Identifying and Treating Hives on Dogs: A Guide by Liz McCalley, DVM, CCRT
Dog Hives: Recognizing and Relieving Itchy Canine Reactions
Pet owners often find themselves puzzled by their dogs' unexplained itchiness. If your four-legged friend is scratching profusely and showing signs of hives, it's essential to identify the cause and provide immediate relief.
Hives, also known as canine urticaria, are itchy, raised bumps that can appear on a dog's skin, typically in response to allergens. These swollen welts can emerge anywhere on the body, from the face to the belly. In most cases, hives are not a cause for alarm, but they can be intensely uncomfortable for dogs and worrying for their owners.
According to recent studies, hives are relatively uncommon in dogs, with only 12 to 15 cases discovered in every 10,000 dogs receiving veterinary care [1, 2]. However, some breeds seem to be more prone to this condition, such as boxers, beagles, Rhodesian ridgebacks, French Bulldogs, and Vizslas [1]. Short-haired breeds, including pitbulls, English Bulldogs, and Dobermans, may also face an increased risk.
The location and appearance of hives can vary, but they typically appear as round or oval bumps on the skin, often red or pink. The bumps may be warm to the touch, and while they can appear and disappear quickly, most cases resolve within 48 hours [1]. However, it's crucial to distinguish hives from other skin issues to provide appropriate care.
Several factors can trigger hives in dogs, including:
- Insect bites or stings from bees, wasps, ants, or other similar insects
- Food allergies, often caused by specific proteins in a dog's diet
- Environmental allergens such as pollen, dust, or mold
- Direct contact with certain plants, like stinging nettles
- Medications or vaccines to which a dog may have an adverse reaction
- Extreme temperatures, both cold and hot [3]
In a recent study of 24 cases of canine urticaria, insect bites or stings were the most common identifiable cause, followed by food allergies and drug reactions [1].
If your dog's hives are accompanied by symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, collapse, or pale gums, seek immediate veterinary care, as these may be signs of a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis [1].
Treatment options for dog hives depend on their severity and the underlying cause. In some cases, antihistamines may help reduce itching and swelling. For more severe reactions, veterinarians might prescribe corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. In rare instances, an emergency epinephrine injection may be necessary [2].
If food allergies are suspected, the veterinarian might recommend a special diet such as a limited-ingredient or novel protein formula [2]. In addition, home remedies like over-the-counter antihistamines such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine) in appropriate doses, cool baths with colloidal oatmeal, or cold compresses can help ease itching and provide comfort [2].
Preventing hives requires identifying and avoiding triggers. Regular grooming, diet management, environmental control, and temperature regulation can help reduce the risk for recurrent hives [4]. If your dog experiences recurrent hives, work closely with your veterinarian to develop a personalized prevention and treatment plan.
References:[1] Rostaher, A., et al. "Triggers, risk factors and clinico-pathological features of urticaria in dogs - a prospective observational study of 24 cases." Veterinary Dermatology, vol. 28, issue 1, 2017, pp. 38-e9. doi: 10.1111/vde.12342.[2] Fabrice T. J. Fosset, et al. "Retrospective Evaluation of Hypersensitivity Reactions and Anaphylaxis in Dogs (2003-2014): 86 Cases." Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, vol. 33, no. 5, 2023, pp. 577-586. doi: 10.1111/vec.13319.[3] Bradley, C. W., et al. "A Review of Cutaneous Hypersensitivity Reactions in Dogs: A Diagnostician's Guide to Allergy." Veterinary Pathology, vol. 60, issue 6, 2023, pp. 783-795. doi: 10.1177/03009858231189298.[4] Voie, K. L., et al. "Drug Hypersensitivity Reactions Targeting the Skin in Dogs and Cats." Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, vol. 26, no. 4, 2012, pp. 863-874. doi: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2012.00927.x.
Incorporating elements of science, health-and-wellness, skin-care, lifestyle, and pets, it's worth noting that hives in dogs can sometimes be traceable to food allergies, similar to certain human skin reactions. Ensuring a balanced diet with limited ingredients or novel proteins, as suggested by veterinarians, could aid in managing such reactions. Additionally, home remedies like over-the-counter antihistamines such as Benadryl, cool baths with colloidal oatmeal, or cold compresses can offer temporary relief for itchy dog skin, aligning with the principles of skin care and overall pet wellness.
