My dog has sudden facial hives. What can I do to help him tonight?

The appearance of hives can indicate some type of allergic reaction. This is certainly enough to make your dog uncomfortable and want your comfort. I would recommend checking out this article “can I give my dog...” on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach’s main website so you can safely give your dog some benedryl and see if that helps. Depending on the severity of the reaction he may need to be on benedryl for 3-5 days. If there is no response to the benedryl after this time, then you will need to take him in to the vet to be examined. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

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 becomes lethargic, take him to the vet in order to get an antihistamine/steroid injection. from your description at this moment i think he is probably fine, but this can change so monitor him closely.

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.

They may resolve on their own in a few hours. If Blue is itchy, contact your veterinarian and discuss antihistamine use. If they worsen or spread or if he develops difficulty breathing, take him to the nearest veterinary ER. Legally, we are prohibited from recommending doses for medications, even OTC medications, in the absence of a physical exam and a VPCR ( veterinarian-patient-client relationship).

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

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!

Hi, I'm Dr. Johnson. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Jamo! It sounds like Jamo is having an allergic reaction and the raised red bumps are hives. Another possibility is a skin infection. Hives could be from an insect bite, a reaction to something she ate or an environmental allergen. Boxers tend to be a sensitive breed! Ideally I recommend that you bring her to your Vet to have her looked at, I understand your financial dilemma. They will know best the difference between an infection and hives. An infection requires antibiotics while hives from an allergic reaction require steroids and an antihistamine. You could try 2 tablets of 25mg generic benadryl every 8 hours. Just make sure there are no other drugs or decongestants in the benadryl. I wish you the best of luck