Swollen eyelid

[the minx]

Originally Posted by SXMGirl

Could it be allergies? If so, you can use OTC Benadryl (I use the pharmacy brand) as long as you don't go over the 50mg (or check with pharmacist regarding weight of your dog).

Just in case someone reads this and thinks it's good advice - NO.

Benadryl is administered at 1mg per pound. 50mgs is NOT a standard dose. Always check with your vet.

[SXMGirl]

Originally Posted by spinx

Just in case someone reads this and thinks it's good advice - NO.

Benadryl is administered at 1mg per pound. 50mgs is NOT a standard dose. Always check with your vet.

Just an FYI: My dog just saw the vet and this was prescribed for her. I checked with the pharmacist (I had it in writing from the vet) and he said there was nothing wrong with 50 mg and that it was very safe. I am not a vet, but my dog got the 50mg with no adverse effects. Of course, I would always recommend having a doctor check your pet, but the OP could not afford it. I suggested that the OP talk to a pharmacist also. I don't pass myself off as an expert, but I did pay for an expert opinion.

[latetotheparty]

bailey and dave will get about 1/4 - 1/3 the typical benedryl dose for their weights and that helps just fine when they have allergy eyes..... and doesn't knock them on their butts......

[DJolanM]

I just wanted to add to this, since it happened to me and my dog. Unfortunately, I did NOT read/find this thread at the time Anyway, swollen eyelid, just like the picture. I treated several times a day with warm washcloth/compress, also vet prescribed doggie Benadryl (called something else. Little yellow pills) for about a week, as I thought it was a stye. In reality, it was a spider bite. And actually, there were like, 8 of them on various parts of his body. Some dime/quarter sized that became infected/bursting abscesses. One MONSTER one along his neck that had filled with pus and required emergency surgery, a drain in his face, antibiotics, doggy narcotics, the cone of shame... And all told, about $800 in vet bills. AND 3 weeks of vet visits, constant care, and twice daily home first aid.
Upside: The benadryl saved his life - It was, according to my vet, an allergic reaction that could've killed him. (He's just a little guy.) Downside: Had I gone to the vet sooner? I could have saved my dog and myself a lot of heartache, pain, and money!
I'm a VERY involved dog Mommy! To the point that my friends laugh, honestly But my dog had never been sick - I didn't know what to look for. So this is what I'd look for if it ever happened again: The swelling. If it doesn't go down in 24 hrs, TAKE DOG TO VET. Check his whole body for more unexplained bumps. If you find bumps, look beneath the fur for a red/black/purple ring around the edges (sign of necrotic skin). Displacement behavior!! At the time, my dog was licking his male parts like, 100 times more often than usual!! I've since learned that was to distract himself from the pain. (Which makes me CRY inside that I didn't know!!)

Lastly, get pet insurance. I bought a mid range plan for like $25/month that covers everything - even more bug bites after 6 months- So I NEVER have to go through this again!