Swollen Muzzles in Dogs

Curiosity and playfulness, positive traits in most dogs, can turn negative when they put your dog in an unsafe situation. Imagine your dog bounding about outside, when suddenly something catches his eye. Most dogs must immediately investigate. But if what he's investigating causes his face to swell quickly, you'll need to do some investigating of your own. Alternatively, gradual swelling of your dog's face could be caused by something entirely different.

  1. Common Causes

    • The most common causes of facial swelling in dogs are insect, spider or snake bites; trauma or injury; an abscess; ingestion of an allergen or chemical; dental issues; cancer; or renal failure. In certain breeds of dog, drugs and vaccines can cause facial swelling.

    Evaluate Your Dog

    • Some of these issues, particularly chemical ingestion, injury or snake bites, require immediate veterinary care. If your dog is not acting normal for her, appears to be in great pain or is not conscious, bring her to the vet or emergency animal hospital for evaluation. Less urgent but just as serious concerns include cancer, renal failure or dental issues, and they require veterinary care as well. Insect bites and some traumas can be handled at home provided your dog is not in great pain or allergic. However, if your dog's muzzle is so swollen as to obstruct breathing, home treatment is not appropriate and you should bring her to the vet.

    Home Treatment

    • If your dog seems mildly bothered but manageable, you can handle this yourself. Examine his face to find the location of the insect bite or trauma. Apply cold compresses. In the case of insect bite, remove the stinger with tweezers, pulling along the surface of the skin to avoid injecting more venom into the skin. According to PawRescue.org, you can give your dog plain Benadryl formula. As stated on the website: "Typical dosages: for cats and dogs under 30 pounds, give 10 mg ... dogs 30 to 50 pounds, give 25 mg ... dogs over 50 pounds, give 50 mg." In the case of trauma, bruising or injury, clean the area and apply an antibiotic ointment to any skin irritation or wound.

    Food Allergy

    • Although food allergies typically cause skin irritation, a severe-enough allergy could cause irritation to escalate to swelling. Your dog could be allergic to one or more of the ingredients in her dog food. According to the Veterinary & Aquatic Services Department at PetEducation.com, common allergens include beef, dairy products, chicken, lamb, fish, chicken eggs, corn, wheat and soy.

    See Your Vet

    • Many of these conditions require treatment by your dog's vet. If you have any doubt about your ability to treat your dog, or if you feel the condition is serious, consult your veterinarian. The vet might be able to advise you either on the proper way to treat your dog yourself or to bring your dog in for an examination.