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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

2 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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Other Answers

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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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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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