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Dog's face swollen from allergies. Can I give Benadryl and how much?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 2 years old | 48 lbs

My dog is suffering an alergic reaction to something, her face is swollen. Can I give her benedryll & what dose?

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 23rd, 2018

Check for any injuries or sting marks. If there are puncture wounds that ooze blood this may be a snake bite and you need to take Rikke to a vet right away. If it is an allergic reaction and not a swollen face due to snake bite, or a tooth root abscess or injury in the mouth or obstructed salivary duct or swollen salivary gland, then you can try Benadryl. Unfortunately we are not in a position legally to give out dosages. In order to do legally so we would have to have a patient-veterinarian-owner relationship with you. However you can look up a description of Benadryl as a medication here: https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/dog/benadryl/ If you suspect anything else beside allergy, if your dog is lethargic, has breathing problems or starts to vomit or gets diarrhea, you will need to take Rikke to a pet emergency room for an exam and treatment.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    It’s always best to consult with your vet before giving any medication especially if there is a history of any health problems or if Rikke is on any other medications. This article has more information about Benadryl dosing: https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/dog/benadryl/ If there is significant facial swelling or hives then often injectable medication and/or a corticosteroid is required. If you do decide to give Benadryl and the swelling does not resolve in 30 minutes you should see an emergency vet.

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    Answered By Susan England-Foster

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 12th, 2017

    Poor Nala! It is possible nala is having an allergic reaction causing her to have facial swelling and hives. Since you have already administered Benadryl I would monitor her for trouble breathing, increased facial swelling/hives, itchiness, vomiting and diarrhea. If at any time these occur I would take her to a veterinarian. Also, if the hives do not resolve with Benadryl she should seek additional care. Hope nala starts feeling better soon.

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    Answered By Tomasz Wnuk

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 3rd, 2020

    Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It does look like a bad allergic reaction. If Benadryl has not helped at all, please take your dog to your vets to get a stronger anti-histamine mediation by injection or steroids injection.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 14th, 2017

    It sounds like you have done everything you can for her at home, and now she needs to see a vet. She will need stronger medications to stop the reaction, which can only be prescribed by a vet. I would take her into an ER vet or find a vet on call to see her ASAP.

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