Hives in Dogs

Hives in dogs are a common allergic skin condition that can cause a lot of hives and itching on a dog's skin. Various triggers such as food, medications, environmental factors, and more can lead to hives in dogs. So, how should it be treated? Let's find out with Puainta!

What Are the Common Allergens for Hives?

• Food: Seafood, including fish and shrimp, and some dogs are allergic to milk.
• Medications: Some dogs are allergic to penicillin G, vitamin K, and other medications. Sometimes vaccines and blood transfusions can also trigger allergic reactions in dogs.
• Diseases: Gastrointestinal diseases, liver disorders, and some dogs' heat cycles can also cause hives.
• Environment: Bites from fleas, mites, mosquitoes, and exposure to temperature changes, pollen, disinfectants, and other irritants.

Real Cases

Duration of the condition: 1 week Symptoms: My dog has many bumps on its skin, and its skin is often itchy.

How to Treat Hives in Dogs?

Before administering medication to treat your dog's hives, it's important to determine the allergen responsible for the reaction. Take your dog to a veterinary clinic for examination, identify the allergen, and then treat the symptoms with appropriate medication.

If your dog is allergic to food, you will need to change its diet and use low-allergen dog food or prescription food.

When hives are caused by medication allergies, it's essential to switch to an alternative medication promptly to avoid continued irritation.

Dogs with significant itching symptoms should take antihistamines to relieve itching and reduce allergies. These can be used for hives and allergic dermatitis in dogs. If acute hives are left untreated and the dog keeps scratching, they can develop into chronic hives, so it's essential to use an allergy medication

Chlorpheniramine Dosage for Dogs/ Cats 4mg =1 tablet For small dogs (under 20 pounds or approximately 9 kilograms): 2-4 mg every 8-12 hours. For medium-sized dogs (20-50 pounds or approximately 9-23 kilograms): 4-8 mg every 8-12 hours. For large dogs (over 50 pounds or approximately 23 kilograms): 8-12 mg every 8-12 hours. For cats: 1-2mg(1/4-1/2 tablet) every 8-12 hours. Take it with food or after meals

Hives caused by insect bites should be treated promptly. Antibiotics like fipronil and albendazole can be used for both internal and external parasite control, eliminating mites, fleas, and other external parasites, as well as intestinal parasites like roundworms and whipworms. Reducing internal parasites is key to preventing gastrointestinal diseases, so internal parasite control should not be ignored!

Fipronil Spot On- A dewormer to eliminate ectoparasites, including fleas, lice, mites, and ticks Fenbendazole Tablets- Eliminates various endoparasites, including ascarids, nematodes, tapeworm, hookworm, whipworm, and flukes

If hives in dogs are caused by underlying diseases, targeted treatment is necessary. Dogs with gastrointestinal diseases can benefit from probiotic supplements to regulate gut flora and boost gut immunity. Unspayed dogs should be spayed promptly by a veterinarian.

How to use Feed directly or mix with food Feeding for at least 7 consecutive days Dissolve in warm water below 37℃ Feed with other drugs (such as antibiotics) at an interval of 1-2 hours

To provide comfort to your dog as the hives subside, consider giving them a soothing oatmeal shampoo bath to alleviate their discomfort. Additionally, incorporating supplements rich in omega-3 fatty acids into their diet can offer relief from itchy skin. Research has shown that dogs treated with omega-3 oils experienced improvements in both itchiness and the overall condition of their coat. If your dog continues to face chronic skin allergies due to unavoidable allergens, alternative treatment strategies may be required.

Are Hives Contagious in Dogs?

Hives themselves are not contagious in dogs. However, if the hives in a dog are a result of an underlying infection, such as a bacterial or fungal infection, the infection itself can be contagious to other dogs. In such cases, it's the infection that can spread, not the hives. When a dog has hives, owners should pay attention to isolation to prevent cross-infection. After applying medication to the dog, remember to wash your hands and disinfect them to maintain a hygienic home environment.

Symptoms of Dog Hives

The most common and noticeable symptom of hives in dogs is the appearance of raised, round, or oval-shaped welts or bumps on the skin. These welts can range in size from small to larger areas.

Dogs with hives usually experience intense itching and discomfort. You may notice your dog scratching, biting, or licking the affected areas excessively.

In addition to localized swelling within the welts, some dogs may also experience facial swelling, particularly around the eyes and muzzle. Swelling of the face can be a sign of a more severe allergic reaction.

It's important to note that hives can develop suddenly and may appear anywhere on the dog's body. Additionally, hives can be a sign of an allergic reaction, which can range from mild to severe. In severe cases, dogs may also exhibit symptoms such as difficulty breathing, excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, or collapse. These severe symptoms are indicative of a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, and immediate veterinary attention is required.

Plants that Cause Hives in Dogs

Some plants can cause hives or skin irritations in dogs if they come into contact with them. These reactions are often due to the natural compounds found in these plants. Here are some plants that can potentially cause hives or skin issues in dogs:

Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans): Poison ivy contains urushiol, an oily substance that can cause skin irritation, itching, and hives in both humans and dogs if they touch it. Dogs can carry the urushiol oil on their fur, potentially transferring it to their owners.

Poison Oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum): Poison oak is similar to poison ivy and can also cause skin irritation and hives in dogs and people.

Poison Sumac (Toxicodendron vernix): Poison sumac is another plant that contains urushiol and can cause skin reactions, including hives, in dogs.

Stinging Nettles (Urtica dioica): Stinging nettles have tiny, hair-like structures on their leaves that can inject histamines and other irritants into a dog's skin when touched. This can lead to hives and itching.

Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus): The sap of the burning bush plant can be irritating to a dog's skin, potentially leading to hives or dermatitis.

Nettle Leaf (Laportea canadensis): Some types of nettle plants can cause skin irritation and hives in dogs when touched.

Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum): This invasive plant can cause severe skin irritation, blisters, and hives in dogs and humans when the skin comes into contact with its sap.

Cacti: Certain types of cacti have spines or tiny glochids that can cause skin irritation, including hives, if they embed themselves in a dog's skin.

Related: Plants that Cause Hives in Dogs and Dog Hives Remedy

FAQs

Q: Have pet owners who have already purchased the treatment seen positive results?

A: It has shown very good results in treating hives. For skin conditions, both topical and oral medication are required for comprehensive treatment to achieve better results.

Q: Is chlorpheniramine maleate effective? How many boxes are typically needed?

A: Chlorpheniramine maleate tablets are effective for treating itching, severe itching, redness, swelling, and hives caused by allergies in dogs and cats. Usually, one box is sufficient for a dog or cat.

Q: How long can hives last in dogs?

A: If the hives are caused by an allergic reaction to something the dog ate or was exposed to, they may subside within a few hours to a day once the allergen is removed from the dog's environment or the dog is treated with antihistamines or other medications.

Q: Are dog hives an emergency?