I’ve been gone for about a three days camping and just got home to Lokis eye swollen. There is no injury to the eye itself. I know there have been bees and hornets in the house she’s been chasing mice. Is it possible she got stung? I do not have the money to get her looked at since there’s no injury to the eye itself. I just paid $200 to get my dog her shots. What can I do for the swelling to go down.
It sounds like Loki might have been stung by a bee or hornet, especially given the presence of insects in your home and her recent activity chasing mice. Swelling and squinting are common signs of an insect sting or bite. Here are a few steps you can take to help reduce the swelling and make her more comfortable:
Firstly, applying a cold compress to the swollen area can be very effective. You can use a clean cloth soaked in cold water or wrap some ice in a cloth. Hold it gently against the swollen area for a few minutes at a time. This should help reduce the swelling and provide some relief for Loki.
Next, it's important to keep the area around her eye clean. You can gently wipe it with a clean, damp cloth to remove any debris or discharge. This will help prevent any potential infections.
Additionally, monitor Loki for any signs of a more severe allergic reaction. Symptoms such as difficulty breathing, excessive swelling, or hives are indicators that you should seek veterinary care immediately.
To prevent further irritation, try to stop Loki from scratching or rubbing her eye. If she continues to scratch at it, you might consider using an Elizabethan collar (cone) to prevent her from causing more harm.
While it's generally best to consult a vet before giving any medication, some pet owners use over-the-counter antihistamines like Benadryl (diphenhydramine) for mild allergic reactions. However, the dosage for cats is very specific, so it's crucial to consult your vet for the correct dosage and to ensure it's safe for Loki.
Since the swelling has only been present for a day, it might resolve on its own with these home care measures. However, if the swelling persists for more than a couple of days, worsens, or if you notice any other concerning symptoms, it would be best to have her examined by a veterinarian.
If you have any further questions or need additional assistance, please don't hesitate to ask. Thank you.