Will dog hives go away on their own

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 16, 2024

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Dog Hives 101 Symptoms, Causes, And Treatment Of Hives In Dogs

Nobody wants their dog to be in any kind of distress so we do everything we can to make their lives as pleasurable and happy as possible. Unfortunately, we cant always control what happens to our four-legged companions. One of those instances that we dont have complete control over is an allergic reaction such ...

One of those instances that we dont have complete control over is an allergic reaction such as urticaria or hives. Hives in dogs are rarely fatal, and they can go away on their own after a few hours.Thats the good news.

However, if they dont go away without medicine, or if additional skin welts emerge or the size of the hives grows, you should seek veterinary help as soon as possible so that it doesnt turn into a severe allergic reaction.

Scroll down to discover more about the origins, symptoms, and treatment options for dog hives and see how you can help your furry friend in this tricky situation!

What Are Dog Hives?

Hives are itchy, red, swollen, and irritating skin rashes or welts. Dog welts commonly occur anywhere on the body, including the face, neck, lips, and ears. The majority of these responses are not generally life-threatening; they are limited and they frequently self-resolve.

Because of the dogs thick fur coat, though, hives in dogs are more difficult to detect than acute allergic reactions on human skin.

The rashes might be visible on sections of the dogs body where there is less hair but other than that, you might only detect a few little elevated tufts of hair that suggest the existence of raised welts. These welts on your pets skin might be uncomfortable or not affect them at all.

In moderate situations, the hives will usually go away within 12 to 48 hours of coming into touch with the allergen.

However, because the response might progress into hazardous swelling of your dogs airways or a life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis, you should get medical help if you notice hives on your dog.

That is particularly true for hives on the face or around the mouth, which can cause hazardous swelling and possibly airway obstruction. In this case, a few minutes could be crucial for saving your dogs life.

Symptoms Of Dog Hives

Hives in dogs have symptoms that are similar to those seen in people. Your dogs hives will generally show up as:

Intense itching
Swelling
Redness

These arent the only symptoms associated with hives. Besides itchy skin and runny nose, you might notice other signs such as a coat that seems to have raised bumps or patchwork.

Canine hives, like human hives, are tiny, elevated weals measuring 1 to 20 cm in diameter. They might be concentrated at one spot or dispersed throughout the body. Several hives in a congested area might potentially seem like a single bigger swelling.

Itchy hives are a common occurrence.

If you notice your dog scratching, check for any indications of dog allergic reaction bumps, especially dog hives on back, or other irritants, such as fleas and call your vet if the symptoms get worse.

Swelling (angioedema), which is especially dangerous when it affects the face and respiratory system, can have serious and life-threatening implications.

If you notice any changes in your dogs skin, dont turn to Google for pictures of hives on dogs make a vet appointment right away at the nearest location and ask for expert advice!

Causes Of Dog Hives: Food Allergies, Insect Bites & More

Why is your dog breaking out in hives?

Hives on dogs skin are a normal part of the immune system or, rather, its response. They are usually caused by:

Allergens in the environment
Unfavorable medication response
Insect stings or bites
Chemical poisoning
Toxic plants
Sunlight
Heat
Exercise
Stress
Genetic abnormalities

The world around your dog is full of possible allergies and irritants. Dogs hives can be caused by food, pollen, dust, fleas, mosquito bites, and a variety of other environmental allergens.

This type of skin infection could also be caused by more severe allergic responses, such as those caused by an insect bite especially if your pet has very sensitive skin.

Other causes can be chemicals and plants like stinging nettles, even more so in short-haired dogs.

Insects or plants might be the source of hives on your dog during a stroll through grassy regions. Keep in mind that some causes of swelling such as snake and spider bites could be life-threatening if not treated at once.

Medications can also trigger allergic responses, though. If your dog develops hives after starting a new drug, contact your veterinarian, and keep an eye on your pup for any other symptoms or side effects.

That said, immune reactions arent always the source of hives in dogs.

Hives in dogs may be triggered or intensified by a variety of factors, including heat, activity, stress, and genetic disorders.

How Vets Diagnose Hives

The diagnosis of hives in dogs is pretty simple. Diagnosing the underlying cause, on the other hand, is the tricky part.

Once your veterinarian has determined that your puppy has hives, theyll perform a physical examination to look for any additional symptoms or signs of allergic reactions.

If there isnt a risk of anaphylaxis, your vet will likely question you about your dogs food, medication changes, and any pertinent recent activity. Depending on these results, your veterinarian might advise you to pursue a variety of options.

Allergic Reaction & Testing

In certain circumstances, allergy testing may be required particularly in cases with chronic urticaria. And if food allergies are suspected, your veterinarian could recommend an elimination diet to figure out whats causing the problem.

You can always pay for the allergy tests done by the vet, but there is an alternative and a slightly less expensive and invasive one at that. And that would be a home allergy testing kit.

The5Strands Pet Environmental & Food Intolerance Test is an excellent example of an efficient and pain-free way you can test your dog for allergies.

How To Treat Hives In Dogs

Hives in dogs usually go away on their own within a few hours.

However, in severe or chronic situations when the irritant cannot be removed promptly, or the swelling is causing extreme discomfort to the dog, dog hives treatment may require medications.

If thats the case, the treatment your vet prescribes will more than likely include medications such as a corticosteroid or antihistamine.

Management Of Dog Hives

While hives could go away on their own after several hours, it might take a bit longer to figure out what is causing them.

Some dogs skin is simply too sensitive and they get more hives than others. Others may have allergic reactions that need to be managed on a long-term basis.

Learning how to handle your dogs sensitivity and allergic reaction will help prevent a recurrence.

Dogs with grass allergies or sun sensitivity, for example, might need to wear special attire when they go outside. When talking about food allergies, you will have to change your dogs diet to eliminate the type of foods that cause hives.

You may be able to infer some of the triggers for your dogs disease by observing him, but keep in mind that, even if the source of an allergy can be discovered, it could take a long time.

Preventing Hives In Dogs

Its not always possible to avoid hives. Avoiding particular situations, chemicals, or drugs if you know your dog has a hypersensitivity or allergy to them will assist. Insect bites, on the other hand, are more difficult to prevent.

Consult your veterinarian about the best approach to keep your dog from developing recurring hives.

Theyll help determine the best protocols to follow in order to minimize additional responses, as well as the dangers of severe alergic reactions, such as anaphylactic shock.

Minimize exposure to the allergen that is causing the problem.

Thats the most effective method for preventing hives in dogs. Its easier said than done, though.

Allergens can be found in your dogs immediate environment or in the food it eats. Youll have to take steps to identify the allergen thats causing the problem so that you may reduce or eliminate your pets exposure.

If your dog has had a reaction to a vaccine in the past, your veterinarian may give them an injection 10-14 minutes before the vaccine is given. To reduce the risk of bad responses, your veterinarian may also decide to change your pets immunization routine in the future.

Dog Hives FAQs

Are dog hives dangerous?

If the hives are caused by insect stings particularly bee stings dogs faces and lips might swell dramatically. If the swelling spreads to the neck, breathing might become difficult, culminating in anaphylaxis. In this case, hives are dangerous.

Are hives on dogs contagious for humans or other pets?

Humans and other pets are not afflicted with hives. Keep other pets and household members away from potential issue areas if your veterinarian believes the source of the hives is a chemical or environmental irritant such as poison ivy and similar.

Is there a vaccine for hives in dogs?

There is no vaccine for hives. That said, vaccines can sometimes produce an immunological reaction that results in hives. These are typically minor, but if your dog has a response to treatment, medicine, or immunization, always consult your vet.

How long do dog hives last?

Hives usually go away on their own once the allergen has been eliminated or minimized from the dogs environment. However, it might take anywhere from 24 to 72 hours to clear up.

What can I give my dog for allergic reactions and hives?

Its important to realize that, in many cases of hives, they wont disappear suddenly which is why many people rush to treat them with natural remedies and whatnot. ALWAYS seek veterinary advice first if your dog has developed hives. Pet owners should never treat a condition caused by an allergic reaction by themselves. Instead, make an emergency vet visit ASAP.

Dog Hives Final word

Figuring out whats wrong with your dog can be a lengthy process, especially with an allergic reaction. Dog hives causes are plenty so, arm yourself with patience.

Keep in mind that you shouldnt give any medications without your vets supervision. Once you figure out the reason or reasons that cause hives in your dog, its easier to provide your pup with the best possible care.

Looking in your dogs eyes and knowing youre doing absolutely everything you can to help them is priceless, wouldnt you agree?

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.