facial swelling in dogs

Facial Swelling in Dogs

Overview of Facial Swelling in Dogs

Suddenly finding your pet with a swollen face can be quite startling. Determining the cause of the swelling can sometimes be challenging.

Causes of Canine Facial Swelling

There are a variety of causes of facial swelling, some more common than others. Sometimes, one part of the face swells, only half the face swells or the entire face may swell. Some causes may include:

Diagnosis of Facial Swelling in Dogs

A thorough physical exam and history can often lead your veterinarian to a diagnosis.

Treatment of Facial Swelling in Dogs

Treatment can vary depending on the cause of the facial swelling.

Home Care and Prevention

There is little home care for facial swelling. If the cause is due to an allergic reaction, oral diphenhydramine may be used initially but is often not effective.

Preventing facial swelling may not be possible. However, you may be able to prevent fights and bite wounds to reduce the risk of facial swelling due to infection.