How to get rid of dog hives

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.

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 Treatment: How to Treat Dog Hives at Home

Is your beloved canine companion constantly scratching and gnawing at themselves? It might be more than just a passing annoyance. Take a closer look if your dog is displaying these behaviors their skin might appear irritated and inflamed, indicating the presence of dog hives. If you suspect your dog has hives, it's essential to seek prompt veterinary attention to determine the underlying cause of their discomfort. Allergic responses could be the culprit. Wondering how to get rid of dog hives? Explore treatment options, including home remedies, to provide your furry friend with relief and comfort. Discover effective ways to treat dog hives at home, ensuring your pet's well-being and happiness.

Your dog may have hives from an allergic reaction, which causes redness and irritation of the skin. If this is the case, do not hesitate to take your dog to the vet, but if youre looking for a natural remedy for dogs itchy skin then youll want to read whats available to you below for natural ways to get rid of dog hives with home remedies.

CBD tincture for dogs is a great and safe alternative to conventional medicine, which can have many negative side effects.

What Does Dog Hives Mean?

Hives are red, swollen, and typically irritating skin welts or rashes. Any area of the body, including the dog's face, neck, lips, and ears, might develop the red skin welts. The majority of these responses are limited and frequently go away by themselves.

Due to their rich covering of hair, dogs' hives are more difficult to spot than those on human skin. On parts of the dog's body with less hair, the rashes could be visible, but otherwise, all you might see are a few tiny raised hair tufts that point to the existence of raised welts. Your pet's skin welts can itch or not affect them at all.

Dog Hives Treatment: Is CBD Oil Helpful?

CBD oil for dogs has anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve atopic dermatitis. CBD is a supplement that can help relieve inflammation on the skin and promote healing through healthy sleep patterns and calmness.Unlike shampoos or medications, these benefits are delivered without harsh chemicals or potential side-effects.

CBD is mainly useful in strengthening the immune system and easing your dog from pain and discomfort. Itmay also stop the immune system from producing allergic effects.

Understanding Dog Hives and Their Causes

Dog hives can be distressing for both pets and owners. These raised, red, and itchy welts on your furry friend's skin are often caused by allergic reactions to various triggers such as insect bites, certain foods, or environmental factors. Identifying the underlying cause is essential for effective dog hives treatment. If you notice your canine companion scratching and gnawing excessively, inspect their skin closely for any signs of irritation and inflammation. Once you suspect hives, it's crucial to consult your veterinarian promptly to determine the exact cause and initiate appropriate treatment.

CBD Oil as a Safe and Effective Dog Hives Treatment

As pet owners, we always strive to provide the best care for our beloved furry friends. When it comes to finding a natural and effective dog hives treatment, CBD oil emerges as a promising solution. CBD (cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive compound derived from the hemp plant, known for its potential anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. Many pet owners have witnessed the benefits of CBD oil in alleviating their dogs' allergic responses and reducing hives' discomfort. Unlike conventional medications, CBD oil offers a safe and gentle alternative for your pet, without the risk of harmful side effects.

CBD oil can help to:

Reduce Inflammation:

CBD's anti-inflammatory propertiescan aid in calming the skin and reducing redness and swelling caused by hives.

Alleviate Itching:

By interacting with the endocannabinoid system, CBD may help to decrease your dog's urge to scratch and gnaw at the hives.

Support Overall Well-being

CBD can promote relaxation and a sense of calm in dogs, which can be especially beneficial during episodes of hives.

When choosing a CBD oil for your pet, it's essential to opt for a high-quality product from a trusted source like Paws Elite. Our CBD oil for dogs is made from organically grown hemp, free from harmful additives, and undergoes rigorous third-party testing for potency and purity. Providing your pet with Paws Elite's CBD oil can be a safe, effective, and natural way to help manage dog hives, ensuring your furry companion leads a comfortable and happy life.

Dog Hives

Another, more technical term for hives is Urticaria, a skin condition that is described by having red welts. The individual welts can vary in size, but theyre typically blended together and can appear anywhere on the body.

Cause of Dog Hives

Hives can be caused by direct contact with a substance that causes an allergic reaction, ranging from things such as insect bites, pollens, molds, foods, vaccinations, and medications. It is the immune response to specific allergens, which produces antibodies causing the inflammation of the skin.

Pay attention to what your dog has been around to understand where the dogs hives came from. Its important to know what is triggering this reaction in order to limit its exposure.

When histamine is released locally in the skin, hives form. The blood vessels there may swell as a result of this. Small reddish lumps and welts known as hives ultimately develop from the localized inflammation. Larger skin welts and lumps can occur when smaller hives combine. There are several recognized causes of dog hives. Your pet's hypersensitivity to any allergen might result in hives. Among the most typical are:

• Bee or wasp stingand other types of insect stings
• Spider bites
• Food allergies
• Vaccines
• Environmental allergens- pollen, molds, dust, etc.
• A chemical reaction to insecticides
• Shampoos
• Medications
• Supplements
• Plants- such as Poison Ivy or Stinging Nettle
• Genetic abnormalities

Sunlight,friction,stress,heat,andexerciseareafewthingsthatmightmakethe rashworse.

Inaresearchoncanineurticaria,themostoftenfoundtriggersincludedfood,medicines,andinsects.Knowingwhatcausesyourpettobreakoutinhiveswillhelpyougetreadyforfutureoccurrences.Ifyourdogcontinuestobeexposedtothetrigger,thehivesmightreappearquickly(s).

Are Hives Dangerous To Dogs?

If the hives are caused by a bee or insect sting, then your dog will have swelling around the face and lips, but its possible that the swelling may progress to the throat, compromising breathing. When breathing is compromised it is known as Anaphylaxis in Dogs. However, in most cases, hives are self-limiting and cause no dangerous health threat to your dog.

How to Get Rid of Dog Hives?

In most cases, conventional medicine will be prescribed by your vet. The medicine for hives that youll find is Antihistamines, Corticosteroids, and Epinephrine. Epinephrine is typically prescribed in very severe cases. Although the medication will be helpful, they come attached with a terrible potential for side effects.

Conventional Medicine Side Effects

Here is a list of side effects for the most popular treatment for dog hives.

Antihistamines

• Drowsiness
• Lethargy
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Anxious or Nervous

Corticosteroids

• Frequent urination
• Dehydration
• Lethargy
• Higher risk of infection getting worse
• Nausea/vomiting
• Urinary tract infection
• Muscle weakness
• Predisposition for diabetes

Epinephrine

• High blood pressure
• Anxiety
• Possibly cause tremors
• Can cause Excitability
• Vomiting
• Abnormal rhythms of the heart

The list may go on, but all in all the potential side-effects do exist and one should consider these before committing to conventional medicine. If you decide that the above treatments are not for you, then you can look into some natural home remedies for dog hives.

How to Get Treat Dog Hives at Home

Hivesusuallygoawayontheirownoncethedog'sexposuretotheallergenhasbeeneliminatedorreduced.However,itmaytakeanywherefrom24to72hourstogoaway.

Applyiceoracooltoweltoyourpet'sskintostopexcessivescratching,whichcanirritatetheskinandcauseittobecomeraw.Theitchingmaybesoothedandreducedbythecold.

Anothermethodtocalmyourpet'sskin,reduceinflammation,andeaseitchingistogivehimachillywaterbath.Duringabath,irritantsandallergiesonyourpet'sskincanalsoberemoved.

Youmayalsotrysomenaturalhometreatmentsforitchinessoftheskin.

Theseincludechamomileandherbalteasoaks,anoatmealbathorpaste,applecidervinegarwaterspray,andcoconut

Natural Dog Hives Treatment

Oats have many health attributes, whichcan help alleviate the itching when applied to the skin. Oats can have a soothing effect and can give your dog with hives some relief. You can use oat paste and apply it to your dogs infected area.

Teas

Teas are known to have a calming effect when applied to skin. They are best when used to give relief for itchy and irritated skin. Weve learned that both chamomile or green tea baths will help your dogs irritated skin and will sooth the itch.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Water Spray 50/50 Solution

You can spray an infected area of your dogs skin with a solution made by an equal mixture of apple cider vinegar and water. It is effective for skin irritation, because it has antiseptic and anti-fungal properties. However, if your dog has exposed skin, or broken skin do not apply this mixture to that area.

Coconut Oil

Another natural remedy that has anti-fungal and antibacterial properties, which helps treat irritated skin. Youll need to directly massage the coconut oil on your dogs hives to reduce the irritation.

Using CBD Oil to Treat Dog Hives Treatment

The above natural remedies will help to treat usual symptoms of dog hives. However, one of the most effective natural remedies is CBD Oil also known as cannabidiol. Pet CBD Oil has shown to have medical benefits aside from helping with itchy skin and skin allergies. The secret is that Cannabinoids produced in the dogs body have an anti-inflammatory effect. Endocannabinoids seem to play an important role in regulating inflammation processes.

CBD Oil is safer for dogs and provides non-toxic and non-psychoactive treatment. CBD has been shown to have other medical benefits aside from helping with skin allergies in dogs. It is used to reduce pain, stimulate appetite, reduce anxiety, and help fight against cancer.

Read more to find out how to give your dog CBD oil.

Preventing Dog Hives

Do not expose your dog to the offending allergy. The most effective method for avoiding dog hives is this. However, it is simpler said than done. Your dog's surrounding environment is full with allergens, and their food may also include them.

It is necessary to take action to find the allergy responsible so you can limit or completely shield your pet from exposure. Your veterinarian may provide an injection 1014 minutes before to the vaccination if your dog has previously responded negatively to a certain vaccine.

To reduce negative responses, your veterinarian may decide that future vaccination regimens for your pet need to be changed.