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My dog has swollen face, hives, vomiting, bloody diarrhea. What to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 7 months old | 40 lbs

Charlie woke up yesterday with a swolen face and hives was told to give him benadryl. My pore baby has had bad diahreah I believe he's had some blood in his poop and he's been throwing up everything he eats. He's moping and sad. I'm sure he's in pain I'm so scared what could it be!!! What do i do. I can't afford a vet bill. Ik irresponsible but it can't happen. Please help... thanks in advance. First pic is after he woke up.sec. is after a cold bath third is today of his lips all red.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 30th, 2017

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Allergic reactions after bug bites in dogs can result in a swollen face, and can also result in some gastritis (vomiting and diarrhea). It looks like the swelling is improving which is good. I would suggest a vet visit if you can for the vomiting and diarrhea, however if that isn't possible then I would suggest to feed a bland diet of boiled/boneless/skinless chicken breasts and boiled rice, in small frequent meals for the next couple days. This will heal up a mild gastritis. The swelling will take time to come down, so just monitor that it isn't getting worse. If the diarrhea continues or if it becomes very bloody (looks like jam) then you will need to figure out how to take him to a vet. Best of luck with Charlie!

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    Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    It sounds as if Charlie is having a pretty severe allergic reaction to something. We typically think of a big reaction causing hives and redness throughout the skin, but it can also cause vomiting and diarrhea as well. And in very severe cases there can be blood in the vomit and diarrhea. Of course it would be best if you could take your dog into the vet to be checked out but if you can't do that at this time then I would continue to give them Benadryl three times a day. Sometimes dogs like this also need a course of steroids to help stop the reaction and medication to help with the vomiting and diarrhea. If Charlie is still acting abnormal after about 48 hours then you will need to take him to the vet. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

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