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My dog's eye is very swollen again after Benadryl. What should I do now?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 2 years and 11 months old | 50 lbs

Woke up and right side of dogs mouth was swollen, along with a little swollen on top of her nose, and left eye. Gave benadryl 50mg at 9am. By 1145 am, all swelling was gone. Then, at 4pm, swelling returned but only around her eyes. Gave 25mg at 4. Right eye is very swollen now. Wondering if I could give 50mg more or what else to do...anything helps.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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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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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 10th, 2019

    It seems like the benedryl is not stopping the reaction, some pets have a stronger reaction and thus need a stronger medication like a steroid. I recommend to call the emergency clinic (or your regular veterinarian if they are open) and see if they can see her tonight. They will likely administer a steroid injection and may send you have with pills as well. Its hard to say what started the reaction, we often suspect spider bites or contact with another biting/stinging insect. I hope Nala's swelling go down and she recovers uneventfully!

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    Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 2nd, 2019

    Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Benedryl is usually given at 2-4mg/kg, so for a 73lb dog (33kg) , this would be 60-120mg, and this can be given up to three times a day. I do not recommend giving Prednisone if it hasn't been prescribed by your vet, because if your dog is on other medications it can cause serious side effects, and also is hard on the liver and gut. Best of luck with Rosemary!

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