Use these tiers to decide how fast to act.
**Go now / emergency:**
- **Facial swelling** (lips, eyelids, muzzle), rapidly spreading **hives**, vomiting, collapse, or any breathing effort.
- Uncontrolled bleeding from scratching/chewing or severe pain when touched.
**Vet within 24–48 hours (or sooner if worsening):**
- A new or enlarging **hot spot** (wet, raw, oozing patch), especially if it smells.
- **Head shaking** or repeated ear scratching with foul odor, discharge, or a tilted head.
- Feverish warmth, marked lethargy, reduced appetite, or rapidly spreading redness.
**Monitor closely (but be ready to escalate):**
- Mild redness without open skin, normal energy, and itch that improves when you prevent scratching.
**What to document for your vet:** take clear **photos** in the same lighting each time (wide shot + close-up), and note: itch timing (night vs after walks), exact locations, odor, discharge, and a daily 0–10 itch score. Measure any hot spot (length/width) and record whether it’s dry, moist, or crusting. (Hobi S, 2023)