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My dog has a nose bump and red spots after walk. Is it allergies?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shiba Inu | Male | neutered | 23 lbs

My bf took my dog out for a walk, and when I saw him maybe 5-10 mins after he got home he had this bump on top of his nose. Then he started to develop these small red spots around his mouth. The bump has not swelled any more than the attached picture since then.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

Veterinarian

Published on October 12th, 2017

Oh dear, poor Tomo! Both the bump on his nose and the red bumps around his mouth look most consistent with hives. Hives occur most commonly as a result of an allergic reaction. Unfortunately, we often are unable to determine the precise cause of these reactions, but they can occur due to insect bites or contact allergies with different grasses, leaves, chemicals, among many others. Most allergic reactions can be managed with antihistamines, such as Benadryl (here is some more information: https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/dog/benadryl/ ), but some more severe reactions also require corticosteroids, such as prednisone. I strongly recommend discussing medication options with Tomo's vet or even taking him in for an exam to assure that there are not other more serious issues present. I hope this helps and that all goes well!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on October 6th, 2017
Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. Judging from your photos and description, this very well could be an allergic reaction. I would suggest having this looked at by a veterinarian so Houdini can receive appropriate medical attention. If you are unable to get to your vet right away, Benadryl can be given safely and most veterinarians will recommend a dose of 1mg per 1lb of body weight every 12 hours. If this does not help or is worsening, I would strongly suggest having him seen by a veterinarian for further treatment. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns you may have.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on September 1st, 2017
It appears that your dog could have hives if this happened quite suddenly. This is often an allergic reaction to something, such as an insect bite. Most often we need to treat these with a combination of Diphenhydramine (benadryl) and steroids. We often give an injectable form initially and then send an owner home with an oral version as well. If your dog has any swelling of his face or trouble breathing he should go to the vet immediately for emergency treatment. If it is only these lesions that are present I would call your vet to make an appointment as ask if they feel it is ok to give him oral benadryl at home (they know your pet's history and can advise better than we whether it is appropriate for him).
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on February 20th, 2019
Hives can sometimes form as a part of an allergic reaction however they usually don’t look like a discrete bump and usual there are multiple hives present. It could also be a growth or a papule secondary to an infection. If it seems to grow or isn’t gone in the next couple of days it would be a good idea to have your vet take a look. If it is a hive from a allergic reaction Benadryl could help but I’d also recommend seeing a vet since allergic reactions can get worse quickly and lead to facial swelling.

A picture might help if you’re able to take one!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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