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My dog's eye is swollen from a bug bite. What home remedies help?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Yorkshire Terrier | Female | unspayed

My dog got bit by some type of insect and now her left eye is swollen

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 31st, 2016

Poor girl. Sometimes Benadryl can be tried in pets with an acute allergic reaction to insect bites with success. You can also try applying a cold compress on the swollen area for 5-10 minutes (if allowed) to reduce the swelling. As long as the swelling improves and does not spread over the next 24 hrs, and Sophia does not have any systemic effects (i..e lethargy, pale gums, heavy breathing, swelling around the neck), then she can potentially recover from this with antihistamines (i.e. diphenhydramine) alone. However some pets will require a steroid shot to stop the reaction, which your vet should be able to give Sophia if needed.

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 19th, 2020

    You can try giving Benadryl 50mg up to every 12 hours. If the swelling does not go down in 36 hours then she should see a vet. I also suggest you flush the eye with this eye gel in case there is an allergen in there causing the swelling: https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/vetericyn-plus-antimicrobial-pet-ophthalmic-gel

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    Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on November 5th, 2017

    Benadryl should not be given more than every 8 hours. But it sounds like it has been about that long since the last dose. Sometimes steroids may be needed to decrease the inflammation. Best of luck and I hope he improves soon.

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    Answered By Amy S. Eutsey, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 6th, 2018

    Poor little Harley. The appearance of this swelling is very concerning. It may have started out as an allergic reaction which responded to Benadryl, but I think what you have remaining as still swollen is more than just an allergy. I am quite concerned that this may be a large abscess or deep pocket of infection. Hatley needs to get to a veterinarian ASAP for an exam . The biggest concern here is the health of the eye. This area may need to be lanced and drained and I would suspect that she needs some antibiotics. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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    Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 17th, 2020

    Hello. The Benadryl was appropriate. If she will let you, you can put a cool compress over the eye to see if that brings the swelling down further. If the area surrounding the eye is still looking significantly swollen on Monday, than do have her examined for the possibility of an infection in the skin. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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