had also
recommended making sure I was always with him when he was put outside to
do his business. Along with your suggestions I increased how much time I
spent with him including many walks per day. After a few weeks the problem
has not gone away. He still drools excessively, when he is sleeping when he is
not, when he is with me and when he is not. He is a very happy dog so that is
not an issue. To tell you the truth, it appears that this issue is getting worse. I
am really not sure what to do as he is a great dog except for this one problem
which is very difficult to deal with. Anyways, I thank you for your help and I
look forward to your answer / suggestions.

Answer
Well then it doesn't sound at all like this is anxiety.  So I'd like to know precisely what your vet did?  You mention "exams & tests".
What exactly did the vet do?  And did the vet check his mouth carefully?

I can tell you right now that I'd be getting a 2nd opinion.  This isn't anxiety and it isn't normal.

Have you been cleaning his mouth with the vinegar/water cloth?
Mix 1/2 water and 1/2 plain white vinegar...soak & squeeze cloth then clean his mouth & chops out with it.
Just wrap the cloth around a finger and get in there.
And what are you feeding him now?

I doubt this is a dental problem at his age but I want to know what the vet did and have you phoned and told him this is still happening.
Delores