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Dog has hives from human food, Benadryl didn't work. What's next?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

our 6 month old boxer has whelps or hives on him he ate his regular dog food this morning and spent the day at my sewing shop he was given a couple of french fry and a piece of hamburger , when we noticed the whelps about an hour later and gave a bath when we got home and a benidril he is still broke out what do you think may have caused this ?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on January 18th, 2018

Your poor pup! Typically hives like that are due to an allergic reaction, which could be due to something environmental, a bite from an insect, or even food. Given that you have administered Benadry with no effect, I would take him into the vet immediately. The problem with allergic reactions is that they can progress to swelling of the face and muzzle, and this could block his breathing leading to respiratory distress. He likely needs stronger drugs like steroids to control the reaction. Please take him into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website. Good luck, I hope this helps!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Amy S. Eutsey, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on October 23rd, 2017
You did everything correctly!!! Now, just continue to monitor her. Make sure the swelling starts to subside and that no other issues develop. You can repeat the Benadryl 4-6 hours after you gave it if she still has some swelling. It may make her drowsy. Good work !!!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on April 9th, 2017
This is probably an allergic reaction due to an insect bite or a plant outside. those reactions tend to resolve within 48 hours without treatment. if the swelling becomes too large or if your dog is lethargic, take her to the vet in order to get an antihistamine or steroid injection.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Susan England-Foster
Veterinarian
Published on August 27th, 2017
It is always hard to tell by a picture but it does appear to look like hives. Hives typically are from allergies. I would recommend taking her to a veterinarian because usually an anti histamine is not going to be strong enough on its own. Most of the time a steroid is needed to decrease the inflammation. Hope this helps!!!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My dog has hives, Benadryl isn't working. What can I do now?

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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

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