Dogs drool for a number of reasons, the main being to aid digestion and break down food. She is currently coughing a bit and sounds like she is trying to hack something up. The concern about Pepto Bismol is that it contains salicylic acid, which is an ingredient in aspirin. Chronic vomiting also can be caused by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Whatever the cause, it will have to be determined and treated to control the condition. A wound along the side of the cheek or under the tongue may be caused by self-trauma when the tissue becomes trapped between the teeth during chewing. We will explain why dogs drool, and whether your pet needs attention from a veterinarian. The technical term for excessive drooling is ptyalism, and there are many reasons why your dog might be doing this, including dental disease so it's important to keep up good oral hygiene in your dog such as brushing your dog's teeth on a regular basis. Other signs of dog poisoning include foamy drool, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, decreased appetite, and lack of coordination. Severely affected dogs may benefit from vaccines, if available. Also known as Other veterinary medicines that can cause thick saliva include: Some medical treatments, such as radiotherapy, can dry out your dogs mouth, too, and thicken his saliva. However, if your dog is drooling away from mealtimes, read on to find out why this might be. They routinely invade nearby tissues including bone. If your dog is experiencing severe periodontal disease and tartar build up, a dental cleaning will be recommended. Even exercise in hot weather can cause heat stroke if your dog isnt able to cool down sufficiently. Grass is a common ingredient in dog vomit. It is usually seen in 3- to 8-year-old, small-breed dogs (such as terriers). If your vet thinks your dog was exposed to a toxin, then treatment will be specific to that toxin. Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, or KCS), Oral Inflammatory and Ulcerative Diseases. The tongue can also loll around and get in the way of a good examination, so your vet may suggest anesthetizing your dog so they can take a better look. You will notice when your dog is enjoying their breakfast, there is always more than usual slobber falling to the floor. Malignant melanomas are highly invasive and spread readily; consequently, the outlook is guarded to poor. Cleansing with an antiseptic solution may be recommended. Xerostomia is a dry mouth caused by decreased secretion of saliva. One of the biggest dangers with dog vomiting is dehydration. Decreased salivary secretion may also result from use of certain drugs, extreme dehydration, fever, anesthesia, immune system dysfunction, or disease of the salivary gland. Only your vet can properly treat an infection. Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA(known as MSD outside of the US and Canada) is dedicated to using the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. The cause of this disease is unknown, but it has been suggested that normal mouth bacteria and other microorganisms may cause this disease after some predisposing factor either increases their levels or decreases the mouths resistance to infection. Occasionally, an abscessed gland discharges pus into the surrounding tissue or the mouth. Your vet will give your dog intravenous fluid therapy to replace lost liquids and minerals. Use OR to account for alternate terms Disorders of read more ). Is this something I should worry about? The problem commonly affects Greyhounds, but it has also been seen in Maltese, Miniature Schnauzers, Labrador Retrievers, and other breeds. Rabies affects many animals besides dogs and can be found worldwide. Bloodwork, X-rays, ultrasounds, or biopsies are often necessary to diagnose the problem. If mild nausea or tummy troubles are suspected to be the cause of your dogs problems, the vet may recommend some medication or a change in diet to help with this. Dont ignore things, as prompt treatment usually leads to the best outcome for your pet. Learning to tell the difference can be tricky, but its important toknow why dogs vomit, when you should be concerned, and what you can do to help. Its best to get your pet checked out by a vet to identify the cause of his symptoms. WebWhy Do Dogs Drool? A course of antibiotics will typically resolve these ailments. Papillomas look very much like viral warts, but they tend to grow more slowly and are less likely to be found in groups. Other potential factors are stress, excess use of corticosteroids, and poor nutrition. By clicking Subscribe, I agree to the WebMD, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Mediterranean, Low-Fat Diets Are Best for Heart Problems, Least Amount of Exercise You Need to Stay Healthy, Nerve 'Pulse' Therapy May Help Ease Sciatica, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, How to Spot Pancreatitis and Get It Treated, Dog Drooling and Salivary Gland Problems in Dogs. Bloat or gastric dilatation and volvulus is an acute and life-threatening condition requiring patients to be hospitalized and aggressively treated. A dog will slobber when its hot and panting. Dogs need to drink plenty of water over the course of the day. Peteducate.com uses affiliate links; where we may earn from qualifying purchases (at no additional cost to you). Frequently, the animal is reluctant to allow examination of its mouth. It tends to happen shortly after eatingmaybe your dog ate too much or ate too fast. Poodles and spaniel breeds may be predisposed. As radiation treatment is used more commonly in veterinary medicine, this condition may become more frequent in pets. The trusted provider of veterinary information since 1955, Introduction to Digestive Disorders of Dogs, Congenital and Inherited Disorders of the Digestive System of Dogs, Disorders of the Pharynx (Throat) in Dogs, Disorders of the Stomach and Intestines in Dogs, Disorders Caused by Bacteria in the Digestive System of Dogs, Disorders Caused by Protozoa in the Digestive System of Dogs, Pancreatitis and Other Disorders of the Pancreas in Dogs, Disorders of the Liver and Gallbladder in Dogs, Last review/revision May 2018 | Modified Oct 2022. With chronic infection of the lip margins or folds, the hair in these areas is discolored, moist, and matted with a thick, yellowish or brown, foul-smelling discharge overlying red skin that may have open sores. Glossitis can also occur in long-haired dogs that use the mouth and tongue in an attempt to remove plant burrs from their coats. If your dog does have motion sickness, take travel breaks as often as you can. This is most likely a sign that your dog is in pain in some way. They are stressed by the fact that theyre suddenly sharing their space, and this drool is a result. Trainer reveals the one command every dog owner needs to improve behavior - it's simpler than you think, Trainer reveals three things you can do to improve your demanding dogs behavior and help them feel more relaxed, Trainer reveals the secret to getting your dog to come when you call them, and it all comes down to timing, Rubbing or pawing at his face excessively. Typically, a dog can keep this production of saliva under control. Plants are the most likely culprits in this instance. Complete gland and duct removal is often recommended for mucoceles in the throat to avoid the possibility of future life-threatening airway obstruction. Also, it can indicate that a dog ate too quickly and didnt chew the food, or swallowed a lot of air by gulping it down. Sometimes dogs get dehydrated because they arent drinking enough water. Lip infections may develop. Summary. Its essential to make any changes in medication quickly to avoid further problems for your dog. Dog breeds that drool a lot include: Dogs with flatter faces tend to drool more, primarily because the faces of these breeds contain skin flaps that trap saliva. We created Pet Educate to ensure that any owner can get access to the information they need to take the best care of their pet. We need to use this with caution, especially in dogs taking anti-inflammatories or steroids, as it could cause GI bleeding. Follow your veterinarians recommendations about diet carefully to support your pets recovery. A tissue biopsy is usually required to confirm the diagnosis. It lubricates the mouth, helps to prevent tooth decay and gum disease, and begins breaking down food for digestion. I hope that he is okay! Think of dog vomiting as more of an active process and regurgitation as more of a passive practice.. See if the thick saliva is accompanied by any other symptoms. Related guides you may want to check out: I am a practiced pet owner with decades of experience owning a number of different pets. One shake of the face later, and that drool is flying all over the place. I hope that all goes well for her. They may also take up an unfamiliar position such as laying upon our backs. The characteristic feature is the contact ulcer or sore that develops where the lip contacts the tooth surface, most commonly on the inner surface of the upper lip next to the upper canine and carnassial teeth (also called the 4th premolar). This can affect the kidneys, heart, or be the initial signs of a seizure. Your dog may also be crying or be unusually docile. Excessive dog drooling is not only unpleasant, but it can be concerning, especially if your dog isnt usually a drooler. Fluids may be administered to correct dehydration, if present. Here are some causes and suggested treatments: Breeding: Bloodhounds, Newfoundlands, mastiffs, and Saint Bernards are breeds with loose upper lips or flews, causing them to drool more than others. Other causes include bite wounds, abscess drainage, or the opening of a closed surgical incision. Fistulas involving the salivary glands in dogs and cats are rare. At your dogs withers, take a fold of skin and carefully stretch it. Dental disease can also be a cause. Your veterinarian may prescribe a daily application of a topical diaper rash cream. Its pretty gross, right? Yellow vomit is very common when a dog has an empty stomach, and the yellow color that you see is due to bile secretions. WebSymptoms of Discoloration of Saliva in Dogs Symptoms may include but are not limited to: Excessive drooling Staining around the mouth Brown saliva Foul odor coming from your If so, try a professional cleaning and then daily brushing. Thats because they are not consciously swallowing the saliva that their mouths continue to produce regardless of whether theyre awake or asleep. Lip wounds, resulting from fights or chewing on sharp objects, are common and vary widely in severity. If you do not address the issue it will not get better, only worse. Thank you for your question. A pharyngeal (throat) mucocele may obstruct the airways and result in difficulty breathing. Heres how it works. In severe cases, this results in sores and exposed bone. Get your dog to the vet as soon as possible for prompt rehydration. Regurgitation, on the other hand, is a mild ejection of undigested food from the dogs esophagus, meaning that it never made it to the stomach. While the issue may be focused on his mouth she will want to check for additional symptoms he may be experiencing simultaneously. Youre the best judge of your dogs behavior. One of the earliest symptoms of rabies is a change in your dogs temperament. But although brown vomit may look like its just regurgitated kibbles, sometimes, there can be more to it. Dr. Loretta. This may trigger more vomiting, so try to limit their water consumption to small amounts at a time.. Do theirteeth look like concrete? Some of the reasons are nothing to worry about, but sometimes, vomiting is a sign of a serious health problem that needs immediate veterinary care.. Of course, there may be a medical reason for the amount of saliva. If your dogs saliva has color to it, you should get him evaluated by your veterinarian as soon as possible. Its not just ear infections, either. Besides, you may be able to support your dog pretty much instantly and even ease some discomfort if you do. Due to the varied nature of oral tumors, your veterinarian will want to biopsy the tumors prior to surgery. You will learn more in our guide to what you can give your dog for gas and bloating. A thread, string, or other foreign object may get caught under the tongue. If you think your dog has eaten something it shouldn't have, call your vet right away. So, stick around. Drooling and slobbering in the car is a common problem, primarily because its such a common side effect of travel sickness in pets. Broken teeth or jaw fractures may lead to pain and drooling. To avoid this, always have fresh, clean water available and shady places for them to cool off. Keep your dog from eating them. Chronic vomiting in young dogs is often due to parasites or a food sensitivity. The most important thing to determine is when its necessary to bring your dog to the vet, and when its okay to try a home remedy or just wait for the vomiting to pass. WebCustomer: My dog has a thick foaming saliva and looks very weak and does not want to eat or drink. So, why is your dog drooling thick saliva? 37,258 satisfied customers. Different ages, breeds, and behaviors can make dogs more prone to vomiting. Sialadenosis causes enlargement of the salivary glands found just behind the jaw (mandibular salivary glands) on both sides of the head. Following the slow and steady integration of the two canines will resolve the issue, and your older dog will soon return to normal. The body loses water and other essentials for health, such as electrolytes. As they age, dogs are more likely to get sick. Supplemental antibacterial measures, such as topical chlorhexidine rinses or gels, may be prescribed by your veterinarian. How Much Water Should A Dog Drink Calculator. Eating or drinking excessively or quickly can be a factor in developing bloat. Your veterinarian will consider your pets specific condition when making a treatment recommendation. Vomiting may occur directly after eating or anytime thereafter. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. Infectious cheilitis that has spread from a location away from the mouth usually improves with treatment of the primary spot, but treatment of the lip area also is necessary. Once diagnosed, treatment can begin. Sometimes it could also happen when your dogs expecting food. The animal may paw at its mouth and, due to pain, resent or resist any attempt to examine its mouth. The underlying cause may be within or near the mouth, or it can be a sign of a more general condition. You may find that your dog slobbers more while riding in the back seat of a car, or just before their ears popping when taking off on a flight. Your vet can check for gingivitis, mouth ulcers, and tumors as well. I do not have the funds to take him to a vet . She writes on various feline and canine topics, including behavior, nutrition, and health. Dry mouth can cause not only thick saliva but a cracked tongue. What to look out for, Five signs of dog allergies you really need to know, Food vs environmental dog allergies: signs, symptoms and how to get a diagnosis, Healthy dog gums vs unhealthy: what to look for. This is because a dogs sensitive ears will vibrate and react to the movement of the car, and this could leave them feeling vulnerable. Dogs drool in an involuntary action in response to the sight and smell of food. I do think that you should probably have her seen by a veterinarian yes, but I'm not sure it is an emergency. You will need to act quickly if your dog is dehydrated because without treatment he could go into shock and die. If the animal is seen by a veterinarian shortly after receiving a chemical burn to the mouth, he or she may be able to neutralize the chemical and/or flush it out with water. The long hair around the Yorkies mouth can also get very messy and skin a great deal. Wasnt necessarily vomit but a dark rusty brown patch of saliva. Reglan (metoclopramide) is less widely used but is still very helpful for motility disorders in dogs as well as megaesophagus. This relatively uncommon disease of dogs is characterized by severe inflammation of the gums (gingivitis), ulceration, and death of the tissue lining the mouth. Signs include mouth inflammation, bad breath, drooling, refusal to eat, and bleeding or open sores on the tongue or mucous What Can You Give a Dog to Stop Vomiting at Home? Excessive salivation has 2 main causes: either the animal is producing too much saliva (a condition called ptyalism), or the animal cannot effectively swallow the saliva that is produced. Some human foods are downright dangerous for dogs (e.g.,grapes, raisins,chocolate,xylitol,onions, garlic, chives, macadamia nuts, and high-fat items), but individuals with sensitive stomachs may not even be able to eat safe human foods without vomiting. Theres normal, healthy slobber that helps your dog eat and digest. Vomit that is white and looks foamy can be caused by a buildup of stomach acid. It can also be indicative of a more serious illness such as an internal issue. When you're congested, inflammation in your nose makes it harder for the snot to flow out. Irritation associated with inflammation of the mouth or tongue, foreign objects in the mouth, tumors, injuries, or other defects of the mouth, Infectious diseases (such as rabies), the nervous form of distemper, or other convulsive disorders, Motion sickness, fear, nervousness, or excitement, Reluctance to swallow from irritation of the esophagus, stomach, or intestines, Injury, tumor, or foreign material under the tongue, Conformational defects of the mouth (eg, heavy, hanging lips), Metabolic disorders (such as hepatic encephalopathy or kidney failure), Abscess or other blockage or disorder of the salivary glands. As part of their examination, they will also check your pets lymph nodes (glands), heart rate, abdomen, and temperature. The mouth lining and corners of the lip are most frequently affected, but the roof and back of the mouth can also be involved. This occurs most commonly in the middle of the night or early morning hours. This process sometimes results in your dog struggling to control its saliva production. What should you do with a loose dog tooth? Is it a cause for concern? If you observed the burn yourself, provide the details to your veterinarian. The Merck Veterinary Manual was first published in 1955 as a service to the community. We are seasoned pet owners and enthusiasts who love to share everything that we learn about them! This could be gum disease or toothache. Theres nothing that can get a pet parent moving quite like the sound of a dog vomiting or about to vomit. This will be helpful when trying to assess what is going on internally. Sometimes puppies will be burned by chewing on an electrical cord. Food Sensitivity and Allergies in Poodles, Food Sensitivity and Allergies in Jack Russell Terriers, Food Sensitivity and Allergies in Labrador Retrievers. To determine the cause, your veterinarian will run a series of diagnostic tests and examine your pets mouth closely and thoroughly. Specially formulated mouthwashes can often help relieve the discomfort that results from this condition. Signs include mouth inflammation, bad breath, drooling, refusal to eat, and bleeding or open sores on the tongue or mucous membranes. Zofran (ondansetron) is also an antiemetic thats used in a hospital setting.. Salivation in dogs isnt a reason for concern on its own as certain dogs, or dog breeds, drool more than others. Stomachaches: Dogs dont tend to think before eating. Extension to other areas of the inner mouth is common. Drooling and slobbering are closely linked to a dogs ear health. Some dogs with short muzzles, like Boxers and Bulldogs, may drool or dribble normally. The things to watch for that would warrant an urgent visit to the vet or emergency clinic include: Vomiting accompanied by diarrhea (especially if it turns bloody). Traces of blood can appear brown at times if they are not profusely bloody. What can I do ? Featured Image:iStock.com/NicolasMcComber. Be aware though, that some dogs may not allow your vet to look that closely. Direct extension of severe gum disease or inflammation inside the mouth can produce inflammation of the lips (cheilitis). Bad breath and drooling are common with mouth inflammation, tongue inflammation, and sore throat. If you buy something, we may be paid a share of the sale. Canine stomatitis involves inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth. Why is My Dog Drooling so Much all of a Sudden? Your dogs defenses will think the mushroom is something deadly and will produce thick, excess saliva in an attempt to prevent any toxic substances from entering the body. It may also turn white due to the presence of immune cells that your body sends to battle the illness. If they are acting strange for more than a day,seem stressed, are vomiting, or are not eating and playing as usual, its wise to see a vet. If necessary, a veterinarian can remove the warts surgically. If not, seek assistance from a vet or animal behaviorist. Changes in the salivary glands of domestic pets like your dog are rare. Check with your vet for advice if you are unsure how much water your dog needs daily. Ingesting insects or certain animals. Certain breeds may be more susceptible to parvovirus, including Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and sled dogs. So, unless its sudden and to excess, try not to worry too much. A teething puppy will drool a lot more than an adult canine equivalent. Surgery is often recommended to remove the damaged salivary gland and duct. Thick saliva can be caused by dehydration, heat stroke, or as a side effect of medication. There are a number of reasons why your dog might be drooling and acting strangely. Inflammation of the tongue is called glossitis. Regular trims and bathing would go a long way to reducing the smell. Your dog might also lick or eat certain frogs,toads, scorpions or spiders that are poisonous. Problems with the eyes and throat can also lead to an excess of drool in your canine. Rebecca is a veterinary surgeon who graduated in 2009 from the Royal Veterinary College in London. Veterinarians diagnose the condition by ruling out other causes of the signs. It is the most reliable way to guarantee that the medicine is getting into the dogs system and to prevent further vomiting. On top of this, the muscles are all relaxed, and theyre not consciously preventing drool and slobber from creeping out of the corners of their mouths. Dont give yourdog bones. If your Labrador, Alsatian or similar breed is drooling excessively, it may need investigation. The tongue heals rapidly after irritation and infection have been eliminated. In some cases, these other injuries can be life-threatening. Should I bring her to the vet? Occasionally, if the growths are numerous, the dog may bite them when chewing, causing them to bleed and become infected. If in doubt, be absolutely sure to contact your vet. Insect stings can cause sudden swelling of the tongue. With severe infection, care includes clipping the hair from the infected area. There are also anti-nausea and anti-anxiety medications available for your dog. A slobbery dog. Ginger pills, sold at health food stores, are another solution. As with any other part of the body, there can be medical problems involving the glands that produce the saliva. Here is a list of possible causes of vomiting in dogs, whether its acute (one-time, sudden instance) or chronic (happens often over time): Eating grass (which can be caused by something else), Gastritisor an upset stomach from eating garbage or spoiled food, Gastroenteritis(inflammation of the stomach and intestinal tract), Ingestion of toxic plantsor other toxins, Intestinal obstruction from a foreign body, Acute vomiting is something that comes on all of the sudden and has not been going on for a long time.. Canine peripheral ameloblastomas are benign but grow quickly. A chronic condition is one that goes on for a long time, and can be constant or every so often. 25+ years of experience. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). Otherwise, many will remain hidden in the mouth and progress to an advanced stage. It can be a sign of problems in the mouth such as dental issues or digestive problems caused by an obstruction or toxin, or nausea, or a number of more serious medical conditions. It can also be due to a contraction of the gall bladder before vomiting (usually on an empty stomach), resulting in bile in the stomach., Worms and other infectious organisms can cause vomiting in dogs. Ingesting a toxic substance, like poisonous plants, some human foods, household cleaning products, or yard chemicals, often causes sudden excessive salivation in dogs. Some dog breeds are more prone to drooling than others. Its most common in puppies that are around other dogs in group settings. There are a number of underlying causes for this condition (see list below ). The slobbering and excessive drooling in advance of this may be because they have an oral issue. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Hunger And Keep dangerous items away from them. Why do you need to know the difference? They include: Nausea Foreign Body (like a stick, or piece of a toy) caught in the mouth Cancer of the mouth Neurologic or functional disorder of the pharynx (throat) Salivary gland diseases Hiatal hernia Gastric Ulcers Neurologic disorders (Rabies, Pseudorabies, Botulism, Tetanus) Toxic If the stomach fills with air and then twists on itself, it can cut off the circulation and cause the dog to go into shock.. WebA foreign body A piece of stick or bone stuck in your dogs mouth could cause him to drool. my pug suffers with acid reflux and I've just noticed a small area of white saliva on the roof of his mouth. If you have introduced a new puppy to your home and your existing dog is drooling in their presence, it means that they are feeling anxious and worried. Licking areas of bacterial dermatitis or infected wounds may spread the infection to the lips and lip folds. The signs depend on the site of saliva accumulation. Vets suggest annual checkups to diagnose and treat diseases early. , If the vomiting has been going on for less than 12 hours, and your dog is perky and keeping down food and water, then it may be okay to wait and monitor the situation.. Porcupine quills, plant material, and other foreign materials may become embedded so deeply that they cannot be easily detected. Drinking out of puddles and community drinking bowls can cause some bacterial imbalances that may cause stomach upset in dogs. One medication that can cause dry mouth is Claritin, an antihistamine drug to treat allergies. Any abnormality can be the cause of his abnormal salivation. Your veterinarian will want to perform lab work to ensure your dog is not suffering a systemic infection in addition to the discolored salivation. Always use agradual approach. But is it still a problem? This can cause nausea, discomfort and pain. Squamous cell carcinomas affecting the tonsils spread rapidly and have a poor outlook. The condition may be worsened when poor oral hygiene results in high salivary bacterial counts. This drool may be the warning sign of a panic attack, so separate the dogs. Dogs often eat grass when they have an upset stomach, which can sometimes induce vomiting. If your dog is starting to drool uncharacteristically, cross-check all the possible reasons and get them checked out. At first, inflammation causes the area to be swollen and painful, but this initial stage is not usually noticed. We do not control or have responsibility for the content of any third-party site. Dont let your dog scavenge for food on walks or by having access to garbage cans. Fistulas are abnormal paths or openings between 2 organs in the body or from an organ inside the body to the body surface. The other day she was panting a lot and seemed to have a want to vomit at one point but never did. A major difference is that regurgitation doesnt involve abdominal heaving. But aside from it being a little nauseating and even inconvenient, it does naturally make us wonder and even worry why our dogs are drooling such thick saliva. In this case, the drooling should stop soon after the motion is over. Some causes are more serious than others, however, so well take a look at when you should be worried enough to contact your vet. If she is continuing to retch and is hacking continuously, then it would probably be best to have her seen today at an ER. An array of foreign bodies such as wood chips and fish hooks may cause trauma as well, leading to similar signs. Use for phrases Bernadine Cruz, MD, companion animal veterinarian, Laguna Hills, CA. There are a variety of reasons why a dog not prone to drooling might start drooling excessively. Several environmental or lifestyle factors can also contribute. In dogs, the most common types of malignant tumors are malignant melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and fibrosarcoma. 2023 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved. Some medications can also cause gagging, coughing, and repeated swallowing. 17 Very Common Reasons Why a Dog is Pacing and Unsettled. The dog may first develop vomiting, but severe cases can progress to neurologic signs and death. Although extraction may aid in control of the sores, it may not completely cure the problem, as plaque grows on all surfaces in the mouth and animals can continue to develop sores. There are some home remedies that you can try if your dog is having mild vomiting and not any of the serious symptoms mentioned earlier.. What should I do? WebDogs, like people, produce a thick liquid inside their mouths called saliva. More rarely, thick saliva can come as a result of rabies. Other signs include noisy breathing or a bulge on one This suggests that your pet has a problem, potentially in the form, Dog walking should be a fun, relaxing activity.