Swollen Face

Usually due to allergy

No, this young French Bulldog is supposed to look like this(!), but those thick floppy lips and swollen forehead in your dog can be indicative of an allergic reaction to something - usually a sting, but some plants may cause this too. The eyelids may become swollen and we sometimes see raised swellings all over the body.

If it is extensive, we run the risk of airway narrowing so we prefer to see these dogs, to reverse this reaction with an injection. The condition will reverse fully in a few hours.

Other facial swellings are not as sudden in onset and can be caused by tooth abscesses. These will show with a swelling just below one eye. If left, this may even burst and discharge pus below the eye, on the skin.

Other slow growing swellings may be be cysts or growths, involving skin or bone. If in doubt, allow a PARKSIDE Vet to check this over. Most are not serious and can be left, while others are easily removed - and the smaller the lump, the smaller the surgery!