Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My pet's cheek is suddenly swollen. Is it an emergency? What to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Hi so when I came home today her cheek was super swollen and I'm not sure what to do

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on October 20th, 2020

Oh wow that is very swollen. This could be due to a dental problem or it could be an allergic reaction. Without seeing her in person, I can't say for certain what is causing it. I can say it's swollen enough to need an immediate vet visit. I strongly urge you to take her into a vet right away to get this diagnosed and treated. Best of luck.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My maltipoo had a swollen cheek (closer to her eye) last Friday. Took her in to see the vet, they think it might be an abscessed tooth. Have her pain and swelling relief meds. Which I’ve been giving to her twice a day. First few days swelling went do
If she has a tooth abscess, there isn't much an emergency vet is going to be able to do (other than the pain medications and antibiotics she's already on), but if she's really uncomfortable or won't eat, then it may be worthwhile. Otherwise, continue with the medications and have her seen tomorrow at her regular clinic. I hope she's feeling much better after Thursday!!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
New Pet
My puppy with an over night development of her throat and check swelling. It almost looks like an anaesthesia tooth what could it be?
This sounds like an allergic reaction to possibly an insect bite or some other allergen. If your dog has respiratory problems (breathing difficulty) she needs to be seen by a veterinarian or in a Pet ER for an exam right away. If she has no trouble breathing you can observe this and the swelling should go away within 24 hours. However if it does not, take Dimond to a veterinarian tomorrow.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dog has swollen face. One side only. What can I do?
I am sorry to hear about Pepper! A swollen face can be caused by a variety of issues, including an allergic reaction, a bite from an insect, or an abscessed tooth to name a few. These are all treated with different medications, so it is recommended to bring Pepper in to the vet to examine her to determine what is causing the swelling and how best to treat her. If the swelling is increasing in size or she is struggling to breath it is a medical emergency and she should be seen immediately.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Hi my pets cheek is swollen on one side, I'm not sure if it's an injury or something else please help
A swollen cheek can be caused by either an infected tooth or an allergic reaction. If the are is irritating for Archie or seems to bother him, then an allergic reaction is more likely. At any rate it’s best to get your vet to examine Archie to either treat this with steroids for a reaction or get a dental cleaning scheduled for an infected root tooth abscess. Best of luck moving forward with Archie and I hope this swelling resolves soon! Take care.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Hi there, my Golden Retrievers snout and mouth area have completely puffed up and are so swollen. We have checked for ticks/bites and can’t seem to find any and at this stage she is acting/breathing normally. It is 1:30am here should I contact a 24 h
Swelling of the face and mouth/facial swelling are often initial symptoms of an anaphylactic/allergic reaction. These reactions can occur in dogs after vaccines, after exposure to a food or substance they are allergic to, or after a bite from an insect. As it is impossible to predict whether an anaphylactic reaction will remain localized or progress to trouble breathing, which can be life threatening, it is safest to contact a 24 hour vet for Bella at this time to have her seen. The ER may recommend a treatment plan including anti-histamines, corticosteroids +/- epinephrine and montitoring until the selling has gone down. They will also likely recommend an at home dose for Benadryl after establishing a valid patient/client relationship if this should occur again as it is uncertain at this point what Bella is allergic to. Wishing Bella a quick recovery!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
How would I know if my dog is in pain his cheek is swollen and I don't know if he is in pain he isn't whinning he lets me touch it and he is playing and eating a little I'm not sure its cause he had quite a few treats or if it due to pain we switched
Hello and welcome to Boop by Petco. It is very hard to tell from the image if the face is swollen on one side or not as we can't see both sides and don't know what his normal face looks like. That being said, if there is generalized (not a specific or discreet area) swelling of the muzzle, +/- around the eyes, +/- the ears, this is more consistent with a bee sting or insect bite and allergic reaction. This can be itchy as well. I would look for areas of hives or raised bumps on his body elsewhere. Ideally he would go to a vet to get a couple injections, one of a steroid (depending on how bad the swelling is and what other medications he is on, steroids can be very dangerous) and an anti-histamine. Without an exam by a vet, you shouldn't give any human medications to dogs, as the drugs may interact with medications he is on or conditions he might have. You vet might prescribe an anti-histamine (Benedryl is a common product used in the US. You MUST make sure diphenhydramine
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dog is swollen and I don’t know why’s she’s been fine all day
Poor Oreo! Please call a vet near you to have her seen immediately to help treat the swelling, as this could be an allergic reaction, and could become life threatening. Oreo may have ingested something she is allergic to or have been bitten/stung by something she is allergic to, and your vet can help direct treatment to help prevent worsening of her symptoms. If you notice any difficulty breathing that is an emergency situation, as it could indicate a severe allergic reaction, and requires immediate vet care. Good luck and I hope she feels better soon!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Hello sir/mam, my cat has a swelling on her left cheek.She is not doing well from quite some days.She is an outdoor cat.She stays with us from long tym around 8 years.She will not allow anyone from outside to touch her and we cannot let her come with
Hi and thanks for posting on Boop by Petco! Swelling on the left cheek could indicate a dental or tooth infection, abscess, oral mass, enlarged lymph node, or perhaps a cutaneous fungal infection. It is hard to say for sure without examining her first. Unfortunately there is really nothing that can be done at home for this and it is very hard to determine what medication would work without getting a diagnosis first. I would recommend she see a veterinarian for an exam so a diagnosis can be made and he can start receiving the most appropriate medication.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dog, his face has been swollen for a couple of days
This could be caused by an allergic reaction or possibly an infection. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
I woke up this morning to my dogs face swollen really bad what do I do
A sudden swollen face is usuaally caused by some allergy, either an insect bite or an environmental allergy, or could also be a rattle snake bite. Check for oozing little wounds, there would be a little blood oozing but not coagulating. If you find those on the head, your dog likely was bitten by a snake and needs to be seen by a vet right away. If your dog has breathing problems, vomits or is lethargic, he should also be seen by a veterinarian right away. If he is happy, eats and drinks, you can observe the swelling and it should go down within 24 hours. Of course you can also take him to the vet if he is not in distress. The vet will give him an exam and likely an antihistamine and/or steroid injection.
Updated on September 24th, 2025

Related Searches

Pet Pharmacy Dog Medicine and Prescriptions Dog Health & Wellness Prescription Allergy Medicine for Dogs Dog Blood Pressure Medication Cat Medicine Dog Seizure Medication Prescription Cat Allergy Medicine Dog Asthma Medication Prescription Dog Antibiotics Chlorpheniramine Pet Pharmacy Amlodipine Pet Pharmacy Amlodipine Besylate Pet Pharmacy Clavamox Pet Pharmacy Amlodipine Besylate Prescriptions for Small Animals & Other Pets Enalapril Pet Pharmacy Apoquel Pet Pharmacy Dexamethasone Pet Pharmacy Clindamycin Pet Pharmacy Amlodipine Besylate Dog Medicine and Prescriptions
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored