Skip to main content

Pet Insurance policies are underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company.

Common cause of facial droop in dogs

Facial drooping and drooling may be a sign of nerve paralysis in dogs. Dr. Lee discusses the implications and treatment options with a concerned dog parent.

Common cause of facial droop in dogs

Q:Gertie, my 8-year-old cocker spaniel mix, looks odd. Her left ear and lip droop, and she drools out the left side of her mouth. What’s going on? Did she have a stroke? What should I do about it?

A:Since she’s developed a problem, Gertie should see her veterinarian. She may have facial nerve paralysis, an abnormality of the nerve that controls the muscles of facial expression.

The left and right facial nerves control the position of the ear, eyelid, cheek, lip and nose on their respective sides of the face. Partial or complete paralysis of one of these nerves leads to facial droop, drooling and diminished ability to blink. Since the muscles on the other side of the face usually have normal tone, the nose deviates in that direction.

Facial nerve paralysis most often targets middle-aged and older dogs. While the disease strikes both genders and all breeds of dogs, it’s most common in cocker spaniels. In three of four affected dogs, a cause cannot be found, and the disease is termed idiopathic facial nerve paralysis. It’s similar to Bell’s palsy in humans.

In the remainder of dogs, causes include a middle or inner ear infection, inflammation along the nerve’s pathway, such as from head trauma or a bite wound, or any condition that affects the nervous system in general, such as hypothyroidism or hypoglycemia.

Treatment is aimed at resolving the underlying cause, if one is found, and addressing the clinical signs. For example, if Gertie can’t blink, artificial tears must be applied regularly so her eyes don’t dry out.

Idiopathic facial nerve paralysis completely or partially resolves in weeks to months. I wish Gertie a full recovery.


Lee Pickett, V.M.D. practices companion animal medicine in Pennsylvania. Contact her at askdrlee@insurefigo.com.

Pattern Blue

Customized
by you

Design your pet’s plan in less than 60 seconds!

medium sized cat illustration
medium sized cat illustration
Cat illustration
Cat illustration
Cat illustration
Your Pet's Type
  • Instagram logo
  • facebook
  • tiktok
  • Twitter

No one is permitted to sell, solicit or negotiate an insurance policy without a producer license in the state in which the plan is sold, and all prospects should be directed to Figo Pet Insurance. The information contained in this website is for illustrative purposes only and coverage under any pet insurance policy is expressly subject to the conditions, restrictions, limitations, exclusions (including pre-existing conditions), and terms of the policy documentation issued by the insurer. Availability of this program is subject to each state’s approval and coverage may vary by state. Coverage underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company (IAIC), a Delaware Insurance Company, 11333 North Scottsdale Road Suite 160 Scottsdale, AZ 85254. Live Vet and the Figo Pet Cloud are separate non-insurance services unaffiliated with IAIC. Figo Pet Insurance's California license number is 0K02763. Figo Pet Insurance LLC is duly authorized to transact insurance in Puerto Rico (NPN: 16841904) in property, casualty, disability, health services, and life.

Copyright © 2015-2023 Figo Pet Insurance LLC. All rights reserved

Chat with an Expert