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Dog's mouth won't open wide after old bite. Why the bad smell?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Pit Bull Terrier | Female | spayed | 3 months and 11 days old | 40 lbs

We now have a sweet year and a half old Pitbull. But when she was 8 weeks she was bitten severely by a Doberman and the previous owner didn’t even take her to the vet until 3 weeks later with a severe infection. After the antibiotics were given they never took her back to the vet and now she can’t open her mouth but maybe half inch. She eats well with soft food and drinks okay , but what’s going to happen to the inside of her mouth? I give her kisses on her nose and it doesn’t smell good

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Davis

Veterinarian

Published on April 2nd, 2018

Ellie is adorable! This is an unusual problem. I recommend discussing this with your veterinarian and have them look into the mouth if they can to look at her teeth. I would give her anti inflammatory medication, sedate her and gently stretch the mouth to get it to open more. Then they can examine the mouth and clean the teeth if needed. She has scar tissue keeping the mouth from opening but with heat, pain medication and steady pressure for 10-20 minutes while under anesthesia this should be able to be stretched open more. My dog had a similar scar problem and that what I did to improve the range of motion. She may not get to normal but it should improve the jaw mobility. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Ellie.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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