Dog Hives

Canine hives are allergic reactions caused by substances absorbed by the skin of your dog or inhaled through the nose. These reactions can occur almost anywhere on the body of your dog. The hives are circular and raised, and can cause hair to your dog to have raised patches. They usually disappear by themselves within 24 hours.

Causes

Canine hives may be caused by different things. Some of the most common include sensitivity to insect stings, medicines, vaccines or chemicals. Also, something that your dog has eaten can cause an allergic reaction.

Treatment

As mentioned above, the canine hives will disappear within 24 hours. However, they can cause your dog to severe itching. This can be treated with antihistamines or oral steroids. Topical medications may also be used to treat itching caused by hives dog.

Some dogs with canine hives begin to have difficulty breathing due to allergic reactions. If this occurs, the veterinarian will administer epinephrine to help your dog breathe properly. If your dog is scratching the affected areas too, may develop a secondary skin infection. If this happens, your dog will need topical or oral antibiotics.

Prevention

Canine hives can be caused by certain vaccinations. To avoid another episode, you must make sure the history of your dog has a note of the allergic reaction to this vaccination. Canine hives can also be caused by certain foods to your dog eats. If you switch brands of dog food and your dog develops hives, you must return to the old food.