Why Do Dogs Drool in Their Sleep
Why Do Dogs Drool in Their Sleep
Just like humans, dogs can sometimes drool in their sleep—and most of the time, it’s completely normal. Drooling during rest is usually the result of relaxed muscles, deep sleep, or even dreaming. When dogs are fully relaxed, their jaw can slacken slightly, allowing saliva to escape. But while a bit of drool on the bed isn’t always a cause for concern, there are times when it can point to something more serious.
Normal Reasons Dogs Drool While Sleeping
Most of the time, sleep drooling is nothing to worry about. Dogs enter deep, restful stages of sleep where their body is completely relaxed. Just as some dogs twitch or make noises in their dreams, others may dribble a little saliva. If your dog sleeps with their head to the side or on their back, gravity can encourage drool to escape more easily. Some breeds, like Bulldogs, Saint Bernards, and Mastiffs, naturally drool more because of their loose lips and larger jowls—and this can continue when they’re asleep.
When Drooling at Night Could Be a Concern
If your dog suddenly starts drooling in their sleep more than usual, it’s worth paying attention. Excessive or sudden drooling can be a sign of dental issues, mouth injuries, nausea, or even an object stuck in the mouth or throat. Dogs with tooth infections, gum disease, or oral tumours may drool when lying still because saliva builds up more easily when they’re not swallowing regularly. If the drooling is accompanied by bad breath, pawing at the mouth, or trouble eating, it’s time to speak to your vet.
Other Health Conditions That Can Cause Sleep Drooling
Issues beyond the mouth can also lead to nighttime drooling. Nausea—whether from a sensitive stomach, motion sickness, or more serious internal issues—can increase saliva production. Heatstroke, poisoning, or certain neurological problems can also cause abnormal drooling, whether awake or asleep. If your dog seems drowsy, out of sorts, or not themselves, especially alongside drooling, don’t ignore it.
Breeds More Likely to Drool While Sleeping
Some breeds are just built to drool—awake or asleep. Dogs with loose facial skin and deep jowls can’t always keep saliva in, and it often leaks out as they relax. These breeds include:
- Bulldogs
- Boxers
- Saint Bernards
- Newfoundlands
- Bloodhounds
If you own one of these, a little drool on the bed isn’t unusual—it just comes with the territory.
How to Manage Drooling in Sleep
If the drooling is light and not linked to health concerns, managing it can be as simple as keeping your dog’s bedding clean and washing it regularly. Some owners use towel covers or drool pads to protect furniture. Make sure your dog has access to water and isn’t overheating at night. Regular dental check-ups, even for drooly breeds, are also a smart way to catch any problems before they become serious.
What Stage of Sleep Causes Drooling?
Dogs go through various sleep cycles, just like humans. During REM sleep, when they're most deeply asleep (and often dreaming), muscle tone relaxes fully—including the jaw. This slack jaw can let saliva pool and dribble out, especially in dogs that sleep with their mouths slightly open or on their sides.
Could a Dream Trigger Drooling?
Yes. If a dog dreams about eating, chasing, or smelling food, their body might respond physically. Just as their paws twitch or they make quiet noises, their mouth may water—leading to a little drool. It’s a harmless, if slightly messy, side effect of active dreaming.
Does Sleeping Position Matter?
Absolutely. Dogs that sleep flat on their side, with their head tilted downwards or resting on something soft, are more likely to drool. Gravity encourages saliva to leak out of the mouth, especially in breeds with loose lips or prominent jowls. On the flip side, dogs who curl tightly or rest their head upright may drool less.
Can Allergies Cause Night-Time Drooling?
Yes. Allergies—whether to food, pollen, or dust mites—can cause inflammation or irritation in a dog’s throat or sinuses, increasing saliva production. If your dog’s drooling is seasonal or worse in certain environments (like after changing bedding or sleeping in a new place), this could be a trigger.
Could Teething Cause Drooling in Sleep?
If your dog is a puppy, yes. Teething often causes excess drool, and if the pup is asleep and not swallowing as much, it can pool and leak out. It's most common between 3 and 6 months of age and usually improves once their adult teeth are fully in.
Is Night-Time Drooling a Sign of Stress?
Sometimes. Dogs that are anxious or unsettled before bed may drool more, especially if they experience sleep disturbances, nightmares, or digestive discomfort linked to stress. Creating a calm bedtime routine and checking for triggers (like loud noises or separation) can help reduce stress-based drooling.
When Should You Worry About Drooling in Sleep?
If drooling becomes sudden, excessive, or is paired with signs like:
- Bad breath
- Vomiting
- Whining or pawing at the mouth
- Blood or swelling
- Changes in appetite or energy
…it’s time to call the vet. It’s rare, but issues like oral tumours, ulcers, or poisoning can start subtly and show up first during relaxed states like sleep.
Summary
Dogs drool in their sleep for many of the same reasons humans do—relaxation, gravity, and breed quirks. For most, it’s completely normal, especially in dogs with loose jowls or flat faces. But if the drooling seems excessive, starts suddenly, or comes with other symptoms, it could be a sign of dental or digestive problems. Keep an eye on the pattern, and when in doubt, always check with your vet to keep your dog comfortable and healthy.