If your horse is drooling a lot, it means something is making too much spit (saliva). Saliva helps horses chew and swallow food. Normally, you won’t notice much drool. But when your horse starts dripping or foaming, it’s time to look closer. Horse excessive drooling causes can range from simple issues to serious health problems.
Deciphering Normal Saliva Production
Horses make saliva all the time. Chewing grass or hay makes the spit glands work hard. This spit keeps the mouth wet. It also helps the food slide down the throat easily. Usually, this spit goes into the stomach without anyone noticing.
When a horse drools a lot, it means the mouth is making too much spit. Or, it means the horse cannot swallow the normal amount. This extra spit drips out. This is often called equine slobbering.
Spotting the Signs of Drooling
You might see different signs if your horse has a drooling problem:
- Wetness around the mouth or chin.
- Long strings of saliva hanging from the lips.
- A wet patch on the chest or neck after drinking or eating.
- Foam forming around the mouth, especially after work. This relates to causes of horse foaming at the mouth.
- Refusing to eat or dropping food while chewing.
Simple Reasons for Horse Drooling
Sometimes, the reason for drooling is easy to fix. These are less worrying issues.
Bit Discomfort or Fit
The bit goes into the horse’s mouth. If the bit hurts, the horse will make extra spit.
- Wrong Size: A bit too wide or too narrow rubs the mouth.
- Wrong Type: Some bits are harsh or don’t fit the horse’s mouth shape.
- Improper Adjustment: A bit that sits too high or too low causes pain.
If the drooling starts when you ride, check the bit first. A horse that shows horse sore mouth symptoms often drools heavily.
Recent Dental Work
After the dentist files the horse’s teeth (floating), the mouth might be a little sore. The horse might drool more for a day or two. This usually stops on its own.
Temporary Excitement or Nerves
Some horses drool when they are nervous or very excited. This is often seen before a show or when they are waiting for a treat. It is usually brief.
Water Intake
If a horse drinks a lot of water very fast, some may spill out. This looks like drooling but isn’t a real problem.
Dental Issues Causing Drooling
Dental health is a huge factor in horse drooling after eating or during work. Poor teeth mean the horse cannot chew food well. This causes drooling.
Sharp Points and Hooks
Teeth grow constantly. They can develop sharp points, often on the outer edges of the upper teeth or inner edges of the lower teeth. These points cut the cheeks and tongue.
- The horse chews less to avoid pain.
- More saliva is made because chewing is hard.
- Food mixes poorly with saliva.
- This results in drooling and sometimes food chunks coming back out.
This is a primary link for horse dental issues causing drooling. Regular dental checks are vital.
Missing or Broken Teeth
If a horse is missing teeth, it cannot grind food properly. Food passes through too quickly. If a tooth is cracked or broken, it hurts the horse while chewing, leading to drooling.
Wolf Teeth
Wolf teeth are small, vestigial teeth that can erupt near the front molars. They often cause problems when the bit presses against them. They are usually removed by a vet or equine dentist to prevent this pain.
Table 1: Common Dental Problems and Drooling Likelihood
| Dental Issue | Likelihood of Drooling | Key Sign to Watch For |
|---|---|---|
| Sharp Points/Hooks | High | Dropping feed, chewing on one side. |
| Missing Molars | Medium | Poor body condition despite good feed. |
| Wolf Teeth Irritation | Medium | Head shaking when the bit is engaged. |
| Loose Teeth | High | Visible gaps or unusual gum appearance. |
Issues in the Mouth and Throat
Problems beyond the teeth can also make your horse drool excessively.
Mouth Sores and Injury
Anything that hurts the soft tissues of the mouth will cause drooling.
- Bumps or Cuts: A horse might bite its cheek or tongue.
- Infection: Sores inside the mouth can cause pain and excessive spit.
- Oral Lesions: Ulcers on the tongue or roof of the mouth are very painful.
If the horse resists taking the bit or shows signs of horse sore mouth symptoms, look inside the mouth carefully (if safe to do so).
Esophageal Obstruction (Choke)
Horse chokes and drooling is a very serious situation. Choke is when food gets stuck in the esophagus (the tube from the mouth to the stomach).
When a horse chokes, saliva continues to be produced. Since the food cannot go down, the saliva backs up. It mixes with water or feed particles and pours out of the nose and mouth.
Signs of Choke:
- Sudden, frantic attempts to swallow.
- Persistent, heavy drooling or foaming at the mouth.
- Holding the neck out stiffly.
- Panic or distress.
Choke needs immediate veterinary attention. Do not try to force water or scopes down the horse’s throat.
Digestive and Systemic Causes
Sometimes, drooling connects to deeper issues inside the horse’s body.
Colic
Severe colic can sometimes cause a horse to drool or foam. This is often a sign of severe pain or nausea. If drooling is combined with looking at its flank, rolling, or sweating, call the vet right away.
Grain or Feed Reaction
If a horse is fed something it doesn’t agree with, or if it eats too fast, it might foam. This is often seen as horse drooling after eating rich grain meals. The stomach acid mixes with the feed, creating excess foam.
Neurological Issues
Rarely, drooling can signal a nerve problem. If the nerves controlling the saliva glands or swallowing reflex are damaged, the horse might not be able to manage its saliva correctly. This usually comes with other symptoms, like weakness or trouble walking.
Drooling After Exercise
It is common to see some foam after hard work. Horse drooling after riding is often due to heavy breathing and hydration needs.
When a horse exercises hard, it breathes rapidly through its mouth. Air rushing over the moist tissues can whip the saliva into foam. This usually clears up quickly once the horse cools down and rests.
However, if the foam is thick, persistent, or very excessive after light work, it might suggest:
- Bit Pain: The horse is fighting the bit under saddle due to soreness.
- Early Choke: A small piece of feed or hay is irritating the upper throat.
- Poor Conditioning: The horse is working too hard for its fitness level, leading to excess panting.
Identifying and Treating Excessive Salivation
If you notice persistent drooling, the goal is to find the root cause. This often requires teamwork between the owner, the dentist, and the veterinarian.
Step 1: Immediate Assessment
First, rule out emergencies. Is the horse choking? Is it showing signs of severe pain (colic)? If yes, call the vet immediately.
If the horse seems fine otherwise, check the mouth carefully.
- Look for foreign objects stuck between teeth or in the gums.
- Check the corners of the mouth for chafing from the bridle or bit.
Step 2: Dental Evaluation
Schedule a thorough dental exam. The equine dentist will sedate the horse for a proper check. They look for sharp edges, missing teeth, or uneven wear. Treating these issues often solves the drooling problem.
Step 3: Adjusting Tack
If the mouth seems healthy, look at the equipment.
- Try riding the horse in a plain halter or a different bit for a few days.
- Ensure the noseband is not too tight.
Step 4: Medication and Equine Slobbering Remedies
For most mechanical or dental causes, treating the source (like floating teeth) is the cure. There are few direct equine slobbering remedies if the cause is physical pain.
If a nerve or digestive issue causes the drooling, the vet might use specific treatments. For example, if an infection is present, antibiotics may be needed.
For rare cases of chronic, abnormal salivation (ptyalism) not linked to pain, the vet might look into medications that reduce saliva production, but this is highly unusual in horses.
Horse Treatment for Excessive Salivation
Treatment depends entirely on diagnosis. Here is a guide based on common findings:
| Diagnosis | Recommended Treatment Approach | Prognosis |
|---|---|---|
| Sharp Teeth Points | Routine dental floating by an equine dentist. | Excellent; drooling should stop quickly. |
| Bit Soreness | Adjust bit size, type, or stop using it temporarily. | Excellent, once the sore heals. |
| Early Stage Choke | Vet intervention (usually gentle massage/flushing). | Good, if treated quickly before impaction. |
| Tongue/Gum Injury | Rest mouth, administer prescribed anti-inflammatories/antibiotics. | Good, provided infection is controlled. |
| Neurological Issue | Specialized veterinary diagnostics and supportive care. | Varies widely based on the underlying cause. |
Focusing on Prevention
Preventing drooling starts with good daily care practices.
Regular Dental Care
Have your horse’s teeth checked at least once a year, sometimes twice for older horses or those with known dental issues. This prevents sharp points from forming.
Proper Feeding Techniques
When feeding concentrates, ensure the horse is relaxed.
- Feed small meals several times a day instead of one large meal.
- Ensure water is always available after eating.
- If your horse eats too fast, use slow-feeders or hay nets for grain. This helps prevent issues related to horse drooling after eating.
Equipment Checks
Inspect your bridle and bit regularly. Look for cracks, sharp edges, or rust. Make sure all straps are adjusted correctly so the bit sits comfortably.
Comprehending When to Call the Veterinarian Urgently
While a little drool is normal, certain signs mean you must call your vet immediately.
Call the Vet NOW if you see:
- Choking Signs: Persistent, heavy drooling mixed with feed material, repeated stretching of the neck, or distress.
- Sudden, Profuse Foaming: Especially if combined with signs of severe illness or colic.
- Inability to Swallow: The horse drools constantly, cannot clear its mouth, and seems distressed even when not eating.
- Fever or Lethargy: Drooling paired with signs of infection or systemic illness.
- Blood in Saliva: Indicates a severe cut or injury inside the mouth that needs stitches or immediate attention.
If the drooling has been happening for a week or more and you have not had a dental check, schedule a non-emergency dental appointment. Constant drooling means constant moisture loss, which can lead to skin irritation under the jaw.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is excessive drooling always a sign of choke?
No, excessive drooling is not always choke, but choke must always be suspected if drooling is sudden and profuse. Other common horse excessive drooling causes include dental pain or bit soreness. A horse with choke usually cannot swallow any saliva at all, leading to overflow.
How long does it take for a horse to stop drooling after dental work?
If the dental work was routine floating, the horse should stop drooling excessively within 24 to 48 hours as any minor soreness fades. If the drooling continues past three days, call your dentist back for a re-check, as perhaps a sharp point was missed or a new area became irritated.
Can medication treat why is my horse drooling a lot?
Medication is only used if the drooling stems from a diagnosed medical cause like infection or severe inflammation. For mechanical or dental problems, the treatment is physical correction (like floating teeth or changing the bit), not medication for the saliva itself.
What is the difference between normal foam and pathological foaming?
Normal foam after hard exercise is light and bubbly, caused by rapid breathing mixing air into saliva. Pathological foaming (related to causes of horse foaming at the mouth) is often thick, sticky, or continuous, appearing even when the horse is resting or eating, and is a sign of underlying pain or obstruction.
My horse drools heavily after drinking. Is this normal?
A little dribble after drinking is common, especially if the horse drinks fast. If it is consistent and heavy, check the mouth for painful spots or missing teeth, as this relates to horse drooling after eating habits applied to water intake. Ensure the water trough is clean and the horse isn’t gulping air while drinking.