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My dog fought. Her breath smells metallic, but no mouth wound. Help!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 40 lbs

Hi my dog got physical with my other dog, there is no wound on the gums or mouth ,but her breath smells like metal. can somebody help me?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Laura Johnson VMD

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on May 3rd, 2018

HI, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Moon!

If your dogs got in to a fight then it is possible that there is a wound in her mouth. Blood does smell like metal. It is difficult to find small wounds in the mouth of an awake dog. I want to reassure you that small wounds in the mouth usually heal quickly on their own. If you are not seeing blood, bloody drool, she is comfortable, isn't doing weird things with her mouth, is eating and drinking then I wouldn't worry. Another possibility is that during the fight one of the dogs expressed their anal glands. Anal glands well like sulfury, fishy, metallic stool. Check around both dogs hind ends. Clean them with soap and water if you notice the smell there.

I wish you the best!
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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