Hives are a common skin reaction in dogs that causes raised, itchy bumps on their skin. Hives can appear suddenly and may range in size from small spots to larger areas covering significant parts of the body. While hives themselves are typically not life-threatening, they can be a sign of an allergic reaction or other health issue that may require medical attention. If the hives affect the dog’s nose or throat, they could interfere with breathing, which is a medical emergency.
Hives occur when the body releases a chemical called histamine into the blood. This causes the blood vessels to dilate, leading to fluid leakage and swelling in the surrounding tissues. Hives are usually the result of direct contact with a substance that causes an allergic reaction. This can result from contact with environmental allergens, food allergens, insect bites or stings, or medications.
How to Get Rid of Hives
If your dog develops hives, the appropriate treatment depends upon the severity of the reaction and its underlying cause. The first step in treating hives is to identify and remove the potential allergen:
- If you suspect the hives are caused by food allergies, stop feeding the suspected food immediately.
- If your dog has been exposed to an environmental allergen such as pollen, mold, or dust, bringing your dog indoors or using an air purifier may help provide some relief.
- If the hives are caused by an insect bite or sting, particularly from bees, remove any insects or stingers from your pet and bring them inside.
Note: Dogs can experience significant swelling around the lips and face from bee stings, which can progress to throat swelling that can compromise your pet’s airway. These severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) are medical emergencies and require immediate veterinary care.
Dog Hives Treatment
Antihistamines and corticosteroids can help relieve the itching and swelling caused by hives. In severe cases, injectable medications administered by your vet can bring about rapid improvement. At-home hives treatments for your dog include:
- Over-the-counter antihistamines, such as Benadryl. These are commonly used to treat mild reactions in dogs and should be administered under veterinary supervision. Be sure you are using a drug that only contains diphenhydramine and nothing else. See how to calculate a Benadryl dosage for your dog.
- Giving your pup an oatmeal bath may help soothe their skin and relieve itching.
- Cold compresses on affected areas may help provide temporary relief and help reduce swelling. Use a clean cloth soaked in cold water, or wrap some ice in a towel, and gently apply it to the hives for several minutes at a time.
Hives Prevention
To prevent further episodes of hives, avoid known allergens. If your dog is sensitive to environmental allergies, bathe the dog regularly to remove allergens such as dust and pollen from his coat. Ensure your dog is on a consistent flea prevention regimen to prevent flea-bite allergies and keep an eye on your pet when they are outside to prevent bee stings.
Hives are a common reaction in dogs that can be triggered by various irritants. While hives are usually not life-threatening, they can be uncomfortable for your dog and may indicate an underlying issue.
If your dog develops hives, report the incident to your veterinarian so it can be noted in your dog’s records, as allergic reactions may worsen over time. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best course of action, especially if the reaction is severe or persistent.
If the episode is related to a vaccination, your veterinarian may recommend pre-treatment with antihistamine or a modification to vaccination schedules may help your vet minimize future reactions.
