Can I give my dog anything for hives

How You Can Treat Dog Hives At Home: 6 Safe And Effective Remedies

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One of the mild allergic reactions that dogs experience is dog hives. Uncommon, but it can lead to unpleasant complications for your pooch. In rare cases, hives can lead to dog anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening.

Like more major issues such as ticks, fleas, and other pesky parasites, its best to deal with them to minimize your dogs experience of itchy skin, dog rashes, and irritated skin, and maintain their high quality of life.

This article covers the basics of dog hives. Why they appear, and six effective and natural home remedies you can do to get your pooch feeling at the top of their game again.

Understanding Dog Hives

Hives (urticaria) are swollen, red, usually itchy patches of skin that tend to appear and then disappear almost as suddenly commonly.

The common causes are broad and range from insect stings/bites to medications and even dog shampoos. Toxic chemicals or plants can also be a cause, and sunlight, exercise, genetic irregularities, and friction can exacerbate the symptoms.

Identifying Dog Hives

To identify dog hives, gently locate the irritated area. If it is a dog hive, it will appear swollen and could result in swelling in your dogs face, lips, throat, or ears. Sometimes they meld together and become bigger and larger, which is more challenging to deal with.

Before Home Treatment, Try These Safety Precautions

Its vital to consult a vet for a proper diagnosis. This applies equally if you are uncertain about the nature of your dogs hives. But if your dog experiences swelling in or around the airways, this can lead to dog anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening.

If your dog seems to be having trouble breathing or is breathing in a laboured manner, consult the vet immediately. Equally, its worth speaking to your vet to get a diagnosis specific to your dog.

Home Remedies for Treating Dog Hives

Cold Compress

A cold compress helps to alleviate swelling, irritated skin, or hives. Press an ice pack (simply crushed ice in a bag, remove air, and seal) against the area gently.

You can also use a commercial gel pack or wrap that fits around the joint or area in question. Bags of frozen vegetables like corn or peas work, too, and can be used without ordering a product.

Oatmeal Bath

An oatmeal bath is a classic and inexpensive way to remedy minor hives. Simply run a lukewarm-mildly bath, pour and mix in 1 cup of oatmeal as the tub fills, and soak your pooch gently for 10-20 minutes. Pat and dry. For smaller breeds, you can use less oatmeal (1/3 cup)

Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera gel is very beneficial when it comes to calming irritated skin. You can even purchase animal aloe, which is even more pet safe and less likely to cause an unwanted reaction, as with human aloe gel.

Start small to test for an allergic reaction; dont let your dog ingest it. It can be a natural remedy for skin contact, but if ingested, its toxic.

Chamomile Tea Rinse

Chamomile in hot water, cooled, and applied to your dog is another natural allergy medication that helps with dry skin, skin rash, and itching. So again, for the mild symptom, its effective.

Apple Cider Vinegar Solution

This product comes in a number of forms, commonly in a spray. This is convenient as it allows the pet owner to spray the hive area before going on walks easily. Its best with a 50/50 solution of apple cider vinegar and water.

Honey

Honey is multipurpose for dogs; it can help with insect bites, skin wounds, and allergen hotspots. Feeding your dog a teaspoon of raw honey each day is the trick.

A large dog might need a touch more, and a smaller breed a smidge less. The trick is to purchase local raw honey, which contains pollen, to help your dog acclimate to allergy season.

Monitoring Progress and Consulting the Vet

Monitor the progress of your dogs skin irritation by checking the affected area before and after applying the allergy relief solution.

With consistent care, the hive areas should start to go down. But if the issue persists or worsens, you must contact the vet for a more detailed and personal diagnosis. Guides are all well and good, but we dont know your dog personally.

The Furr-dict

Dog hives are usually a minor issue, but one that you should keep an eye on anyway. Using any of the six safe, effective home remedies, you can stop your dog from itching, reduce its skin irritation, and maintain its comfortable and pain-free quality of life.

As dog owners, we must look after our dogs. Pet health should be a prime concern. If you want to know more about how to be a responsible pet owner, you should check out our website for all things cute and furry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can dog hives be a sign of a serious underlying condition?

Its usually a simple case of an allergic reaction. Most of the time, dog hives are not threatening, aside from dog rashes, itchy skin, and an itchy dog!

Are there certain foods that can trigger hives in dogs?

Foods such as dairy, eggs, chicken, and beef can cause canine food allergies.

Can I use over-the-counter creams on my dogs hives?

Products like hydrocortisone cream are safe for dogs skin. But its essential to consult the vet or at least do some research before applying. Many human products can contain other chemicals that create an unwanted reaction in your dog.

How long does it usually take for hives to resolve with home treatment?

This depends. But within 24 hours is a reasonable expectation. At the most, a few days. Consult the vet if symptoms are persistent.

This can be very serious if your dog experiences swelling around the airways. It can lead to dog anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening.

Sara is an experienced veterinarian with a history of working in Veterinary Medicine, Client Education, Dogs, Pet Care, and Surgery. She is a strong healthcare services professional with a graduate degree from St. George's University. You can connect with her onLinkedIn.

Dog Hives

What Are Dog Hives?

Hives (also referred to as urticaria) are areas of the skin that appear reddened and raised. Just as with humans, hives can be very itchy for your dog. Theyre a sign that an allergy is causing the immune system to overreact.

Hives can appear very quicklyand disappear just as quickly. The raised red area of the skin is referred to as a wheal, and it can appear anywhere from a few minutes to hours after exposure to an allergen. Wheals can appear anywhere on your dogs body, but theyre usually found on the head, neck, back, stomach, and legs.

In mild cases, the hives will generally disappear within 12-48 hours after contact with the allergen. However, because of the risk that the reaction can worsen to dangerous swelling of your dogs airways or a serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, you should seek out treatment any time you see hives on your dog. This is especially true for hives that occur on the face or around the throat, which can lead to dangerous swelling and possible blockage of the airways.

Symptoms of Dog Hives

• Red raised areas of skin called wheals, which can occur anywhere (including mucous membranes) but are most commonly seen on the head, neck, back, abdomen, and legs

• Intense itching

• Excessive drooling if the mouth is swollen

• Swelling (angioedema), which is particularly concerning when it involves the face and respiratory system and can have severe and life-threatening consequences

Causes of Dog Hives

The allergen that causes the hives may be environmental, chemical, or dietary. Any allergen your dog is sensitive can also lead to hives. Common causes include:

Insects bites, chemical contact, and medications are the most common.

How Vets Diagnose Hives

Your vet will closely examine your dog to locate the distinctive wheals associated with hives. Wheals typically have hair on them, and may appear in clusters. Beyond the physical examination, other parts of the diagnosis include:

• Any history you are able to provide; be as thorough as you can in describing allergens your dog might have come into contact with and when and where you first saw the hives

• Your dogs response to treatment

Treatment for Dog Hives

Dogs with hives usually respond quickly to treatment, which may include:

At-home treatments may include:

• Cold compresses over the hives or swollen areas to give relief from itching

• Antihistamines, but only under the supervision of your vet

Management of Dog Hives

Work with your vet to determine the cause of the hives, using both your dogs health history and history of exposure to allergens. Depending on the cause and the frequency, your vet may recommend:

• Allergy testing to confirm environmental allergens

• Immunotherapy treatment to desensitize your dog to specific allergens

• A food trial to find ingredients that cause a reaction and develop specific dietary recommendations

Dog Hives FAQs

Are dog hives an emergency?

Yes. Hives indicate an allergic reaction within the body. Although the hives themselves are mostly just uncomfortable, they could lead to very dangerous complications, including anaphylaxis and death. Its best to treat even mild cases of hives.

What can I give my dog for hives?

It is important to speak to your veterinarian before giving your dog any medication. The vet may recommend certain medications to give your dog now or to have ready for future episodes.

How long do hives last?

Hives can disappear within a few hours or last up to 48 hours.

Can anxiety cause hives in dogs?

Theres a small chance that psychological stress can cause dog hives, but generally, anxiety merely worsens hives that are already present.

Should I take my dog to the vet for hives?

Yes, hives indicate a larger issuean allergic reactionand require treatment to make your dog comfortable and keep the reaction from progressing.

What do hives look like on a dog?

Hives are red, often swollen areas of skin that may be very itchy. They can be anywhere on the body, but youll often spot them on your dogs head, neck, back, stomach, or legs.

What foods cause hives in dogs?

There is no one food that generally causes hives in dogs. However, if your dog is allergic to a particular food or ingredient, that can cause hives for your individual dog.

Benadryl Dosage For Dogs: Safe Guidelines & Dosage Charts

Benadryl (diphenhydramine HCI) is one of the very few human over-the-counter medications that are generally considered safe for dogs and that veterinarians often recommend. Many pup owners find this antihistamine helpful in relieving mild allergic reactions, mild itchy skin, and motion sickness in their canine counterparts. The widely accepted guideline is 1mg per pound of your dogs weight.

But before you share the Benadryl in your medicine cabinet with your dog, its important to know a few details to ensure your pups safety. Well tell you which forms of Benadryl are safe to administer to your pup, give you a handy dosage chart, and answer some other questions you may have about giving this OTC medication to your furry friend.

How Much Benadryl Can I Give My Dog?

While Benadryl is safe for most dogs, please remember that its so important to discuss giving it or any medication or supplement with your veterinarian. Your vet can make sure any non-prescribed product, like Benadryl, is safe for your dogs specific health conditions and will help give you dosing guidance.

With that said, the general dosing guide for Benadryl is pretty straightforward. Most vets and experts recommended a standard dose of roughly 1mg/pound. The standard Benadryl youll find in stores is 25mg/tablet for adult Benadryl. You can also use Childrens Liquid Benadryl, which is 12.5mg/5 ml. However, vets usually only recommend Childrens Liquid Benadryl for dogs under 10 pounds because its easier to achieve an accurate dose vs. tablets.

You can increase this dose a bit if needed, but be sure to get your vets okay. Benadryl is safe to give to dogs every eight to 12 hours (one to three times per day) in the short term. But for long-term use, its a good idea to consult your vet.

Benadryl For Dogs: Dosage By Weight

Did You Know?

When comparing Benadryl dosage levels for dogs to what adult humans can take, you may wonder why recommended doses for our canine counterparts are so high. Theres a simple reason for this. Dogs metabolize Benadryl and other antihistamines much faster than humans.

Childrens Liquid Benadryl For Dogs Dosage Chart

In general, vets usually recommend tablets for dogs over 10 pounds. However, if your dog loathes taking pills or you have trouble cutting up tablets, Childrens Liquid Benadryl is also safe for dogs of all sizes.

Types Of Benadryl To Avoid Giving Your Dog

Diphenhydraminehydrochloride is the active ingredient in American Benadryl (found in the U.S., Canada, Singapore, Taiwan, Italy, and Hong Kong). However, in the U.K. and Denmark, the active ingredients areacrivastinein Benadryl Allergy Relief andcetirizinein Benadryl Once a Day. Limited information exists on acrivastine and cetirizine use in dogs, soif youre in Europe, make sure the active ingredient is diphenhydramine, the only form of Benadryl thats considered safe for dogs.

Regarding American Benadryl, you should avoid giving your pup the following forms:

• Liqui-Gels: Capsules are nearly impossible to break up to get the appropriate dose. Theyre also absorbed differently in dogs than in humans so this may cause issues with your pups dosage.
• Adult Liquid Benadryl: contains alcohol, which is toxic to dogs.
• Benadryl Allergy Plus Congestion:This Benadryl formula contains phenylephrine HCl, a common decongestant in human cold medications thats not safe for dogs.
• Extra Strength: While extra strength Benadryl is safe for dogs, it comes in 50 mg/tablet, and most vet dosing guidelines are for the 25 mg/tablet standard Benadryl. So, youll have to do your own calculations. To ensure your pups safety, its best to stick with vet guidelines.

Use Benadryl Cautiously With Some Dogs

Benadryl can make some conditions worse, so you should use caution if your pup suffers from any of the following health issues. Be sure to discuss Benadryl use with your veterinarian in these cases and if theres a possibility of adverse interactions with any other medication your furry friend is taking.

• Pregnancy or nursing
• Glaucoma
• Dry eye
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Our Personal Experience With Benadryl And Dogs

Several members of our team occasionally give our pups Benadryl under our veterinarians recommendations. Weve all found it to be safe and effective.

Lily got a hornet sting on her left back leg while on a walk. It swelled up quickly. When we got home, we immediately gave her Benadryl and monitored her symptoms closely for any changes. Additionally, we applied ice for 10 minutes once an hour. While she was still limping a few hours later, this treatment combo helped reduce some of the swelling and discomfort. Thankfully, within two days, Lily was feeling significantly better.

Michelle Schenker, co-founder of Canine Journal and pet parent of two rescue dogs

Frequently Asked Questions

How Often Can I Give My Dog Benadryl?

Typically, the effects of Benadryl last in your furry friends system for six to eight hours. But most vets and experts recommend giving your pup Benadryl every eight to 12 hours to account for differences in metabolism.

How Long Does It Take For Benadryl To Kick In For Dogs?

In most cases, it only takes about 1/2 hour to one hour for Benadryl to become effective for dogs. However, this time frame may vary depending on the dose you gave your pup as well as her age, weight, and health status.

Are There Side Effects & Overdosing Concerns With Benadryl Use In Dogs?

Most dogs tolerate Benadryl extremely well, and the risk of overdose is low. Side effects and overdosing are rare, but see our ultimate guide on Benadryl use in dogs to learn more about both of these concerns, as well as more detailed information about how Benadryl can help your pup.

Is Benadryl Effective For Dog Anxiety?

The sedative effects of Benadryl may help some dogs with situational anxiety, such as for fireworks, thunderstorms, or car rides. However, Benadryl can cause hyperactivity rather than sedation in some dogs. So many experts believe you have better options for anxiety relief for your furry friend. Alternatives to Benadryl include CBD oil, dog-specific calming supplements, or prescription medications for chronic anxiety.

Can I Use Childrens Chewable Tablets For My Dog?

Yes, Childrens Chewable Benadryl tablets are safe for dogs. Theyre ideal for smaller dogs. A full chewable childrens tablet contains 12.5 mg of diphenhydramine, so you can cut one in half for dogs weighing less than 10 pounds as an easy alternative to Childrens Liquid Benadryl.

Alternatives To Benadryl In Treating Chronic Allergy Symptoms

One of the most popular uses of Benadryl in dogs is to treat allergic reactions. This application can be extremely effective for temporary or short-term allergy symptoms, such as reactions to an insect bite or bee sting or mild seasonal allergies from pollen. However, Benadryl isnt your best line of defense if your pup suffers from long-term allergy problems.

If youve noticed that your pup is incessantly scratching her skin no matter what time of year, she could have a food intolerance or allergies to household environmental factors, such as dust mites or mold. For chronic allergic symptoms, which can include itchy, irritated skin and/or digestive issues, you may want to consider dog allergy supplements,daily medications, or monthly injections.

However, for chronic allergy symptoms, we recommend first consulting your veterinarian. Alternatively, you can give your pup anat-home dog allergy test kit. Thesekits test forintolerances to many food and environmental factors.Then, you can share these results with your vet to work on further diagnostics and a treatment plan.