As a dog owner, it can be alarming and frightening to see your beloved puppy foaming at the mouth and shaking.
This behavior can be a symptom of a serious medical condition, and it’s important to take action quickly to ensure your puppy’s health and safety.
This article will guide you through what to do next and how to help your puppy in the moment, when to contact your veterinarian and will explain the likely causes of this issue.
Everything you need to know is below.
What You Can Do to Help Your Puppy in the Moment
If you notice that your puppy is foaming at the mouth and shaking, there are a few things you can do in the moment to help:
- Stay calm: It’s essential to stay calm and composed when dealing with an emergency situation involving your puppy. Dogs are incredibly sensitive to their owners’ emotions, and if you’re anxious or upset, it can make the situation worse.
- Assess the situation: Take a moment to assess your puppy’s condition. Are they conscious? Are they breathing normally? Is there any visible trauma or injury?
- Call your veterinarian: If your puppy is exhibiting severe symptoms or is unconscious, call your veterinarian or the nearest emergency animal hospital immediately. They can give you advice on what to do next and may ask you to bring your puppy in for treatment.
- Remove any potential hazards: If your puppy is conscious and breathing normally, remove any potential hazards from the area. For example, if they were chewing on a toxic plant or chemical, remove it from their mouth.
- Keep your puppy calm: Speak to your puppy in a calm and soothing tone to help keep them calm. Try to keep them in a quiet, dark, and comfortable space to help reduce stress.
- Monitor your puppy: Keep a close eye on your puppy’s condition and behavior. If their symptoms persist or worsen, seek veterinary care immediately.
Remember, every situation is unique, and it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your puppy’s health.
If you’re ever unsure of what to do, don’t hesitate to call your veterinarian or the nearest emergency animal hospital for advice.
How To Know If It’s An Emergency
If you notice your puppy foaming at the mouth and shaking, it’s crucial to take action quickly.
Depending on the cause of the behavior, it could* be a medical emergency. Here are some signs that indicate you should take your puppy to the veterinarian:
- The behavior lasts for more than a few minutes: If your puppy continues to foam at the mouth and shake for more than a few minutes, it’s essential to seek medical attention.
- Your puppy seems disoriented or confused: If your puppy appears disoriented or confused, it could be a sign of a severe medical condition that requires immediate veterinary care.
- Your puppy is vomiting or has diarrhea: If your puppy is vomiting or has diarrhea in addition to foaming at the mouth and shaking, it could be a sign of poisoning or another serious medical condition.
- Your puppy is not eating or drinking: If your puppy is not eating or drinking, it could be a sign of an underlying medical issue that requires veterinary care.
8 Causes of Foaming at the Mouth and Shaking in Puppies
There are several reasons why your puppy may exhibit the behavior of foaming at the mouth and shaking, some of which include:
Poisoning
Puppies are naturally curious and like to explore their environment, so they may accidentally ingest something toxic, such as certain plants, household chemicals, or even certain human foods like chocolate.
The symptoms of poisoning can range from mild to severe, depending on the substance ingested, but foaming at the mouth and shaking are common symptoms.
Seizures
Seizures are a neurological disorder that can cause involuntary muscle movements, including shaking, and loss of consciousness. Seizures can have many causes, such as genetic conditions, head trauma, or an underlying medical condition.
Stress and anxiety
Puppies, like humans, can experience stress and anxiety. Loud noises, unfamiliar situations, and separation from their owner can all cause stress and anxiety, which can manifest in shaking and foaming at the mouth.
Hypoglycemia
Puppies have high energy levels and require frequent meals to maintain stable blood sugar levels. Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, can be caused by missed meals or an underlying medical condition. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include shaking, lethargy, and, in severe cases, foaming at the mouth.
Distemper
Canine distemper is a viral disease that can cause respiratory, gastrointestinal, and neurological symptoms in puppies. Foaming at the mouth and shaking are common neurological symptoms of distemper.
Heatstroke
Puppies are more susceptible to heatstroke than adult dogs, and exposure to high temperatures and humidity can cause overheating, which can lead to shaking and foaming at the mouth.
Parvovirus
Parvovirus is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects puppies and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. In severe cases, parvovirus can cause neurological symptoms, including foaming at the mouth and seizures.
Rabies
Rabies is a rare but serious disease that can be fatal if left untreated. Rabies is spread through the saliva of infected animals and can cause neurological symptoms, including shaking, aggression, and foaming at the mouth, in puppies.
Ways to Prevent Foaming at the Mouth and Shaking
Prevention is key when it comes to your puppy’s health and well-being. Here are some steps you can take to prevent foaming at the mouth and shaking in puppies:
- Puppy-proof your home: Make sure to keep any toxic substances, such as cleaning products and medications, out of reach of your puppy. Also, ensure that your home is free of any small objects that your puppy may be tempted to chew on.
- Reduce anxiety triggers: If your puppy experiences anxiety, try to identify the triggers and find ways to reduce their exposure to them. For example, if your puppy gets anxious when you leave the house, try leaving them with a toy or a treat to keep them occupied.
- Ensure proper nutrition: Puppies need a healthy and balanced diet to stay healthy. Make sure to provide your puppy with a high-quality dog food that meets their nutritional needs.
- Provide plenty of exercise: Regular exercise is essential for your puppy’s physical and mental health. Make sure to take your puppy on regular walks and play with them to burn off excess energy.
- Regular vet check-ups: Regular check-ups with your veterinarian can help catch any potential health issues early, before they become serious.
Last thoughts
In conclusion, foaming at the mouth and shaking in puppies can be a sign of a serious medical condition.
As a dog owner, it’s crucial to understand the possible causes of this behavior, when to seek veterinary care, and what you can do to help your puppy in the moment.
By taking preventative steps, such as puppy-proofing your home and reducing anxiety triggers, you can help keep your puppy healthy and safe.
If you ever have any concerns about your puppy’s health, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and seek veterinary care.
Remember, your puppy’s health is your top priority, and you play a vital role in keeping them healthy and happy.