Why is my dog's face swelling recurring and spreading to his leg?

If the Benadryl was effective, I would have expected to see a reduction in the swelling by now. Sometimes allergic reactions require stronger drugs to treat such a steroids, and it sounds like this may be the cause for Moose. Because the swelling hasn't reduced and the reaction appears to be progressing, it's time to see a vet immediately. Please take him into an ER vet clinic if your regular vet is closed; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website.

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It is very hard to tell from the image if the face is swollen on one side or not as we can't see both sides and don't know what his normal face looks like. That being said, if there is generalized (not a specific or discreet area) swelling of the muzzle, +/- around the eyes, +/- the ears, this is more consistent with a bee sting or insect bite and allergic reaction. This can be itchy as well. I would look for areas of hives or raised bumps on his body elsewhere. Ideally he would go to a vet to get a couple injections, one of a steroid (depending on how bad the swelling is and what other medications he is on, steroids can be very dangerous) and an anti-histamine. Without an exam by a vet, you shouldn't give any human medications to dogs, as the drugs may interact with medications he is on or conditions he might have. You vet might prescribe an anti-histamine (Benedryl is a common product used in the US. You MUST make sure diphenhydramine is the ONLY active ingredient as other human medications that are sometimes in anti-histamines can be very dangerous to dogs. The dose for a dog Hercules' size would be about 50-100mg by mouth up to three times a day). Other causes of swelling/lumps would be a bump or hit and swelling, infection, he could have something in his mouth, etc. If it is small lump/swelling and he doesn't seem bothered by it, the best thing to do might be to just monitor it for now. If it doesn't get bigger/more swollen or the swelling doesn't spread, then you can just keep an eye on it. If it isn't gone by 24-48 hours have it seen by a vet. Best of luck with Hercules, I hope he feels better soon.

That snout does look swollen. It is best to take her to your vet ASAP as you are doing as swelling of the face, neck, or head can quickly get serious. Your vet can give her a shot to help reduce the swelling quickly while they help find the cause of it. Bee stings and other insect bites can definitely cause swelling that quickly, especially if Candy ate a bee or wasp!

Hi there. Poor Rossi! The steroid shot and pills (I am assuming an antihistamine?) should be bringing down most of the swelling by now. If your pup is still edematous (swollen) and more bumps are forming-I urge you to take her back in for further evaluation as a sever reaction from her inciting sting or bite may be going on. I am glad she is still eating and drinking normally, this is a good sign-patients are just usually not so swollen this far out. She may need additional dosages of medications to help her. I hope she feels better soon!

Bobos could be suffering from an allergic reaction to a bite or sting, even if you cannot find a wound. If that is the cause of the swelling it should go away within 1-2 days. But he could also be suffering from a tooth root abscess, which is a condition that needs to be seen by a veterinarian. Check your dog's teeth and if you see a lot of tartar, if there is a bad smell and red gums it is very likely a tooth problem. If the swelling does not subside within 2 days you will need to have Bobos examined by a vet. Tooth abscesses are terribly painful. He would need a teeth cleaning under anesthesia, the abscessed tooth would need to be removed and Bobos will need antibiotics.

This is probably an allergic reaction due to an insect bite or a plant outside. those reactions tend to resolve within 48 hours without treatment. if the swelling becomes too large or if your dog is lethargic, take her to the vet in order to get an antihistamine injection.

It's probably an allergic reaction to either an insect, something in the environment or something he ingested. if it seems to just be getting worse you need to take him to the vet right now in order to get a steroid injection.