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My dog's face is swollen, Benadryl didn't help. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Coonhound - blue tick | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 2 months old | 12 lbs

Milo was in the old garden at my house. He was eating things in it and now his face is massively swollen. His left eye is swollen too. at first my family thought it was the typical pig ears that you give dogs to chew on. He has thrown up 2 times along with vigorous scratching and biting to his skin. We have given him Benadryl and it didn’t really help much. Please help! What should I do!

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Tomasz Wnuk

Veterinarian

Published on April 16th, 2020

It looks like allergic reaction. Milo could have been bitten or stung by an insect, it might be reaction to plants or pollen but it is less likely. If Benadryl hasn't helped, you need to take your dog to your local vets to get more potent anti-allergic medication by infection.

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    Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

    Published on September 12th, 2017

    I would worry that Barkley is having an allergic reaction. Often, if a dog is exposed to something that they are allergic to, it takes a number of days for it to get out of their system. Benadryl only works for about 8 hours, so I normally recommend that people continue Benadryl every 8 hours for a few days after something like that occurs. In order to help with your vet appointment on Friday, try to make a list of all of his food and treats and anything that could be new in the house or yard recently (laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, etc). If Barkley seems lethargic or has any trouble swallowing, eating, or breathing, it is a medical emergency, and he needs to be seen by a veterinarian immediately. I hope that helps! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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    Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

    Published on January 10th, 2018

    Yes, swelling around the eyes can be a part of an allergic reaction. We can treat allergic reactions with an anti-histamine like Benadryl or steroids. I have included a link on Benadryl below. Make sure that you are giving an appropriate dose. https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/dog/benadryl/ If his swelling is not resolving with Benadryl, then you may need to see your veterinarian for some steroids to stop his body's reaction. If Mable has any vomiting, trouble eating or swallowing, is lethargic or appears to have trouble breathing, it is a medical emergency and he needs immediate medical attention. Good luck! I hope that was helpful and that Mable is better soon. Thanks for using PetCoach.

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    Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 22nd, 2017

    I am so sorry to hear about Monty. Some dogs have more long-term allergic type reaction that can result in hives for a long period of time. These dogs often need systemic steroids for a few days or weeks. If he is distressed and his face is swelling despite the benadryl I would recommend a trip to the emergency vet tonight for another steroid injection and most likely they will give an oral steroid to take home.

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