Why do I get hives when dogs like me

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.

Hives and Rashes (Urticaria) in Dogs

Hives or skin rashes (urticaria) are localized patches of red, swollen, usually itchy, skin. They often develop and disappear suddenly. Hives are relatively uncommon in dogs. The most frequent causes are insect bites or stings, shampoos, and medications. Other causes include contact with toxic plants or chemicals. Friction, sunlight, heat, exercise, stress, and genetic abnormalities may cause or intensify the rash. Hives may develop after inhaling or consuming allergens. Hives can be seen while a dog is in estrus ("in heat") or seen in puppies with intestinal parasites ("worms").

The wheals (eruptions) appear within a few minutes or hours of exposure to the causative agent. In severe cases, the skin eruptions are preceded by fever, poor appetite, or dullness. They can develop on any part of the body but occur mainly on the back, flanks, neck, eyelids, and legs. In advanced cases, they may be found on the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, lining of the eyes, rectum, and vagina.

Often, hives disappear as rapidly as they arise, usually within a few hours. Treatment may not be required. They may return rapidly if exposure to the cause is not eliminated, however. Also, if your dog develops hives after receiving a vaccination or medication, contact your veterinarian immediately to see if treatment is needed. Treatment may include rapid-acting corticosteroids. If hives are chronic, environmental or food allergens should be considered as potential causes. Death does not commonly occur, unless anaphylaxis (a severe allergic event) or swelling of the respiratory tract is present.

Also see professional content regarding urticaria.

11 Weird Reasons Why (Random) Dogs Are Attracted To You

Congrats. Youre part of the secret club.

Dogs are attracted to you (like bees to honey).

They come up to you with a big smile on their face.

And it makes you wonder why?

Continue reading to discover:

• What makes dogs attracted to certain humans.
• Things that people do which canines like and dislike.
• Whether you have a magical touch or an inviting odor.
• And so much more

Why are dogs attracted to me?

Dogs are attracted to you because you create a friendly atmosphere. Or, you know how to interact with them, have a nice scent, or speak in a soothing voice. This could also be due to your pheromones, calm behavior, generosity, or similar temperament. But canines may also want to comfort you.

11 reasons why dogs are attracted to you

#1: You have a friendly aura

Some people can get tense around strays and strangers dogs.

But how about you?

Do you feel no fear when youre with them?

If so, this explains why random dogs come to you.

You may create this welcoming atmosphere. That animals (and even babies) find you comfortable.

Its like you have a sign on your head or face that says,

Come here.

Dont worry. Im harmless.

This aint no magical power. As you might only be a friendly and loving person in nature.

And your genuine friendliness is a charm that you wear every time.

But how do dogs know what Im feeling?

You may already know that canines have excellent noses.

However

Have you heard that they can also smell human emotions? Say, fear and joy?

Yup! You read it right.

Dogs know if were nervous or happy by the scent we give off.

Because when were anxious or stressed, our body breaks into a sweat, right?

Especially under the armpits. And the chemicals in sweat serve as fear signals that dogs can catch with one sniff.

Seems impossible?

One study proved this.

Researchers gathered sweat samples (scents) from strangers. And it was done during 3 emotional states:

Afterward, they let the dogs smell each odor with a human.

The results?

Canines interacted more with strangers when they sniffed a happy scent. Plus, they had lower heart rates too. Meaning, theyre relaxed.

But when dogs smelled a fear scent, they showed signs of stress. As well as a raised heartbeat.

Which tells us that theyre in a fight or flight response. A natural reaction when faced with a threat.

#2: You have a nice odor

Oh, this doesnt mean you smell like an irresistible steak or pizza.

(Well, unless you have tasty treats in your pocket all the time!)

Because dogs could also be attracted to you due to the smell of your skin. Or they may like how your clothes smell. Same goes for your shoes.So this is what canines could like about you, apart from what you smell inside.

If you have other pets at home or you just petted a stray animal earlier, dogs may have smelled them on you. So they find you interesting.

Vets say that there are indeed cases like this. Where dogs didnt favor people who have unpleasant smells. Say, alcohol.

Reading tip: 17 Reasons Why Your Dog Barks At Certain People + 5 Tips

But this might also be because

#3: You release certain pheromones

Mammals including dogs and humans have apocrine glands.

What are they?

Theyre a type of sweat gland which releases pheromones. Or an odorless scent containing ones information.

Imagine it to be an ID. Or like a Facebook account. Where other people will know your age and gender.

But instead of looking at it, youll need to smell it.

(Mind you, dogs pheromones cant be perceived by our senses. But since canines have incredible noses, they could smell ours.)

However, the difference is

Pheromones can also have an individuals mood. As well as their reproductive status.

Based on experts, dogs apocrine glands are all over their bodies. And theyre mostly in their private areas.

When it comes to us, those glands are mostly in our armpits and groin.

And it was also said that when females ovulate, dogs will likely be attracted to them. Due to the shift in pheromones.

So if youre a female, there may be times when dogs are slightly more drawn to you. And now, you might know the real reason for it.

Note: This is also why canines have a sniffing habit. They smell other dogs rear ends. And go crazy when they detect a female in heat. Or sniff people to collect enough data.

But if dogs can be attracted to other canines pheromones

Does it mean that they could also feel the same way about us?

Read next: Can Dogs Get Sexually Attracted To Humans? The Truth

#4: You know how to interact with them

Another reason that makes you a dog magnet is your observant behavior towards them.

What do you mean?

You may or might not know this yourself

But, its likely that youre not doing anything they dislike. And you somehow understand them.

For example, you dont touch a dog immediately.

You look first for the subtle signs they give. Before you attempt to pet them.

Or, you know right away what theyre asking for. Whether its food or a belly rub.

And this certainty helps you approach them with less fear. Which is one of the things that attract dogs as I said earlier.

You may have lived with dogs or animals for a long time.

Or

Have you heard from someone that youre a highly sensitive person?

If so, its also one possible reason. Which explains why youre in tune with dogs behavior and feelings.

As well as other people. Because youre empathic in nature.

Note: Research shows that high sensitivity is only found in 20% of humans. And people who are like this have stronger positive emotions. Like excitement and happiness. Plus, theyre found to be more emphatic than others.

Wanna know what are things dogs hate?

Learn more: Why Does My Dog Hate Me? 9 Surprising Reasons + 7 Tips

#5: You speak politely

Dogs also appreciate some good manners. And you might have also got this in you.

Just like small kids, canines prefer people with a soft calming voice. Or a sweet high-pitched tone.

As opposed to those people who are too loud. And talk closely to your face.

Which can sound threatening to canines. (Well, this is completely understandable.)

|Thats because, aside from scents, dogs are sensitive to our tone as well.

VCA Hospitals say that this helps them detect our mood. And they pay more attention to it rather than the actual words we say. To know what we want them to do.

So, a Come on! spoken in a high-pitched voice will make dogs wag their tails happily.

While the same words in a low and lifeless tone may cause a negative reaction instead.

You might also be interested in: My Dog Is Too Friendly With Strangers: 5 Reasons + 5 Tips

#6: You have a calm behavior

Apart from your genuine friendliness, you might also be even-tempered.

Meaning, youre always calm and composed. And this is why dogs feel secure around you.

Thats precisely how my Mum is. Whenever there are dogs around her, they become glued to her. Like moths to a flame.

Why?

Mum is super calm and speaks softly. Plus, she rarely gets angry. She also loves dogs. And they love her back (a lot!).

So they sense shes someone they can lean on (both literally and metaphorically speaking).

Say youre like that too.

They could easily predict your actions. Plus, they know that you mean no harm to them.

Canines will also read our body language. And see if a person is safe and comfortable to be with.

Because well, its been said that dogs can easily sense our emotions. So they know whether we feel angry or not at the moment.

Or if we have a tendency to have a sudden outburst of emotions. Which theyll find scary and threatening as well.

#7: You appear trustworthy

Wait. Do dogs know if a person is good or bad?

Canines arent fortune-tellers or psychics. But they sure are very observant of their surroundings.

The many years of domestication made them experts at reading human body language. As well as our emotions.

So they know if a person is someone they can trust or not.

Research in Japan found that dogs are able to discern this pretty quickly.

The study was composed of 3 rounds:

• 1st round: The experimenter pointed to the container with food.
• 2nd round: The same person pointed to a vacant container instead.
• 3rd round: The same person, again, pointed to the container with food.

In the last round, the dogs were said to be unresponsive.

As they may have lost trust in the person during the 2nd round. When the experimenter pointed to an empty barrel.

So smart!

But, the study didnt end there.

The researchers presented a new experimenter afterward. Different from the one who did the previous rounds.

This was to see whether dogs can distinguish which ones to follow or not.

The person did the 1st round again. And to their surprise, the dogs obeyed the cue.

So they concluded that canines know indeed whos reliable or not. By analyzing the cues around them.

And as a clever being, theyll easily get it right away.

#8: You respect their personal space

I usually ignore dogs along the way. But they still follow me and beg for attention.

Whys that?

Its because you arent forceful.

You let dogs come to you naturally.

Unlike some people who can be aggressive just to win their affection. Which is something canines find uncomfortable.

You probably let canines go when they want to. And pet them only when they ask for it.

So when they see you again, they know youre a nice person to hang out with.

#9: Youre a giver

The way to a canines heart is through their tummies.

Its also possible that dogs saw you offering some food to other canines or animals. Or youre giving them a nice pat on the head or belly rub.

So because of this, random dogs might also be drawn to you.

And if your familys dogs are especially attached to you, this may also be the reason.

As most dogs will not be able to resist food. As well as a fun play or cuddle time.

And theyll remember the person who always provides these things to them.

#10: You match their temperament

They say that opposites attract. But in this case, it might not be applicable.

As people are said to be attracted to dogs who are similar to them. And this could also be the case vice versa.

Like us, each canine has a unique personality. And it might be that your siblings or friends dog is attracted to you because youre quite the same.

For example, energetic dogs may do well around people who are also active. And be drawn to them immediately.

Or a calm pooch will like someone whos also composed.

Interesting fact: A study also discovered that people have Fidos who resemble them. And researchers were able to match dogs to their parents by looking at their photos.

Say, long-haired females may be more drawn to dogs with long ears. Or people with bigger mass prefer bulkier Fidos as well.

See, this finally explains why some dogs look like their dog parents in a way.

#11: You need some comforting

Lastly, dogs are also believed to be empathic. This is one of the reasons theyre tagged as humans best pals.

Since theyre able to know your emotions, it might be that they sense something is going on with you.

And being empaths, theyll have the urge to come to you. Trying to comfort you in any way they can.

You may be feeling under the weather for a few days now. Or you often suffer from blues.

But random dogs usually come to me. So Im a total stranger to them.

Is this still possible?

Yes.

I stumbled on one interesting study about this. And it was found that some dogs may also show empathy to people they dont know.

The researchers asked parents and strangers to cry, hum, and talk around dogs. To know how canines will react to each situation.

And it was observed that dogs showed more attention to their parents when they pretended to cry.

But, canines also had the same reaction when strangers acted in distress.

They even licked and sniffed them. As their own way of comforting them.

So, what do you think?

Which one of these traits do you possess?