What should I do if my dogs face is swollen?

Swollen faces in dogs are typically a symptom of an underlying medical issue. Take your pup to the vet as soon as you can so it won’t develop into something more serious, such as teeth abscess, allergic reaction, or insect bite and stings. All of these have the potential to be fatal if not treated.

Why is my dog’s face swollen?

It can be alarming to see your pup having health issues, especially if it’s something that’s physically visible. 

Swollen faces in dogs can mean many things, but this article will discuss the most common ones. This will help you avoid this from happening in the future.

Abscess in their teeth

Just like how our faces get swollen if we’re suffering from toothache, dog’s faces react in the same way, too. If your pup has an infection in its mouth, it usually becomes swollen.

Dogs with poor dental hygiene usually suffer from these medical issues, and it usually goes unnoticed until the symptoms show up. Teeth abscess and other dental problems also show up if dogs always eat the following:

• Sticky treats.
• Low-quality dog food.
• Sugary food and drinks.

Sticky treats and other hard dog food get stuck in your dog’s mouth, becoming a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and germs. The same is true with food and drinks with high sugar levels - they help the growth of harmful bacteria in your dog’s mouth.

As much as you can, feed your dog only with high-quality dog food that contains ingredients that help with canine dental health.

We know brushing your pup's teeth can be tiring and time-consuming, but it’s a necessary step to help keep their mouths healthy.

They’re having an allergic reaction

There are a number of things that can trigger your dog’s allergies. From their environment to their food, all of these things can cause your dog’s face to swell.

Other symptoms of allergies in dogs include:

• Hives.
• Vomiting.
• Sneezing.
• Coughing.

If your pup displays these symptoms, including a swollen face, it’s best to bring it to the vet. They’ll be able to administer the medicine your furry friend needs.

You can also request an allergen test to help determine which food triggered their allergies.

Reminder: Some allergies can be fatal. Don’t delay bringing your dog to the vet.

They got bit by an insect

If you live near a forest or are vacationing in an area with many insects, then chances are your dog got bit by one of the critters present.

If you think this is the case, check the swollen area and look for a stinger. If you do find one, remove it gently, preferably using tweezers. Avoid squeezing the stinger, as it can still contain venom.

Once done, you can put a cold compress on the area to help reduce the inflammation.