Oh, pup — what have you gotten yourself into this time? If you’ve noticed red bumps on your dog’s skin, they’re probably hives. These can appear suddenly causing itchy discomfort to your pet. Since hives may signal various health issues, it’s important to reach out to your VEG ER vet to see if this condition should be treated as an emergency. Remember, you can call or visit a VEG animal hospital any time of day or night to get urgent care right away.
WHAT ARE DOG HIVES, ANYWAY?
Hives aka urticaria, are raised, red welts that can appear unexpectedly on your dog’s skin. These bumps can vary in size and typically appear and disappear quickly, causing an uncomfortable itchiness. Let’s explore the causes of dog hives.
CAUSES FOR HIVES IN DOGS
Hives in canines can be triggered by many different factors. And when your dog BFF feels itchy and uncomfortable, you want to find the reason immediately. Identifying the cause can help prevent future outbreaks and provide much-needed relief for your dog.
DOG HIVES CAUSED BY AN ALLERGIC REACTION
Here are some of the things that can trigger an allergic reaction in dogs:
Food allergies: Certain ingredients in your dog’s diet may cause an allergic reaction.
Environmental allergens: Pollen, mold, dust mites and other environmental factors can trigger hives.
Insect bites or stings: Flea bites, mosquito bites or bee and wasp stings can cause hives in dogs.
Medications: Some dogs may develop hives as a reaction to specific medications.
Vaccinations: Occasionally, vaccinations can cause an allergic reaction which may result in hives.
FACTORS THAT CAN CAUSE HIVES IN DOGS
Dogs may develop hives due to environmental factors like:
Hives from heat or sun exposure: Overexposure to sunlight or high temperatures can cause hives in some dogs.
Stress can give dogs hives: Just like their people friends, dogs can develop hives due to stress or anxiety.
Hives from pressure or friction: Ill-fitting collars or harnesses can cause hives. Be sure the collar or harness you use on your dog is not too tight, as too much pressure can cause skin irritation or hives. Conversely, collars and harnesses that are too loose can rub the skin, and create friction that can lead to hives.
Grooming tools can trigger hives in dogs: Just like people can get razor burn, a dog can get clipper burn. That’s when a dog groomer’s clipper is too sharp or too dull, and causes irritation to your dog’s skin. If the blade is not the culprit of your dog’s hives after they go to the groomer, then it could be that your pup is allergic to the clipper itself, as certain metals can cause an allergic reaction of red bumps.
YOUR DOG MAY HAVE HIVES FROM UNDERLYING HEALTH ISSUES
In rare cases, hives may signal a more serious condition like an autoimmune disorder or infection. Keep an eye on your dog and consult your primary care vet to rule out serious health problems.
SYMPTOMS OF HIVES IN DOGS
Your poor pup, these hives are driving them batty! Let’s look at common signs of hives in dogs so you understand what they’re going through. The signs and symptoms of dog hives include:
Hives look like red, swollen welts: These raised bumps can appear anywhere on your dog’s body and vary in size.
Itching and scratching from dog hives: Your dog may frequently scratch or bite at the affected areas.
Your dog may have swelling: Hives can cause swelling around the eyes, ears, and muzzle.
Restlessness can be rough for your dog: The annoying discomfort from hives can make your dog restless and anxious.
Dog Panting from hives: In some cases, your dog may pant excessively due to discomfort.
VET TREATMENT FOR DOG HIVES
Once your primary care vet diagnoses the cause of your dog’s hives, they can recommend appropriate treatments. Do not take it upon yourself to treat your dog’s hives. Your dog’s vet may treat their hives with:
Antihistamines: Medications that can help reduce allergic reactions.
Corticosteroids: In severe cases, steroids may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and itching.
Topical treatments: Your vet can let you know which ointments or sprays might help soothe the affected areas.
PREVENTING HIVES IN DOGS
Itch itch, scratch scratch…oh your sad, irritated doggie—these symptoms have got to stop! What’s more, you want to make sure it your dog’s hives don’t reappear. Good news, identifying and avoiding the allergen or trigger can help prevent future occurrences of hives in your dog. To help reduce your dog’s risk of hives, consider these tips:
Monitor your dog: Keep a close eye on your dog's environment and behavior. Regularly monitor their diet, exposure to potential allergens, and reactions to new food, products, or medications.
Manage your dog’s allergies: If your dog has known allergies, work with your primary care vet to create a management plan. This may involve a special diet, reducing environmental allergens through regular cleaning and air filtration, or using prescribed medications.
Safeguard your dog’s outdoor activities: Your doggo loves the great outdoors? Great! Just make sure outdoor time is a safe time. Avoid areas where insect bites or excessive sun exposure is likely. Use dog-safe insect repellents and sunscreens, as needed.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DOG HAS HIVES
If your dog develops hives, here are some steps you can take to keep your pooch comfortable while you wait for further guidance from your primary care vet:
Place cool compresses: Gently apply cool, damp cloths to the affected areas to soothe itching and reduce swelling. Avoid placing ice directly on your dog’s skin.
Stay calm: Keep your dog in a calm, stress-free environment, as anxiety can make the symptoms worse.
Avoid scratching: Discourage your dog from itching or biting the hives, as this can cause further irritation or infection. If needed, use an Elizabethan dog collar to prevent your dog from scratching their hives.
Remember, seeking professional care from a vet ensures that your dog gets a proper evaluation and the right treatment.
WHEN TO CONTACT AN EMERGENCY VET FOR DOG HIVES
Although hives can go away on their own, you should bring your dog to your primary care veterinarian for an exam and treatment. However, if any of the following symptoms associated with dog hives appear, bring your dog to your nearest VEG emergency animal hospital:
Your dog’s hives last more than 24 hours
Your dog has severe swelling
Your dog’s hives appear frequently
You notice your dog is vomiting, has diarrhea, or difficulty breathing
VEG is the top-rated choice for dog parents as pets receive expert veterinary emergency care. Our 24-hour animal clinic for dogs and all pets has a highly trained staff, you’ll come to know and admire, called VEGgies. They’ll immediately perform triage on your dog and ensure timely treatment, and your dog can go back to being their happy, carefree self!
