Dog swollen, bumpy, diarrhea after vet. Allergic reaction? Emergency?

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. There seems to be two different types of 'spots' on Baxter. The pinky raised ones look like an allergic reaction, and the type that is usually caused by a bug bite. This would also make his ears swell and maybe his face including his muzzle/jowels and around his eyes. This will go away with time, and you can give him Benedryl as well, at a dose of 2mg/kg (which is about 50mg for a dog of Baxter's size). Please make sure the only active ingredient is Diphenhydramine, and that you don't get a 'non-drowsy' version as these have other drugs that are VERY toxic to dogs . The other spots that are only on his left side, under his left arm and down his left side, look like bruising on the picture, and more of a scratch, almost like road rash. If this is new as well then I would recommend getting Baxter seen right away, especially if he has no history of a big trauma. The bruising is especially worrying if he hasn't had a big hit/accident, as it is worrying for a clotting disorder. Best of luck with Baxter.

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!

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Allergic reactions after bug bites in dogs can result in a swollen face, and can also result in some gastritis (vomiting and diarrhea). It looks like the swelling is improving which is good. I would suggest a vet visit if you can for the vomiting and diarrhea, however if that isn't possible then I would suggest to feed a bland diet of boiled/boneless/skinless chicken breasts and boiled rice, in small frequent meals for the next couple days. This will heal up a mild gastritis. The swelling will take time to come down, so just monitor that it isn't getting worse. If the diarrhea continues or if it becomes very bloody (looks like jam) then you will need to figure out how to take him to a vet. Best of luck with Charlie!

It is best to get him to a vet. This sounds like an allergic reaction that can progress to worse symptoms where he has trouble breathing which can be serious. In the meantime you can give him one Benadryl capsule or tablet (25mg) to see if that helps.

Check and see if he has any scratches or cuts that need to be cleaned. If he does, clean them gently with a clean washcloth and tap water. Do not use hydrogen peroxide as this will be very irritating to the damaged skin and if it gets in his eyes it could cause damage to his cornea. You can use some dilute Betadine (available at any pharmacy-- put some water in a cup and add just enough Betadine so that it looks like tea) if you are wanting to use something that is an antiseptic (kills bacteria). You can give him some Benadryl, as the swelling could be due to an allergic reaction from the bush. See the attached article for dosing information. If he is pawing at his face, put an E-collar (cone of shame) own him so he doesn't scratch his skin or eyes. If he isn't looking better in the morning, or if he is getting more uncomfortable, more swollen, or starts vomiting or showing any other symptoms, seek emergency veterinary care. https://www.petcoach.co/pet-medication/benadryl/ Thanks for asking PetCoach!

If the Benadryl was effective, I would have expected to see a reduction in the swelling by now. Sometimes allergic reactions require stronger drugs to treat such a steroids, and it sounds like this may be the cause for Moose. Because the swelling hasn't reduced and the reaction appears to be progressing, it's time to see a vet immediately. Please take him into an ER vet clinic if your regular vet is closed; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Berkley. He may be experiencing an allergic reaction. It could be to something in his diet (even if nothing new has been introduced) or environment. If he experience severe facial swelling or difficulty breathing, then he will need to see an emergency veterinarian today. Otherwise, he should see his regular veterinarian tomorrow to determine if this is the case and if he needs treatment. I hope this information helps!