Facial Swelling and Crusting in Rescue Puppies After Vaccination – What Might Be Going On?

by K. Beckham
(Sonora, California )

Reader Question: Facial Swelling and Crusting in Rescue Puppies After Vaccination – What Might Be Going On?

Managing Suspected Vaccine Reaction and Skin Issues While Awaiting a Vet Visit

Reader's Question:

Question from K. Beckham:

I volunteer at a rescue and we recently received two puppies approximately 10 weeks old. According to the person dropping them off, they received their shots and had facial swelling and ear swelling/seeping afterwards. They were going to be euthanized before our rescue took them in. We are still waiting for a veterinarian to assess them, but I was wondering what this was and any tips on how to manage in the meantime.

What the Photos Show and Possible Explanations

Thank you for your care and for giving these puppies a second chance. From the images, the puppies show significant crusting, hair loss, and swelling around the face, muzzle, and ears. There also appears to be thickened skin and flaking, particularly around the ears and eyes. While swelling after vaccination can happen, this more extensive skin condition suggests a more complex issue, potentially unrelated to the vaccine.

Possible Causes:

• Vaccine Reaction (Mild to Moderate): Facial swelling or hives can occur as a temporary immune response to vaccinations. However, these usually subside within 24–48 hours and don't typically cause crusting or long-term skin changes.
• Puppy Mange (Demodectic Mange): A common cause of patchy hair loss and scaly skin in puppies, especially in those with immature immune systems. Demodex mites live in hair follicles and can flare up under stress or illness. Not usually contagious but can spread in high-exposure environments.
• Sarcoptic Mange
  (Scabies): Highly contagious and causes intense itching, crusting, and hair loss—especially around ears, elbows, and face. It can also cause secondary infections and is transmissible to other dogs (and temporarily to humans).
• Skin Infection (Pyoderma): Secondary bacterial or fungal skin infections can cause crusting, redness, swelling, and seeping, particularly if the skin was already inflamed or damaged.
• Allergic Dermatitis: If they were exposed to an allergen (food, topical product, bedding, etc.), they could develop severe skin irritation or inflammation. Vaccine reactions can sometimes trigger or worsen underlying conditions.

How to Manage While Waiting for Veterinary Evaluation

• Isolate if Possible: If there's any chance this is contagious mange or a skin infection, separate them from other animals to prevent spread.
• Gentle Cleansing: You can use a diluted antiseptic solution like chlorhexidine (0.05%) to gently clean crusty or moist areas once daily. Avoid harsh scrubbing.
• Monitor for Systemic Symptoms: Lethargy, fever, vomiting, or poor appetite could indicate a more serious systemic reaction and should be addressed urgently.

Situations like this can look frightening, especially when they affect the face and ears of very young puppies, but many skin conditions in puppies are treatable once properly diagnosed. Providing supportive care, minimizing exposure to other animals, and getting veterinary evaluation as soon as possible gives these puppies the best chance for recovery and long-term health.


Thanks for the great work you do!
Jeff
Publisher
Dog Health Guide



Please note: This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition. It does not replace the advice of your pet’s veterinarian, who is the only professional qualified to diagnose your pet. Always consult a veterinarian for professional medical advice about your pet’s health.