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Why are my dog's lips swollen, drooling, and dark around mouth folds?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Bulldog | Female | spayed | 5 years and 6 months old | 90 lbs

Swollen lips, drooling, darkened skin around folds on mouth

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 5th, 2018

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern! Based on the photos you provided, I would suspect this to be an allergy or dermatitis from some type or irritant. Lip fold dermatitis can occur where there is excess skin causing saliva to become trapped leading to inflammation / irritation of the skin. I would recommend using the below products, which can be found online quite easily. I hope this helps! If there is no improvement or the condition worsens, I would recommend having a veterinarian examine Annie so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made.

1. Douxo PS Chlorhexidine combination shampoo and bathe twice weekly until resolved
2. Malacetic conditioning spray and apply to the affected area twice daily until resolved
3. Zymox topical ointment and apply twice daily until resolved.

6Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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