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My puppy smells like vinegar. Is this normal or a sign of illness?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Female | spayed | 9 months and 21 days old | 12 lbs

Puppy smells of vinegar

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 7th, 2016

This odor can be a sign of diabetes, which would be rare in a puppy this young, but not impossible, or a fungal infection (malassezia and/or yeast) which is common. Kidney disease and mouth ulcers can also cause such odors. Please have Madison examined by your veterinarian, as this odor is not normal.

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