My 3 year old, 30 lb., Siberian Husky / Australian Shepard mix female dog that has been with for over a year now (rescue) came into the house about 30 minutes ago from resting in our fenced back yard. During our regular walk in a local park earlier this morning, she was her normal happy, healthy, active self. We noticed that her mouth is now somewhat swollen under her jaw and on the right side of her jaw. Mouth is tender to touch but breathing is normal, no vomiting or other non-normal behavior other then wanting to be left alone. Looked inside her mouth, probed around with a finger and didn't see anything unusual. She's 30 lbs so I gave her a Benedryl (25mg) by mouth about 20 minutes ago. She's resting next to me now, breathing normal. Most of the swelling is still under her jaw but has not gotten any worse. She's a lean dog and swelling is easy to see. Any advice other than to keep an eye on her? Thanks, Bill
Hello there,Could she have been stung by a bee?What color are the gums and insides of the lower eyelids?Is the swelling hard or soft?Are there are signs of bite wounds at the area?
We do have an unusual number of wasps (not bees) in the pussy willows in the backyard where she stays. She has a bad habit of trying to snap at the wasps when they "buzz" around her.Inside mouth looks like normal color (pink), tongue is normal, inside lower eyelids are pink and gums are normal (dark pink)Swelling is softNo signs of any bite wound
An insect bite/sting would be most likely if the swelling was acute. The Benadryl dose is correct and should be repeated every 6-8 hours as needed. It may be needed for 2-3 days if the reaction is severe. The gum color and breathing should be monitored closely until the swelling resolves. If the dog will eat and drink normally I would not be concerned. If the gums become pale or white or she seems in distress, an ER exam would then be warranted.