Puppy's swollen lip: Is OTC medicine safe or should I see a vet?

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.

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!

Do not give any otc pain medications to pets. They metabolize then differently and many are toxic. You can try using warm compresses for 5-10 minutes to see if that helps. I would try to get her to the vet as soon as you can. I'm a bit worried there could be infection from looking at the swelling.

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.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is most likely an allergic reaction. He needs to see a veterinarian as soon as possible. This is typically treated with steroids and anti-histamine medications and they do well if treated promptly. Have a good night!

Poor guy. He may have been bitten by an insect and is having an allergic reaction. If he doesn't seem to be bothered by it, I would just monitor it for now to see if this resolves on its own. If it does seem to bother him or doesn't resolve then its best to take him to your vet for treatment. Antihistamines and allergy medication will likely be prescribed. Best wishes and I hope that Thor's lip goes back to normal soon! Take care.

Toby is a very handsome man! If the area continues to bother him (if it stays swollen and he doesn't want you touching it) I recommend making an appointment to have him seen by a vet for diagnosis and treatment of the issue. If the swelling spreads elsewhere, he develops hives, or he begins to have any difficulty breathing, have him seen by a vet right away, as this could be a sign of a serious allergic reaction. If you are using plastic food or water bowls I recommend switching to stainless steel or glass and washing them thoroughly every day, as sometimes plastic bowls and the bacteria that can live on them can lead to irritation of the lips/ chin. If you think Toby may have chewed on an electrical wire and that may have caused the lesion on his lip, let your vet know right away, as this can be very painful.