The swollen lips in the dog they can be a symptom of different problems. Sometimes it is just the consequences of a small injury or a minor blow, but at other times they are the meaning of something much more serious. Therefore, it is convenient that we know these possibilities and that we have a veterinarian examine our dog if it presents this peculiar inflammation.
One of the most frequent triggers of this problem is the bite of an insect. When the bite occurs in another part of the body, it does not usually give rise to great problems, but everything is complicated if the insect acts against the head, nose or mouth. And it is that in these areas a strong inflammation can take place that interferes with their respiratory capacity, causing drowning. For this reason we have to go immediately to a veterinary clinic as soon as we observe this symptom.
Sometimes it is enough that the bite occurs anywhere on the body. This is the case of tick bites, which can give rise to the call Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF), which in turn causes a strong inflammation of the ears, legs, sexual organs and lips. Also, blood spots may appear on the lips and gums.
Swelling is also a common symptom of allergic reactions. It can occur due to the friction of a plant, as a side effect of a vaccine or medication, or by the ingestion of any substance. In this case, the inflammation usually manifests itself in the ears, nose, eyelids and lips. It can spread to the point of drowning, which is why urgent professional intervention is necessary.
Finally, inflammation is sometimes due to a malignant melanoma, a type of cancer that produces irregularities in areas such as the lips. It is often accompanied by facial swelling, dental problems, and excess salivation. It occurs more frequently in older dogs, and requires intensive medical treatment.