GotoAID Dogs - Tongue Swelling

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Tongue Swelling

Tongue swelling has many causes, including an allergic reaction such as from an insect sting to the tongue. Other causes of tongue swelling may include entrapped foreign bodies, injuries to the tongue, and oral tumors or more serious issue like a mouth burn or electrocution. It is important to give first aid and seek a veterinarian immediately to diagnose the root of the problem.

Symptoms

Difficulty Eating	Loss of Appetite
Trouble Breathing	Swelling
Drooling

Steps

Offer ice water, or ice cubes to lick

If you can do this without being bitten open his mouth and shine a flashlight over the surface of the tongue too see if there is any foreign object

If there is a small object like a thorn or grass seed, use gauze to hold your dog's tongue and then remove the object with a blunt tipped tweezers

If there is a string tied around the tongue or partly swallowed make sure not to remove it because it could be anchored to an organ

If the swelling is from contact with a chemical or burn, then flush the tongue for 3-5 minutes with cool water. (When flushing the tongue out, try to keep your dog’s head level and avoid tilting it up and backwards.)

If your believe the swelling is due to an allergic reaction from an insect bite and your dog develops facial swelling, hives, or difficulty breathing, administer diphenhydramine (Benadryl) allergy tablets by mouth (1mg per pound of body weight).

Contact a vet immediately to have your dog checked out

Warnings

DO NOT remove any string like material

DO NOT hesitate to take your dog to the vet if the swelling persists.

Tips

Providing ice to your dog will ease swelling, and numb the pain.

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Suggestions

Head Swelling

Jaw Swelling

Skin Swelling

Tongue Swelling