Facial swelling in dogs can have a range of causes, from benign to serious or even life-threatening. Different types of swelling may have different treatments, but regardless of what causes the swelling, you should take your dog to the vet as soon as possible.
Take Your Dog to the Vet
If you notice that your dog’s face is swelling, take them to the vet right away. You should not try to diagnose your pet at home. It can be difficult for a pet owner to tell what is causing the swelling and if you don’t get it correct, then there’s a risk to your dog’s health and life. On top of that, if the swelling gets worse and reaches the dog’s throat, it could inhibit breathing. It’s best to take your dog to the vet right away so the vet can diagnose the swelling and treat it promptly.
Learn What Caused the Facial Swelling
Facial swelling in dogs can be caused by a variety of different things. These can range from allergies to dental problems to tumors. What the cause of the swelling is will determine the course of treatment to reduce the swelling.
Allergies
Animals can have allergic reactions, just like humans can. Dogs can be allergic to some of the following:
- Plants
- Foods
- Medications
- Bee stings
- Spider bites
An allergic reaction can spread to the windpipe and prevent your dog from breathing, so it’s vital to get your dog to the vet right away if you notice swelling, discoloration of the gums, difficulty breathing, or if your dog passes out. The vet’s treatment may depend on what caused the allergic reaction but may include antihistamines, a change in diet, steroids, or antibiotics.
Dental Problems
If your dog has a gum infection, abscessed tooth, tooth infection, tooth fracture, or other dental problem, it can cause the face to swell. Other symptoms of dental problems can include:
- Depression
- Fever
- Pain
- Not eating
The vet will need to treat the dental issue, which may involve removing a tooth or prescribing a round of antibiotics for your dog.
Tumors
Tumors can be either benign or cancerous, but if they grow in the mouth or throat, they can cause facial swelling. Even if the tumor isn’t cancerous, it’s important for the vet to remove it. Other symptoms of a tumor can include bleeding, odor, and not eating.
Abscesses
A bite or other type of injury can turn into an abscess, which is a bacterial infection-caused tender mass that usually is filled with pus. An abscess can cause a dog’s face to swell, often in a lopsided way. Abscesses are very painful and may result in your dog refusing to eat or drink. A vet will treat an abscess with anti-inflammatory medication, antibiotics, or even surgical draining to remove the pus.
Treat Your Dog
After you’ve taken your dog to the vet and your vet has diagnosed the cause of the swelling, it’s time for your dog’s treatment. Depending on the cause of the swelling, surgery may be involved. The vet may prescribe medication that you’ll need to give to your dog. Follow your vet’s instructions so that your dog receives the best possible care and can get healthy as quickly as possible.
