My dog has mouth ulcers and struggles to breathe. When to worry?

No, this won't be the cause of Gladstone's seizures. He needs to see a vet today. I suspect he has a severe dental problem causing the loss of appetite, and bad breath. He's in a lot of pain if he's pawing at his face, and you cannot leave him this way. He also needs to be treated for his seizures. Please take him into a vet now.

Marley has quite significant tartar on his teeth, and there is inflammation of the immediate gums. The white plaques you can see look like ulcers caused by the tartar rubbing on the gums. He will likely need some pain relief and antibiotics, but ultimately he will need the teeth cleaned. I don't think you need to rush him to the vet tonight, but I would try and get him in tomorrow as he could do with some pain relief.

Poor Luna! From the symptoms you are describing, I wonder if she may have chewed on something bitter or caustic - certain types of plants can cause blisters on the mouth and nausea, as well as toxins like drain cleaner or other household cleaners. You can try rinsing her mouth with fresh water if she will let you, and offering her some plain boiled chicken and rice to help settle her stomach. If this doesn't help, or if she develops any other symptoms like vomiting, not wanting to eat, or acting lethargic or weak, I would recommend having her seen by an emergency vet today since these can be signs of a serious problem.

That is faucitis (inflammation of the cavity at the back of the mouth – the fauces) and definitely not normal. That tissue should be biopsied and sent to a laboratory for analysis. There are many possible underlying causes. That biopsy will help to determine what is causing this.

It looks like Decoy most likely has developed an ulcer. The type of ulcer he has is something more commonly seen in cats, but can be seen in dogs on occasion. The typical treatment for it is steroids and antibiotics, which will have to be acquired through a veterinarian. While at the vet, they will also be able to examine it to make sure it is not a growth or mass of some sort. This would be extremely unusual in such a young dog so I wouldn't worry too much about it. The ulcers can be somewhat resistant and take a while to get rid of, but in the end they are usually something perfectly treatable.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Luana! I have seen viruses attack the oral mucosa and also hit the bone marrow causing low white and red blood cells. The ulcers could also be from electric chord chewing or licking something caustic. Other possibilities are cancer and immune mediated. If it is a virus her blood values should improve over several days. I would have her hospitalized on IV fluids and IV antibiotics, oral sucralfate for the ulcers and an oral chlorhexidine rinse. She should also be on pain medications. She should have CBC's to check the progression of her white count at least every other day. I wish you both the best!

If there is a secondary infection associated with the ulcer than it will help. If the ulcer is caused by trauma from his tongue touching his teeth than it might not help completely. If there is a veterinary dentist in your area than you could have your dog evaluated to see if there is anything that can be done with the teeth to help prevent the problem.