What does a dog's swollen face look like?
When a dog's face swells, an area of the face, eyes, ears, head or muzzle on your canine companion becomes abnormally large. Dogs can develop facial swelling gradually over a period of time or suddenly. These swollen areas may be of various shapes and sizes, waning or waxing under a numerous conditions, and these swollen areas may or may not be symmetrical. Regardless of the circumstances, your dog will likely need emergency veterinary attention if they develop a swollen face.
Sudden Facial Swelling in Dogs
Allergic reactions are the most common cause of sudden facial swelling in dogs, followed by trauma and tumors. Allergic reactions occur when the body attempts to defend itself against foreign cells. While the body's defence mechanisms are there to keep your dog safe and healthy, severe allergic reactions can cause harm to your pooch. It's important to watch for signs of swelling in your dog's face and have a vet determine the underlying cause.
Allergic reactions, trauma and tumors are typically accompanied by numerous symptoms like itchiness, and small bumps or hives along with facial swelling, so watch your dog's face closely for anything that appears to be abnormal.
Reasons Your Dog's Face May Swell
Here are the most commonly diagnosed causes behind facial swelling in dogs:
Allergies & Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions are the most common causes of swelling in dog's faces. Medications, bee stings, vaccinations, certain foods, bug bites, and exposure to pollen and certain toxins are just a few of the many potential allergens that can cause a dog's face to swell. While mild reactions tend to clear up with minimal intervention, severe reactions are a veterinary emergency and require immediate attention.
Allergies result in inflammation that may cause hives sand swelling on a dog's face. The eyelids and muzzle may appear especially swollen. You might also see red areas on your dog's skin or your dog become itchy and uncomfortable if they are experiencing an allergic reaction.
Severe allergic reactions in dogs can cause swelling, in addition to more severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing and seizures. These are life-threatening reactions and demand emergency medical attention.
Dental Conditions & Infections
Tooth decay and dental issues are two other common causes of facial swelling in dogs. Tooth abscesses are dental infections that can develop underneath the gumline, causing a pocket to fill with pus. This can lead to facial swelling. Fractured teeth, injuries to your dog's mouth and periodontal diseases are other potential causes of facial swelling.
Injuries & Trauma to the Face
Just like trauma can cause swelling in people's bodies, including the face, trauma can also cause your dog's face to become swollen. Whether as a result of a fall or a bite from another animal, a facial injury is another potential reason your dog may have a swollen face.
Cysts & Tumors
Benign and malignant tumors can cause facial swelling if they are growing on your dog's head or face. Tumors can cause pressure and facial pain. They may also be a symptom of cancer. If you suspect your dog may have a tumor on their face, we strongly recommend contacting your vet as soon as possible. Cysts (fluid-filled growths that are most often benign) can also develop on your pet's face and be confused for swelling. Cysts typically only require attention if they grow to an unignorable size.
Treatment for Facial Swelling in Dogs
Our emergency veterinarians are prepared to provide quality, compassionate emergency care at both of our O'Fallon and Kirkwood locations.
Treatment for facial swelling in dogs will vary depending on the correct diagnosis of the cause and the severity of the symptoms. The most common treatment might be lifestyle or dietary changes to remove the allergen or your veterinarian might prescribe an allergy medication to help relieve the symptoms. Always speak with your veterinarian before administering any medications or providing any treatment.
Preventing Swelling & Allergic Reactions
If you know of any allergies that your dog has then you should do your part to ensure that they have minimal contact with the trigger. Your vet may also recommend antihistamines to prevent swelling.
Your vet should also know about any previous reactions to vaccines your dog has had (including facial swelling) so your pooch can be treated in advance to minimize the reaction. If you notice that your dog has been stung by a bee, bitten by a bug, or otherwise exposed to an environmental allergen, treat the reaction right away with an antihistamine. Ask your vet for instructions.
When it comes to protecting your dog's dental health you should ensure ongoing routine dental checkups and cleanings. Start an at-home oral care routine and stick with it to reduce your dog's risk of developing a dental problem. This way, you'll be more likely to catch problems early on.
While trauma cannot always be prevented, it's always good to keep safety tips in mind. Do not let your dog play off-leash or roam free in non-fenced areas. Closely monitor interactions with other animals so you can prevent fights. If any kind of trauma occurs, get your dog to the vet right away.
A sad fact is that cancer and tumors cannot really be prevented. That said, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment may minimize damage to long-term health. If you notice your dog has a swollen face, it's important to act swiftly.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.