What can I do for my dogs allergic reaction?

Question

A few days ago my dog's face got very swollen. His jowls and eyes mostly. I immediately took him to the vet and she gave him benadryl, which helped. Niether of us knew a cause. It happened again last night and I gave him benadryl, which didn't help much. I called her and she said keep an eye on him, but she still has no idea what could cause it. This morning, it happened again after I took him outside, so bad that one of his eyes was swelled shut.
I don't know what to do. I noticed it happens after I take him out to use the restroom, for the most part. I live in an apartment complex so I was thinking of asking the manager what pesticides or fertilizers they use around here. If the vet has no idea what is going on, how can I help my poor dog?

Answer 1

Angioedema is the correct term. Why didn't she give him some epi?

I would just keep the dog on bendryl and try to figure out what he is allergic to. Is he on medication? Antibiotics are the most common problem. Another problem could be a spider bite that happened a few days ago and is still causing issues. You could take him in for some steroids or a steroid injection. That would keep him feeling better for two or three days.

You just have to try to figure out what caused the allergic reaction.

Answer 2

Is there an option to go to a different area for potty breaks. If so, try it for a couple of days and if there is no reaction you'll know there is something in the other area. I would definitely talk with mgr about pesticides as other pet owners in the complex could be experiencing similar issues (as will as anyone with small children). Do you have a Christmas tree in the house. I have an older lab that is allergic to evergreens (among many other things). Benadryl is great for the symptoms but you need to find the cause. If you have somewhere away from the complex you could go on your days off - I would get in the car and try that as well. Good Luck!

Answer 3

I agree that you should ask your vet to recommend an allergist for your dog- and that you should ask your landlord about the pesticides, weed killers, and fertilizers used around your apartment.

Since the reaction set in after you took him out, I think you're on to something with your suspicion. Also look at different pollens.

You can't very well put your dog in a bubble. So if the landlord can't help, you'll either have to rehome your dog or train him to use a pee pad- and I don't like those pads, though they're better than nothing. If you have a small dog, it's even possible to train him to a litter box: Many years ago my family had an ancient little terrier who would use a litter box because the cold air hurt her poor arthritic bones.

Good luck!

Answer 4

The same thing happened to my French Mastiff after visiting a friends house. My dog was playing with her dog outside and about an hour later her eyes, mouth AND her throat became swollen-she began making "pig" noises because she had a hard time breathing. We were never able to figure out what caused the reaction. Anyways, I would try to walk your dog somewhere else. And always keep Benadryl on hand. I believe the proper dosage is 10mg per pound. But check with your vet first to ensure this is correct. Just be cautious because it sounds like your dog has a serious allergy to something, and you don't want his throat to close. Good luck!

Answer 5

Equate is a brand, not a drug type. Asking if "Equate" is okay is like asking if "Walgreens" or "Pfizer" is okay. Call your vet. If it's okay to give your dog Benadryl, then you can use the generic forms (diphenhydramine) as well as the Benadryl brand. But only your vet can tell you if it's okay to give human drugs at home and what dose to use. And if your dog really needs medicine right now to stop the allergic reaction, he needs injectable drugs, not pills. If there's a lot of swelling, have your dad take him to the vet's or emergency vet's in 30 minutes when he gets home. But call your vet now and see if there is anything else you can do while you wait.

Answer 6

First of all, go to a different vet, preferably one who's over 50. Young vets just don't have the experience with wierd stuff that the older ones do.

Second, rinse his eyes with sterile drops (like artificial tears). It's a good idea to find out about the pesticides like roach spray they use at the complex, they do that a lot in apartments, and it's pretty poisonous.

Answer 7

Maybe there is something like poison ivy or poison oak in the yard area. I would stop taking him to the same spot to go to the bathroom, and seriously demand my vet find out what is wrong with him or change to a vet that can actually help. If he is having swelling on the outside, he very well could start to swell on the inside also...like in the throat or airway, and you DON'T want that to happen. You need to find out what is going on and find a vet that will know how to do further testing quickly. Good luck with your dog.

Answer 8

For the time being, until you find out what he is allergic to, I would keep giving the Benadryl, and give a Claritan tablet everyday. Call your vet. to ask how much to give him!! One of my dogs entire face and neck swelled like that, when I cleaned my carpet!! She was allergic to the carpet cleaner!! One of my other dogs has seasonal allergies, is allergic to grass of all things, I give him Claritan (Lortadine) everyday, and this helps a lot!! Good Luck to you, I hope this helps some!!!!

Answer 9

My sister is having a similar problem with her dog. Her vet suggested it might be something in the dog's food. So she switched her food to an organic food with no preservatives and it seems to be helping somewhat. Has your dog's diet changed recently?

Of course, if you only notice it after he goes outside, it might very well be something on the lawn. Maybe try taking him to a completely different location to "go" and see if it gets better.

Answer 10

See another vet. A good vet would investigate the problem, rather than just keep giving the dog Benedryl.