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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.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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.

7Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Related Questions

My dog has a firm, swollen spot on his muzzle. What could it be?

Hi. That is definitely some severe swelling. Due to its location and presentation, I would be very concerned about a tooth root abscess. These can occur even if the crown of the tooth appears normal. It takes an x-ray to fully diagnose it. Other possible causes of swelling like this in a young dog could include a bite from insect or spider, injury, trauma, or infection. I recommend getting him to your veterinarian to be checked out tomorrow.

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My dog's snout is swollen and painful to touch. What's wrong?

Roxie may have gotten bitten or stung by something to cause that location reaction which can be painful. An infected tooth can also cause a swelling in the area. If she is eating and drinking well and acting normal otherwise, then keep her quiet tonight and have your vet check for dental disease tomorrow. If she is lethargic and the swelling gets worse, than I would have her check at an ER tonight

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Why does my dog's face keep swelling on one side and getting bigger?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Based on the swelling's location, this is possibly due to a tooth root abscess. This is something your veterinarian could check for on an examination and treat if confirmed. This is something that is treated with local therapy including drainage, debridement and antibiotics. Good luck and have a great day!

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Health & Wellness

My dog's mouth and nose are swollen. Could it be an allergic reaction?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is most likely an allergic reaction. He needs to see a veterinarian as soon as possible. This is typically treated with steroids and anti-histamine medications and they do well if treated promptly. Have a good night!

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My dog's head is swollen, warm, and tender. Is it an allergy or bite?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is not possible to know what is exactly going on just based on a picture. This could be due to an infection or an allergic reaction for example. I would highly recommend that you have her evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check for these possibilities and treat accordingly. Good luck!

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My dog's mouth is swollen, he won't eat or drink. What can I do?

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. I would recommend having this examined by a veterinarian. This type of swelling we can see with severe tooth root abscesses. It is likely reksio will need a course of oral antibiotics and an anti inflammatory. I would get this seen sooner rather than later as this type of infection will conti i.e. to grow bigger until the infection is treated and the tooth removed that is causing the problem otherwise, this can rupture through the skin and he will be left with a large wound on the face. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog's face swelled overnight. What could it be and what to do?

I am suspicious that he has An abscess (infection). In that location it could be from a tooth, or some sort of trauma or migrating foreign object. I would highly encourage you to have him evaluated by a veterinarian soon. This likely needs antibiotics, and possibly surgery as well. In the meantime I would warm compress the area several times a day. This may encourage the abscess to drain which is what we want. Best of luck and I hope he improves soon.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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