What to do if my dog has a swollen eye and I can't afford a vet?

Question

I noticed my dog's right side of her face, just above her eye, was swollen on Sunday. Yesterday the swelling got a little bigger and today her whole eye is closed because of the swelling. I dont see any bite marks or wounds on her. Something similar to this happened over a year ago but it wasnt as bad. It was because she got stung by a bee and it went away after a day or so. I cant afford the medical bill right now so i need to know if I can do anything myself to help her. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 65 lbs

Stacey Anstaett, DVM · Accepted Answer

A photo may help us have a better idea (not sure if you tried to attach photo, but there is not one, so if you did try, it didn't work :( ). It is possible that it is an abscess, even if you don't see any bite marks or obvious wounds. Based on how quickly you describe that the swelling started, that is my biggest suspicion. Unfortunately there is not a lot you can do at home for that; ideally try to work out a way to get her in to see the vet in the next couple of days (if she's still eating and drinking and isn't lethargic or showing other symptoms, its not an absolute emergency). Left untreated, the abscess will eventually rupture and ooze puss. This may happen soon (before you're able to take her to the vet.). If that occurs, wash the area with a clean, wet cloth. You can also use some dilute betadine (an antiseptic you can find at the pharmacy-- its dark brown in color and you want to get a bowl of water and just add enough betadine to look like tea) to clean the area. If you clean the area diligently with dilute betadine a couple of times a day after it ruptures, it* may* heal ok on its own. HOWEVER, it is highly preferable to get her to a vet, because if this is an abscess, you are MUCH less likely to experience complications (such as systemic infection, spread of infection that may affect the eye, etc) if you get her into a vet so that antibiotics and appropriate drainage/care of the abscess can be achieved. Please try to get her into see a vet. I'm sorry, I wish I had an "at home" solution for you. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

What to do if my dog has a swollen eye and I can't afford a vet?

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