Understanding Dog Hives (Urticaria)
Hives, also known as urticaria, are a common skin condition in dogs characterized by welts, swellings, or red bumps on the skin. They typically appear suddenly and can be caused by allergies, insect bites, certain medications or foods, infections, or even stress or anxiety. Hives range in size from a few millimeters to several inches across and can appear anywhere on the dog's body. They are usually itchy and uncomfortable. While hives may resolve on their own, home treatment can help provide relief for your dog.
Identifying the Cause of Hives
Figuring out what triggered your dog's hives is an important first step. If you recently changed your dog's food, gave new treats or medications, used a new grooming product, or noticed an insect bite, this likely caused the reaction. Hives that appear seasonally may be from environmental allergies. Without an obvious cause, hives may signal an underlying condition needing veterinary attention. Keeping a diary of your dog’s activities and symptoms can help identify the offender.
Providing Comfort at Home
Most cases of acute hives will resolve on their own within a day or two. But there are things you can do at home to help soothe your dog and speed healing:
Cold Compresses
Placing a cold, wet washcloth on the affected areas can help reduce swelling, inflammation, and itchiness. Do this for 5-10 minutes several times a day until the hives subside.
Oatmeal Baths
An oatmeal bath can further ease irritated skin. Pour a cup of colloidal (finely ground) oatmeal into a lukewarm bath and bathe your dog as usual. Rinse thoroughly afterwards. The oatmeal has anti-inflammatory properties while also moisturizing the skin.
Antihistamines
Over-the-counter oral antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can relief itching. Consult your vet for the proper dosage for your dog’s weight. Side effects are rare but can include lethargy or sedation.
When to Call the Vet
You should reach out to your vet if:
- Hives last more than 24-48 hours
- Hives appear severely swollen or are accompanied by coughing/wheezing
- Your dog seems distressed or struggles with appetite/activity
- You cannot identify the cause of recurring hives
- Other symptoms accompany the rash (vomiting, diarrhea, etc.)
Severe hives reactions can escalate into anaphylaxis. Seek emergency vet care if swelling rapidly progresses or airways seem compromised.
Veterinary Hives Treatment Options
If over-the-counter methods fail to relieve your dog’s hives, the vet has prescription treatments that can help:
Steroids
Oral or injectable steroids like prednisone are powerful anti-inflammatories that suppress the immune response triggering hives. They come with possible side effects but bring fast, effective relief.
Antihistamines
Veterinary antihistamine tablets like hydroxyzine or diphenhydramine often relieve itching. They are generally safe for dogs but can cause mild sedation in some patients.
Immunotherapy
For chronic hives caused by allergies, allergy shots can help desensitize your dog’s immune system over time, preventing future reactions. Success rates are as high as 80%. Improvement begins within months but the full course takes up to a year.
Preventing Future Hives Episodes
While hives can be unpredictable, the following prevention tips can reduce future flare-ups:
Avoid Triggers
If you identified a cause for your dog’s hives, keeping them away from the allergen is key. This may mean switching foods, using different grooming products, or keeping certain insects/plants out of your yard.
Wash Bedding Weekly
Frequently washing your dog's bedding and soft toys can remove allergens like pollen, mold, or dust mites that collect in fabrics over time.
Use Hypoallergenic Products
When bathing and grooming your dog, choose gentle, fragrance-free shampoos and rinses labeled “for sensitive skin.” Harsh chemicals found in many products can trigger skin irritation and reactions in dogs prone to hives.
Manage Seasonal Allergies
If your dog’s hives flare during certain seasons, they likely have environmental allergies to pollen or mold spores. Keeping them indoors when counts are high and using pet-safe antihistamines can help prevent outbreaks.
Flea & Tick Control
Using monthly flea/tick preventatives protects your dog against bites that could initiate an allergic reaction. Even dogs who don’t react to one bite may develop sensitivity to saliva after repeated exposure.
Know When to Seek Emergency Care
While most dog hives cases clear up readily, they can very rarely escalate into a life-threatening emergency. You need to get emergency veterinary care if your dog experiences:
- Rapidly swelling facial/airway tissues
- Pale gums
- Difficulty breathing
- Collapsing or loss of consciousness
These signs indicate anaphylactic shock - a severe systemic allergic reaction requiring epinephrine and intensive care. Catching it early is imperative to survival and preventing permanent injury to the airway/brain from oxygen deprivation.
Trust your instincts if your dog seems in distress. Hives can progress rapidly from mild to severe in minutes and early anaphylaxis intervention is crucial. Don’t hesitate to call emergency services or rush to your nearest 24/7 veterinary hospital.
FAQs
Are hives contagious to other pets or people?
No, hives themselves are not contagious to other pets or humans. They are a reaction triggered by the dog's unique allergies or immune response. However, any underlying infection provoking the hives could theoretically spread to other animals in close contact.
Can I give my dog Benadryl for hives?
You can safely administer over-the-counter oral Benadryl (diphenhydramine) to relieve your dog’s hives symptoms. However, consult your vet for the correct dosage based your dog's weight and medical history. Too much can cause harmful side effects.
How long do dog hives last?
Acute outbreaks of hives typically resolve on their own within 24-48 hours – especially with home treatment to manage swelling, itching, and inflammation. If hives last longer than a couple days or frequently recur, see your vet to address the underlying cause.
When should I take my dog to the vet for hives?
Make a veterinary appointment if OTC remedies don’t relieve hives in 1-2 days, the hives recur frequently, or they appear severely swollen/widespread. Also seek vet attention if hives are accompanied by other symptoms or you cannot identify the trigger. Seek emergency care for signs of anaphylaxis.
FAQs
What foods commonly cause hives in dogs?
Some dogs develop hives as an allergic reaction to ingredients found in many commercial dog foods, such as wheat, corn, chicken, beef, and dairy products. Switching to a limited-ingredient or hypoallergenic diet may help resolve food-related hives.
Do dog hives go away on their own?
In most cases, acute hives caused by an insect sting, medication, or food will go away on their own within 48 hours. However, if hives persist longer or recur frequently, there is likely an underlying condition that needs veterinary attention and treatment.
Should I give my dog a Benadryl shot for hives?
Benadryl can be used to treat dog hives symptoms. An injectable version given by your vet provides more reliable absorption compared to oral tablets. However, only give self-injections under your vet’s guidance to ensure proper, safe technique.
Can dog hives be prevented?
While hives can be unpredictable, keeping your dog away from known allergy triggers can help reduce outbreaks. Controlling seasonal allergies with medication, washing bedding weekly, and using gentle grooming products for sensitive skin may also prevent hives.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
Add Comment