Dog Keeps Swallowing Over and Over: Causes and Solutions

If your dog keeps swallowing over and over, it can be concerning. This seemingly simple action could indicate several underlying issues, ranging from mild discomfort to more serious medical conditions. Understanding why your dog is exhibiting this behavior is crucial to providing appropriate care and ensuring their well-being. This article will delve into the potential causes of frequent swallowing in dogs, offer practical solutions, and guide you on when to seek professional veterinary help.

Why Does My Dog Keep Swallowing Repeatedly?

Several factors can cause a dog to swallow repeatedly. Sometimes, it’s a simple case of a dry throat or something stuck in their mouth. Other times, it could signal a more serious problem. Let’s explore some of the most common reasons:

Nausea: Just like humans, dogs swallow excessively when nauseous. This could be due to a stomach upset, dietary indiscretion (eating something they shouldn’t), motion sickness, or even certain medications.
Dehydration: A dry throat can trigger frequent swallowing. Ensure your dog always has access to fresh, clean water, especially during hot weather or after exercise.
Foreign Object: If your dog has something lodged in their throat or mouth, like a piece of bone, stick, or toy, they’ll likely swallow repeatedly in an attempt to dislodge it.
Oral Irritation or Pain: Dental problems, such as infected teeth or gums, oral sores, or even a growth in the mouth, can cause discomfort and lead to increased swallowing.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation and discomfort. This can lead to frequent swallowing, vomiting, and other digestive issues.
Kennel Cough: This highly contagious respiratory infection often causes a dry, hacking cough, which can be accompanied by excessive swallowing.
Tonsillitis: Inflamed tonsils can make swallowing painful, leading to frequent attempts to relieve the discomfort.
Neurological Disorders: In rare cases, neurological problems can affect the muscles involved in swallowing, causing difficulty and increased frequency.

What to Do if Your Dog Keeps Swallowing

If you notice your dog swallowing excessively, the first step is to observe them closely for other accompanying symptoms. Are they coughing, vomiting, drooling excessively, or showing signs of pain? This information is crucial in determining the next course of action.

Check for Obstructions: Carefully examine your dog’s mouth for any foreign objects. If you find something and can safely remove it, do so. If not, or if you suspect an object is lodged further down the throat, seek immediate veterinary attention.
Ensure Hydration: Offer your dog fresh water. If they are reluctant to drink, you can try adding a little low-sodium chicken broth to make it more appealing.
Monitor for Other Symptoms: Keep a close eye on your dog for any changes in behavior, appetite, or bowel movements. Note down any additional symptoms, such as coughing, vomiting, or lethargy, to share with your veterinarian.
Contact Your Veterinarian: If the swallowing persists, worsens, or is accompanied by other symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately. They can diagnose the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment.

When to Seek Immediate Veterinary Care

While some causes of excessive swallowing are relatively minor, others can be life-threatening. Seek immediate veterinary care if your dog:

Is struggling to breathe.
Is choking or gagging.
Has pale gums.
Is showing signs of severe pain.
Is exhibiting extreme lethargy or weakness.

Home Remedies for Mild Cases

If your veterinarian determines the cause of your dog’s excessive swallowing is minor, such as mild dehydration or a slight throat irritation, they might suggest some home remedies:

Honey: A small amount of honey can soothe a sore throat.
Ice Chips: Offer small ice chips to help lubricate the throat.
Slippery Elm: This natural supplement can coat and soothe the digestive tract. Consult your veterinarian before giving any supplements to your dog.

Preventing Excessive Swallowing in Dogs

While not all causes of excessive swallowing are preventable, some proactive measures can help reduce the risk:

Provide Chew Toys: Offer appropriate chew toys to discourage your dog from chewing on potentially harmful objects.
Regular Dental Care: Brush your dog’s teeth regularly and schedule professional cleanings as recommended by your veterinarian.
Maintain a Healthy Diet: Feed your dog a balanced and nutritious diet.
Prevent Dehydration: Ensure fresh water is always available.

Conclusion

If your dog keeps swallowing over and over, it’s essential to take it seriously. While it could be a minor issue, it could also signal a more serious underlying condition. By carefully observing your dog, seeking professional veterinary advice, and following appropriate treatment recommendations, you can help ensure your furry friend’s health and well-being.

FAQ

My dog keeps swallowing after eating. Is this normal? Occasional swallowing after eating is normal, but excessive or repeated swallowing could indicate a problem.
Can stress cause a dog to swallow a lot? Yes, stress and anxiety can sometimes manifest as excessive swallowing.
What if my dog swallowed something poisonous? Contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center immediately.
How can I tell if my dog has something stuck in its throat? Signs include gagging, choking, pawing at the mouth, and excessive drooling.
Is excessive swallowing a sign of rabies? While difficulty swallowing can be a late-stage symptom of rabies, it’s more commonly associated with other conditions.
Can allergies cause excessive swallowing in dogs? Yes, allergies can sometimes cause inflammation in the throat and mouth, leading to increased swallowing.
My dog keeps swallowing and licking his lips. What does it mean? This combination often suggests nausea or gastrointestinal upset.

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