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My dog's face is swollen below his eye. Should I see a vet?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Papillon | Male | neutered | 4 years and 4 months old | 9 lbs

my dog has an area on his face larger than the other side it is just below the eye socket is this normal in dogs or should we take hime to vet

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on August 12, 2017

Hi there! I'll start off by saying that Nohk is very cute! I think you should definitely take him to the veterinarian. These could be tooth root abscesses among other possibilities. If that diagnosis is confirmed, further treatment will be recommended including antibiotics. These can cause a good amount of discomfort. Good luck with your boy!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Stacey Anstaett, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on February 3, 2019
Aww poor Puppy! If that came up pretty quickly, I suspect it may be an abscess that originated from either a tooth root or from somewhere else in her mouth. Put an e-collar on her to prevent her from damaging it, and get her in to the vet in the next day or 2 if at all possible. Feed her soft food. Your vet will determine appropriate treatment after examining it, but if they suspect or diagnose an abscess, your vet will probably prescribe antibiotics and may recommend sedating her for a thorough oral exam and possible X-rays of the tooth. Please don't give any over the counter pain medications at home.
Its possible, though I don't think likely, that its an allergic reaction. In that case, you can try giving a dose of Benadryl to see if that helps. see here for dosing info: https://www.petcoach.co/pet-medication/benadryl/
thanks for asking PetCoach!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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