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My dog has an allergic reaction with lumps after being outside. What to do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pug | Male | 8 years and 5 months old | 25 lbs

My puggle came inside after using the bathroom and looked like he has doggie chicken pox... There's lumps everywhere. What do I do?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 16th, 2016

Poor guy. He is likely having an allergic reaction to something he was exposed to outside. You can give him an antihistamine to see if this improves things. As long as his breathing is ok and there is no swelling around the neck, he is likely to be fine after 12 hrs or so as the reaction subsides. You can also try bathing him in an oatmeal or hypoallergenic shampoo to help calm down the skin. If the skin reaction does not improve or worsens by tomorrow then have your vet take a look at him and they can administer stronger medications to subside the skin reaction.
It will take a bit of investigating on your part to figure out what he could have been exposed to to cause him to break out into hives.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Debi Matlack

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on November 3rd, 2020

    Thatr looks like hives, so he may have come into contact with something he is sensistive to. I suggest giving him a lukewarm bath with a mild pet shampoo and if they do not improve significantly by tomorrow, get him in to your vet for an exam. Of course, if he gets worse, has trouble bresthing, becomes lethargic, develops vomiting or diarrhea or any other adverse symptom get him to your vet right away.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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