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Puppy bad breath, drooling, shaking: Is a tooth abscess an emergency?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Yorkshire Terrier | Female | unspayed | 7 months and 11 days old

Puppy with halitosis for two days, just started drooling and shaking a few hours ago. Is this a medical emergency or can I wait till morning to go to vet? Also, several retained baby teeth so I’m wondering if she has an abscessed tooth?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 10th, 2018

It definitely appears that something is causing an infection in the mouth. Diseased teeth could be the cause, but could also be due to a laceration in the mouth, or a foreign object stuck in her mouth. The drooling is likely due to the mouth problem, but the shaking is a bit worrying. This could indicate pain, but in worse cases could indicate shock. Unfortunately, I would need more information and in order to determine if this is an emergency or not. For this, you would be better off having an online consult with one of our vets. This service does cost a little, but may save you in emergency fees.

I hope that helps and Puppy gets better soon.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
IT's probably a tooth infection indeed, it could also be the baby teeth that are in the process of falling, it often causes halitosis. this isn't an emergency and can definitely wait for the morning.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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