Why Is My Dogs Face Swollen?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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If your pet’s face looks swollen, or lopsided, get your dog to a veterinarian immediately. Like people, dogs can be

allergic to chemicals, foods, plants, spider bites, bee stings, medication, or a vaccine

(though that’s rare).

What can I give my dog for a swollen face?

Yes,

Benadryl

is safe for dogs. You can use it to treat facial swelling from food allergies or itchiness due to skin allergies. It can also reduce other allergy-related symptoms, including redness, hives, and inflammation.

Why is only one side of my dog’s face swollen?


An abscess in the tooth root can cause painful swelling on one side of the face

. A gum infection can also cause facial swelling. Your dog will more than likely show signs of pain and may have difficulty eating as well. If your dog has a tumor, it may be the source of the swelling.

How long does an allergic reaction last in dogs?

The swelling occurs 30 minutes to a few hours after the exposure. A veterinarian will often give dogs with this reaction an antihistamine injection. Untreated, it may take

a day or two

for the swelling to subside. A different reaction we see 6 to 24 hours after exposure to the antigen is hives.

Can I give my dog Benadryl for swollen face?

Vets commonly use it to treat environmental allergies and allergic reactions to insect bites or stings. It can also be used as a pre-treatment for possible vaccine reactions. But

if your pet is having an acute allergic reaction with facial swelling or difficulty breathing, take them straight to the vet

.

Is my dog having an allergic reaction?

Itchiness and Hives


If you notice your dog scratching a lot or see hives or redness on his skin, then he may have an allergy

. These reactions are common in all types of allergies. If they are the only symptoms you notice, you can wait a day or two before scheduling a vet visit.

Why does my dog have a lump on her cheek?


Most lumps are fatty tumors

, though. These are benign, meaning not cancerous. Fewer than half of lumps and bumps you find on a dog are malignant, or cancerous. Still, they can look the same from the outside, so it’s hard to tell.

What does a dog allergy look like?


a skin rash that is red or consists of small, red, raised bumps called hives

. nasal congestion. a runny nose and sneezing. itchy, red, and watering eyes.

When should I take my dog to the vet for an allergic reaction?

Signs of severe allergic reactions that warrant an immediate visit to an emergency veterinarian include:

Collapse

.

Difficulty breathing due to inflammation or swelling of the throat/airway

.

Shock (e.g., an elevated heart rate, low blood pressure)

What can I give my dog for allergic reaction?


Benadryl

is a great medication for use in dogs with mild-to-moderate allergies. Seasonal allergies, food allergies, environmental allergies, and allergic reactions to snake and insect bites all respond to Benadryl in most cases.

How much Benadryl can a 5 pound dog have?

The calculation for Benadryl is quite simple, it just 1mg per lb , so for a 5 lb dog it would be

around 5mg

. Since Benadryl comes in 25mg usually this is close to 1/4 tablet and there is a wide safety margin for Benadryl so 1 or 2 mg above or below is well tolerated. Expect some drowsiness just like in humans.

What is the most common allergy in dogs?

The most common allergens are

beef, dairy, wheat, egg, chicken, lamb, soy, pork, rabbit, and fish

. And, most dogs are usually allergic to more than one thing.

Why is my cheekbone swollen?

Share on Pinterest Swollen cheeks

may indicate a facial infection, a tooth abscess, or another medical condition

. The area of swelling can help a doctor identify the problem. For example, an infection may cause swelling in only one cheek.

What natural remedy can I give my dog for allergies?


A medicated shampoo or soothing bath containing colloidal oatmeal and aloe vera

can help relieve itchiness for your pet. Aloe contains acemannan (a glycoprotein), which provides relief from itching and inflammation.

Can dog allergies go away?

Outgrowing allergies to animals is possible but not probable. Also,

even those allergies can go away; they can come back again later in life

. Keeping pets will not help to acclimate to allergies either. For some people, allergy symptoms can be worse in some seasons, especially in the heat when animals shed more.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.