My dog has a rash and is itching. Is it allergies if Benadryl fails?

The spots where the rashes are definitely fit with seasonal environmental allergies. They may not have been there before, but would not be due to the Benadryl. It's more likely that it's a progression of the allergies and a sign that the Benadryl is not working well. Dogs tend to not be helped by certain antihistamines, but may be helped better by others. Luckily there are a few alternatives that can be bought over the counter. I recommend calling you veterinarian and asking if they could suggest another antihistamine. As long as they have no other concerns with Riley, they should be happy to give you an alternative. If the second antihistamine doesn't work and you still notice the rash/itching, then he will likely need a recheck exam and stronger medication. One thing you can do for the rash and itchy skin, is give a bath with cool water using an oatmeal or aloe shampoo. You can get these shampoos at the pet store. I hope that helps and Riley gets better soon.

The next thing to do is go to the veterinarian. If the antihistamines are not working, he may need something stronger. These lesions could also now be infected. Make sure to protect the area from rubbing or scratching and he should wear an elizabethan collar at all times. Have him examined soon.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I cannot give a dose for Benadryl because I have not seen Doobie but I don't think you are giving him enough and often enough to help. If he has a rash, Benadryl may not be strong enough and he may also have a secondary infection and need antibiotics. I recommend taking him to a vet to see his skin and get antibiotics and possible steroids for the inflammation. Good luck and kisses to Doobie!

Poor Skyler! Since the Benadryl and coconut oil is not working, I recommend to call your veterinarian. The doctor has better and stronger medications to relieve the inflammation and can even address any underlying causes. Pets can have several types of allergies and the most common is environmental causes like pollen and dust mites. There are blood test that can be done to detect these allergens and then make a specific medication for Skyler. I hope this helps and that his skin starts looking better quickly. Please feel free to post any additional questions.

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.

A bath in a mild shampoo with cold water can help rinse the skin and soothe it some. If the Benadryl is not helpin after 3 days then you may need to see a vet for prescription medicine and to make sure there is no secondary infection

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could certainly be allergies. In reality, Benadryl probably would not help much in this case. Medications to decrease the itch that could help him include prednisone or a medication called Apoquel. The possible secondary infection would have to be treated as well. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing his allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!