Sudden Puffy Swelling Around a Young Lab's Eyes
by Keri
(Virginia)
Reader Question
Homer, our male, ~45lb, 1yr old lab mix, was fine this a.m., until it was time for us to go. Then we realized that the skin around his eyes was very swollen. I gave him 1 Benadryl & put him in his kennel. Four hours later I returned home to find his eyes more swollen but with great disposition (went potty, playing ball, etc.) what do you think may be going on? Should I give him more Benadryl and wait it out?
Answer from Our Team
Sudden swelling around the eyes is often an allergic reaction, for example to an insect sting or something he touched or ate. Because the swelling got worse despite Benadryl, he should be seen today rather than waiting it out, and please ask your vet before giving more.
Go to an emergency vet right away if the swelling spreads to the face or throat, or he has trouble breathing, vomiting, weakness or collapse.
See conjunctivitis in dogs for more on allergic eye problems.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
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