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My dog's muzzle is suddenly swollen and sensitive. What's wrong?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 9 years and 2 months old | 45 lbs

One side of my dogs mouth/muzzle is swollen. I just noticed it today, so it is new. It appears sensitive to touch. I have tried looking in her mouth as was as inspecting the exterior of her mouth and did not notice anything out of the ordinary. Outside of seeming a bit tired, and her reaction when sensitive area is touched, her mood and behavior is normal.

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Maria DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 7th, 2018

I would recommend taking Rozzi to a veterinarian. I would call yours in the morning. It is difficult to say definitively what is going on but from the pictures it looks like a potential tooth root abscess. A tooth root abscess can appear as one side of the face or mouth is swollen. The way to treat this is antibiotics, pain meds and pulling the affected tooth. If the swelling gets worse overnight then I recommend an emergency veterinarian for a possible allergic reaction. I hope Rozzi feels better soon and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 22nd, 2019

    Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Rudy. Poor boy! That's quite swollen. He could be suffering an allergic reaction or could have a dental problem. Keep a close eye on him, and take him into the vet in the morning. Rush him into an ER vet if his face starts swelling or he has difficulty breathing. I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 16th, 2018

    There is really not a lot to see on the photos. If you think her mouth is swollen very much and if your dog has trouble breathing, she needs to be seen at a pet ER right away. However if the mouth is just swollen without any other problems, this may be an allergic reaction If it is not gone within 24-48 hours, I recommend you take Onyx to your veterinarian for an exam.

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 28th, 2017

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Missy! I am assuming that Missy's entire muzzle is swollen not just one area or her lips. I hope she is acting ok. If she is then call your Vet when they open and get her seen today. It could be an allergic reaction (from an insect bite) or puppy strangles (immune condition). If you have more specifics on how she is feeling or pictures that can clarify things please post again Good luck!

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