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My dog has bad breath, drooling, snorting, and a dry nose. Why?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | neutered | 9 years and 5 months old | 50 lbs

Dog has developed REAL BAD breath, exs drooling, one side of nose is dry crusty now keeps snorting and coughing, no health problems apart from that given penicillin from vet which stopped bad breath since course has finished all has come back and smells so bad. No diarrhoea ect just oral smell , nose dry red crusty, coughing and snorting drooling excessively which smells. Vets want over £400 to put him under which i can't afford. His teeth are clean as far as I can see. Abscess maybe? #hefedup

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Amy S. Eutsey, DVM

Answered By Amy S. Eutsey, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 18th, 2018

Hello. I’m sorry for your frustration, but some further investigation by a veterinarian is needed in order to determine what is going on. A thorough oral exam to look not only at the teeth but under the tongue, and all over the inside of the mouth for evidence of any growths, foreign bodies, etc would be the first step. This often requires sedation and dental X-ray may be helpful. Leo could also have something in his sinus or nasal cavity.....something stuck in there, a growth or polyp or just a deep seated chronic infection. Sedation to examine above his soft palate and then to flush his nasal passages would be recommended. If these things are not done to try to find the underlying problem, all you can do is continue to try antibiotics. If penicillin has been tried twice, it’s time to move on to a more broad spectrum one. However, I would be concerned that there is something more going on and the additional investigation would be best.
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Sarah Derksen, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 18th, 2018

    Hi. He most likely is experiencing dental disease. Sometimes when bad enough it can affect sinuses as well. I would recommend getting him examined and having your veterinarian plan a dental cleaning. There isnt anything else that will help from home unfortunately or over the counter. The antibiotics qorked because it killed bacteria in the mouth. Good luck.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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