If a dog's eyes and mouth are swollen it is likely they have suffered an allergic reaction to something they have eaten, or they have been stung by a bee or bitten by another insect. The best cure for this is to give the dog a medicine called Benadryl which is available in liquid and tablet form. The drug is actually manufactured for human use but it is safe to give to dogs in tablet form. It is advisable to give the dog a tablet immediately as the swelling could spread to the dog's throat and this may cause suffocation. Most dogs suffer from some sort of allergy, the most frequent being an allergic reaction to tick bites, or bites from other insects. Food allergies actually account for about 15% of allergies in dogs. If a dog has an allergy to food, it will have increased bowel movements and soft stools. The best thing to do if this is spotted in a dog is to contact a vet immediately as they will be able to suggest the best course of action. Angioedema is another possible cause. This swelling is similar to hives but is beneath the skin and can affect the mouth and eyes. In extreme cases a tube may be needed to assist with breathing. It is difficult to ascertain the causes of angioedema. Another common form of allergy in dogs is called atopy. This is a seasonal allergy that is most likely to occur in early spring. Dogs who are allergic to tree pollen will suffer at this time. Some dogs will also suffer from atopy in the winter if they are allergic to dust mites. The symptoms of atopy include chewing of the feet, licking of the groin area, rubbing of the face, inflamed ears and facial scabs.
