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Hives Due to Allergies in Dogs
Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 10/27/2016Updated: 06/15/2021
Veterinary reviewed by Dr. Linda Simon, MVB MRCVS
What are Hives Due to Allergies?
Allergic reactions for dogs often appear on the skin in the form of redness, swelling, and itching. Urticaria, known more commonly as hives, is another common skin reaction to allergens. Although hives are not generally life-threatening, they can develop into more serious problems. These small raised wheals are extremely itchy, and if your dog scratches at them, they may become even more inflamed or even rupture which can lead to dangerous skin infections. Swelling that occurs in the throat and nasal passages can also make breathing difficult, if not impossible.
Urticaria, known more commonly as hives, is a common skin reaction to allergens that produces red, raised bumps that cause intense itching.
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Symptoms of Hives Due to Allergies in Dogs
Not every bump or inflammation on a dog can be considered hives. Hives generally develop within approximately twenty minutes after exposure to the allergen. They are cutaneous wheals, meaning that they are bumps that appear on the skin itself rather than the fatty layer under the skin. They are round, raised bumps that are between one to five centimeters in diameter, but severe hives can occasionally converge to create a larger mass.
- Round raised bumps
- Itchiness
- Red patches
Types
Hives are not the only type of bumps that can be indicative of an allergic reaction:
- Angioedema - Swelling below the surface of the skin; angioedema may occur with or without hives, and the itching and burning sensations can be intense
- Atopy - Atopy is a chronic allergic reaction characterized by inflamed and itchy skin; dogs with atopy may also develop papules, tiny raised bumps, which are usually under a centimeter in diameter
Causes of Hives Due to Allergies in Dogs
Although any allergy can result in hives, certain types of allergens are prone to causing them. The most common triggers for hives can include:
- Drug and immunization reactions
- Food allergies
- Insect stings and bites
- Insecticides (usually from contact with treated plants and grass)
- Plant related allergic response
- Soaps and shampoos
Diagnosis of Hives Due to Allergies in Dogs
Hives have a fairly distinctive raised appearance and can often be diagnosed visually. The primary diagnostics are not focused on the symptom of hives, but rather on the cause of the hives themselves. Allergies are the most frequent cause of hives, but there are many types of allergies, so the emphasis is placed on determining the allergen that is causing the reaction. The veterinarian is likely to request a biochemistry profile and a complete blood count which may expose a type of white blood cell that would indicate an allergic reaction called eosinophils.
Skin scrapings will often be taken from any areas that are affected by the hives or by other types of rash, for use in the microscopic examination of the skin cells to look for issues like signs of disease, mites, or yeast infections. This type of evaluation is called a cutaneous cytology.
In some cases, small amounts of the suspected allergen or allergens are injected under the skin to confirm that suspicion (intradermal testing). In the event that the allergy is a food related allergy, dietary trials are often the best method to uncover which ingredient the patient is reacting to.
Treatment of Hives Due to Allergies in Dogs
If your dog has developed hives due to allergy, your veterinarian will give you instructions on how to ease the itching and swelling. Quite often urticaria disappears spontaneously, but in cases where it persists, antihistamines like Benadryl or Zyrtec are often the first line of defense when it comes to treatments given to combat allergic reactions if medication is required. However, many natural remedies may ease the itching of urticaria. Colloidal oatmeal (oatmeal ground into flour) is a safe and inexpensive treatment which can be found in many pantries, and essential oils like lavender and chamomile can help relieve the itching and pain associated with hives.
Your dog’s doctor should also be consulted before using any over-the-counter medications, as the dosage for canines is quite a bit different than the dosage for humans, and it can vary based not only on your dog’s weight, but also based on their physical condition and other medications they may be taking. Antihistamines are only effectual in around 20% - 30% of dogs who are allergic. In severe or chronic episodes, corticosteroids may be required.
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Recovery of Hives Due to Allergies in Dogs
As allergic reactions tend to get more aggressive over time, it may be recommended that you get a prescription for an epi-pen if your dog has had a moderate to severe allergic reaction involving hives or angioedema. This device has a properly measured dose of epinephrine for your dog. Canines over 45 pounds are generally prescribed a regular adult EpiPen, canines between 20-45 pounds will use the EpiPenJr, and animals smaller than 20 pounds will usually be given a syringe with the right sized dose for their size. Use of an EpiPen should be followed by a trip to the emergency room, even if your dog appears fully recovered. Epinephrine is a short-acting drug, and the allergic reaction may resume without proper medical treatment.
Hives Due to Allergies Average Cost
From 331 quotes ranging from $200 - $500
Average Cost
$300
Top
Hives Due to Allergies Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Shih Tzu
One Year
7 found this helpful
7 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Burn Lookin Mark On Her Neck
She has a burn looking sore on her neck near her chin
Dec. 29, 2020
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
7 Recommendations
Unfortunately the photo hasn't uploaded properly.
A red lesion may be a skin infection, insect bite, hot spot (acute moist dermatitis) etc.
She may well need antibiotics and/or a medicated wash so a vet visit is best.
At home, clean the lesion with saline and ensure she cannot get to it.
Dec. 30, 2020
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Pit Bull
Five Years
19 found this helpful
19 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Redness
My dog has broken out in hives and this is pretty common for her but this time the spots are a getting darker red and I gave her two Benadryl’s earlier in the day. I also just gave her two more.
Dec. 19, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
19 Recommendations
Hello, Benadryl will help it can just take time. You can also give her a medicated bath or bath in oatmeal shampoo. You can get anti-itch shampoo at the pet store to help. I hope this helps her feel much better.
Dec. 19, 2020
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Catahoula mix
3 Years
11 found this helpful
11 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Swollen Eyes And Face Followed By Hives Covering Neck And Body
My dog had an allergic reaction to something 1 day ago and is continuing to break out in hives. We have been giving her the recommended dose of benadryl every 6 to 8 hrs to help keep her calm and this morning she seemed better but has broken out in the hives again. Her regular vet isn't open until tomorrow morning. Would you continue with the benadryl and wait til the morning or take her to an emergency vet now.
Nov. 22, 2020
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
11 Recommendations
In the symptoms box you have written swollen eyes and face; this is a concern as it could mean that her breathing becomes affected.
As she hasn't responded to anti histamines she may need stonger medicine such as steroids.
I would have her seen by a vet ASAP.
Nov. 22, 2020
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Boxer
Ten Months
4 found this helpful
4 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Fast Breathing
My dog has hives I gave him Benadryl and he’s now breathing fast
Oct. 8, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
4 Recommendations
Thank you for your question, I'm sorry your puppy is having problems. I'm not sure what dosage of Benadryl you gave, but if it is not working, he may need something stronger, and that is probably time to go to the veterinarian. They will be able to examine him, check his breathing, give him injectable steroids or stronger medications, and help him get better. I hope that all goes well for him.
Oct. 8, 2020
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French Bulldog
One Year
3 found this helpful
3 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Bumps
She has tiny raised bumps on one side of her body, think they may be mosquito bites. She has had them for about 4-5 days
Sept. 3, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
3 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. From your description, you may be right and they may be bug bites or mosquito bites. If they are not bothering her, and they are not getting worse, I don't see any problem with watching them to see what they do and see if they resolve. If they become itchy, or they are getting bigger or more red, or she doesn't seem to be feeling well, then it would be a good idea to have her seen by your veterinarian. Since you have given her Benadryl, if it was any kind of allergic reaction, it would probably be getting better. I hope that all goes well for her and she feels better soon.
Sept. 3, 2020
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Rhodesian Ridgeback
Roxy
18 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Bumps Around Head And Neck
We adopted Roxy 4 mos ago and we live in the woods. Roxy has had regular skin conditions since we got her. The vet first prescribed 10 days of antibiotics and it got better and then returned after she went off of them. The vet then prescribed a month of antibiotics and it again got better but now has returned once again a few weeks after the course was done.It starts as little bumps around her neck and head and has turned into open wounds from her scratching. I think the vet may want to try antibiotics again for 3 months and i'm concerned about her developing immunity to them.
Boxer
Autumnx
7 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Round Raised Bumps
Itching - Some
My 7 month old Boxer/Blue Tick Coonhound almost died when she was a puppy from being allergic to a monthly flea treatment. When she was spayed earlier this month the vet said she had a reaction to the Betadine solution, so he had to wash it off & give her something. Last Saturday she came up with raised bumps & strips all over her back and sides. I don't see any redness and she hasn't been itching a whole lot; just a bit more. Monday the Vet said to give her 2 benedryls twice/day. It helps, but doesn't completely go away. Called back today (Wednesday) and am waiting to see what he wants to do.
Boxer
Tucker
6 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Iching , Whining, Running
my 3 month old Boxer was experiencing hives after are walk outside so we gave him the normal dose of benedryl and still would not go away so that night we took him to the vet and he got a steriods shot and the bumps went away but today i walked him agian and he got the bumps agin
English Bulldog
Penelope
10 Weeks
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Itching And Hives
I have a 10 week old English Bulldog who got into wet seafood cat food last night. I have been giving her 5ML of Benadryl every few hours to help subside the itching and hives. It has not been 24 hours since the reaction. How much longer can I give her the Benadryl before it isn't considered safe and I take her into the vet? She still has very small hives but when the Benadryl starts to wear off the hives start to flare up.
pitbull
Nutmeg
3 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Redness
Itching
Hives
Red Bumps
We just moved to a new home with many new types of plants in the backyard. My pitbull/boxer started to develop a rash on his genitals and inner hind legs (and just a tiny bit on his lip, I assume it spreads from licking the main rash). I gave benadryl for two days and it started to clear up, so I stopped the benadryl. A couple days later it came back but was bumpy like hives rather than just red. I started giving benadryl again and also put on a dog hydrocortizone cream on the rash because he was walking funny due to the location of the hives. They have now started to scab and are going away, he is no longer acting as if they bother him.
This happened to him once before, months ago. That time I took him to the vet and he was given a steroid shot and antibiotics. Wondering why he only gets it on his underbelly and not eyes/face? Is this in fact from plants outside or would just getting it on his underbelly indicate something else?
Hives Due to Allergies Average Cost
From 331 quotes ranging from $200 - $500
Average Cost
$300
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