My dog was bitten and has a swollen head and neck. Is it serious?

A sudden swollen face is usuaally caused by some allergy, either an insect bite or an environmental allergy, or could also be a rattle snake bite. Check for oozing little wounds, there would be a little blood oozing but not coagulating. If you find those on the head, your dog likely was bitten by a snake and needs to be seen by a vet right away. If your dog has breathing problems, vomits or is lethargic, he should also be seen by a veterinarian right away. If he is happy, eats and drinks, you can observe the swelling and it should go down within 24 hours. Of course you can also take him to the vet if he is not in distress. The vet will give him an exam and likely an antihistamine and/or steroid injection.

Swelling of the face and mouth/facial swelling are often initial symptoms of an anaphylactic/allergic reaction. These reactions can occur in dogs after vaccines, after exposure to a food or substance they are allergic to, or after a bite from an insect. As it is impossible to predict whether an anaphylactic reaction will remain localized or progress to trouble breathing, which can be life threatening, it is safest to contact a 24 hour vet for Bella at this time to have her seen. The ER may recommend a treatment plan including anti-histamines, corticosteroids +/- epinephrine and montitoring until the selling has gone down. They will also likely recommend an at home dose for Benadryl after establishing a valid patient/client relationship if this should occur again as it is uncertain at this point what Bella is allergic to. Wishing Bella a quick recovery!

It sounds like your dog has developed an abscess from being bitten, and he needs to see a vet immediately. The abscess will need to be drained and flushed sterilely, and he will need antibiotics to treat the infection. Please take him into a vet now.

Any head trauma resulting in noticeable swelling should be addressed as soon as possible by your veterinarian. If your vet is unavailable, go to the nearest veterinary ER. Restrict Tuffy's activity until she sees the doctor. Do not medicate her without the advice of a vet. Keep her warm and as stress free as possible until she gets to the clinic or hospital.

He probably got bitten by either a snake or an insect, the swelling is very severe you need to try and find a vet clinic that provide out of hours service today as he might not survive, especially if it is a snake bite.

I'm so sorry this happened to Dabbu. He really needs to be seen by a veterinarian. He is sitting in the corner because he hurts. Dogs do not have very clean mouths so when they bite they often inject bacteria into the bite wounds and it doesn't take long for bites to become infected. Therefore, Dabbu may have infected wounds and a fever. He really should go to a vet and get those wounds treated. He will likely need some antibiotics and some anti-inflammatory/pain medication so he will feel better. I wish there was some treatment I could tell you to do at home but without seeing the wounds myself there is nothing I can tell you and I certainly cannot prescribe mediation over the internet. It is really best to get him looked at. I hope this helps. Best wishes to you and Dabbu. Dr. Amber

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question. Oh my, that is quite swollen, and I'd be concerned that this swelling could increase and affect her breathing. This is a medical emergency and cannot be treated at home. Please take her into a vet immediately to get this treated. Best of luck.