My dog has daily hives and severe allergies. What's the problem?

That is odd. It may mean that she needs a longer course of steroids and antihistamines. I also recommend to check her for ANY skin masses (both above and below the skin). There is a skin cancer called Mast Cell Tumor which can cause hives. You may also want to discuss checking a CBC with your vet to see if any of her blood cells are abnormal. Have Scout examined again by the vet and discuss next steps. I hope this helps.

Hi, and thanks for your question. This could be due to an allergy, although it could also be infection or mites. First of all, in order to rule out skin parasites, you will need to treat with a high quality flea treatment, then ask the vet to perform a skin scrape - this might reveal an infection or a mite infestation. If all of those came back negative, the next step is to treat the allergy symptomatically and try to discover the cause of the allergy. Three main type of allergies are usually affecting pets: food allergies, flea and parasite related ones and environmental type (allergens coming from trees, pollens, dust etc etc). Some medications can be given by the vet in order to repair any possible skin lesions (like steroids and antibiotics). Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

Allergies are definitely a possible cause these hives. Allergies are most commonly due to environmental causes (i.e. pollen) and can start suddenly. Benadryl is usually helpful in these cases, so it may be mange. Mange is caused by a microscopic mite that burrows under the skin. This tends to be very itchy. They usually get this from other animals. It's best to have a vet check the skin. They can check for mange and give better treatment for allergies. For now it's best to give him a bath with cool water using a dog shampoo with oatmeal or aloe as an ingredient. I hope that helps and Dozer gets better soon.

I am sorry for Dallas!! I agree it is frustrating when hives return. It is most likely something in the environment this time of year that Dallas is allergic too. I would recommend steroids until the hives are gone. Than I would use anti histamine and anti itch shampoo. Every time Dallas comes inside I would wipe him down with a wet towel to remove any pollen or plant material. Also you can try to leash walk where there are limited plants and brush to prevent his skin from becoming irritated. Hope that helps

Hello there. It sure looks like Wookie has some hives! He must be having an allergic reaction to something. I highly doubt it is food related. Food allergies are actually quite uncommon in dogs. It is more likely to be something in the environment or he got stung by an insect. I would recommend you give him some Benadryl (diphenhydramine). NOT the non-drowsy kind. He is a big dog so he can have 3 capsules/tablets. Hide them in a small piece of hotdog or cheese or something he likes to eat. I know it sounds like a lot of medicine but dogs take a high dose as they metabolize it much faster than we do. It may make him sleepy but it usually doesn't. If the hives are not gone in the morning or if you notice him have any trouble breathing, you need to take him to the vet right away. I hope this helps. Best wishes to you and Wookie! Dr. Amber

If Oscar is having allergy issues I would consider discussing Apoquel with your veterinarian. This is an allergy medication that works very well for dogs. The spots you are referring to may either be hives or a secondary skin infection. WIthout seeing them it is hard to say exactly what they are. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

It's probably an allergic reaction to either an insect, something in the environment or something he ingested. if it seems to just be getting worse you need to take him to the vet right now in order to get a steroid injection.