Home Remedies for Dog Hives

Dogs, our beloved furry companions, can sometimes develop hives, which can be a cause for concern for pet owners. Hives in dogs, also known as urticaria, present as raised, itchy bumps on the skin. While it's always advisable to consult a veterinarian in severe cases, there are several effective ways to treat dog hives at home.

What Are Dog Hives?

Hives are a skin reaction caused by the release of histamines and other chemicals in response to an allergen. In dogs, hives often appear as raised, red, or pale bumps on the skin, which may be accompanied by itching. The bumps can appear anywhere on the body, though they are most commonly found on the face, neck, and belly.

Hives can occur as a result of food allergies, insect bites, medication reactions, or contact with allergens like pollen or certain fabrics. While the condition is usually temporary, it's essential to manage it properly to alleviate your dog’s discomfort.

Causes of Hives in Dogs

1. Allergic qualities

Dogs themselves have allergic qualities, commonly found in the ingestion of fish, shrimp, crab, milk and other foods, or the use of penicillin, vitamin K, serum, vaccines, blood transfusions and other drugs after the emergence of allergic reactions. 

2. Disease effects

Gastrointestinal disorders, foci of infection, liver dysfunction and other diseases may also trigger urticaria, which may also occur in female dogs in heat. 

3. Insect bites

Such as fleas, mites, mosquitoes and other insect bites. 

Related: How Do Dogs Get Fleas

4. Physical stimulation

Cold wind, hot wind, sunlight, pressure, friction and other physical stimuli. 

5. Plant irritation

Plant stimuli such as pollen, grass, and so on. 

6. Other stimuli

Irritants in the environment such as sterilised water and chemicals. 

How to Identify Hives in Dogs

Recognizing hives in dogs is essential for quick intervention. Here are the most common signs:

I. Skin manifestations

• Rash Characteristics

The rash of hives in dogs is usually in the form of variable sized and shaped wind bumps. They may be round, oval or irregularly shaped, and may range in size from a grain of rice to the size of a coin. They are raised on the surface of the skin and are clearly defined from the surrounding normal skin.
The colour of the doughnuts varies, commonly light red, pink or pale. In the early stages of the disease, they may be isolated, and as the disease progresses, they may merge into patches.

• Itching

Itching is a key feature of hives in dogs. The dog will frequently scratch, lick, or rub the area of the body that has the rash. If you notice that your dog is overly focused on one area of the body and keeps making these movements, it is likely due to itchy skin.

As a result of the itching, the dog may seem agitated and may suddenly stop to scratch the body while resting or playing.

• Swelling of the skin

Some dogs with hives will have swollen skin. For example, areas around the eyes, lips, ears, and limbs may swell. This swelling usually occurs suddenly and the swollen skin is relatively soft in texture.
For example, swelling around the eyes may make the dog's eyes look smaller, and swelling of the lips may change the shape of the dog's mouth.

II. Systemic Symptoms

• Respiratory changes

If the hives are severe, they may affect your dog's breathing. The dog may experience shortness of breath and wheezing. There may be a slight rumbling sound while breathing, which is because the mucous membranes of the airways may also be affected, leading to narrowing of the airways. In severe cases, the dog may have difficulty breathing, as evidenced by open-mouth breathing and a markedly increased respiratory rate.

• Digestive Tract Reactions

Some dogs with urticaria will have digestive symptoms. Vomiting and diarrhoea may occur. The vomit may be undigested food or gastric juices, and in diarrhoea the faeces passed may be thin, soft or watery.
At the same time, the dog's appetite may be affected in the form of loss of appetite or complete refusal to eat.

• Mental state

As a result of the physical discomfort, the dog's mental state may change. It usually becomes lethargic, sleepy and loses interest in its usual favourite toys or activities. The dog may find a quiet place to lie down, unwilling to walk or play, in contrast to its usual active state.

If your dog’s hives are severe or accompanied by other symptoms like difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or vomiting, this could be a sign of anaphylaxis, which requires immediate veterinary attention.

How to Treat Dog Hives at Home？

While it's always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian if you suspect your dog has hives, there are several home remedies you can try to alleviate your dog’s symptoms.

1. Give Your Dog an Oatmeal Bath

An oatmeal bath can help soothe your dog’s irritated skin and reduce itching. Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory properties that can calm the skin and provide relief from hives. To prepare an oatmeal bath:

• Grind plain, unsweetened oatmeal into a fine powder or use store-bought colloidal oatmeal.
• Fill your tub or a basin with lukewarm water and add the oatmeal.
• Gently soak your dog in the water for 10 to 15 minutes, ensuring that the affected areas are submerged.
• Gently pat your dog dry with a clean towel afterward.

Oatmeal baths are safe for most dogs and can help provide immediate relief.

2. Cold Compress

Applying a cold compress to the affected areas can help reduce swelling and provide relief from itching. To use a cold compress:

• Wrap a clean cloth or towel around some ice or cold water.
• Gently place the compress on the areas of your dog’s body that are affected by the hives.
• Hold the compress in place for a few minutes, ensuring your dog remains calm during the process.

A cold compress can be used multiple times a day to alleviate swelling and itching.

3. Antihistamines

In some cases, over-the-counter antihistamines can be used to treat dog hives. Antihistamines block the effects of histamine, the chemical responsible for allergic reactions. However, not all antihistamines are safe for dogs, so you should always consult with your veterinarian before giving your dog any medication.

• Common antihistamines that are often recommended for dogs include Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) and Zyrtec (Cetirizine).
• The typical dosage for Benadryl is 1 mg per pound of your dog’s body weight, given every 8 hours, but dosage may vary depending on your dog’s health and size.

Always check with your vet to determine the correct dosage and whether antihistamines are safe for your dog.

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4. Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera gel has soothing properties that can help cool down your dog’s skin and reduce inflammation. It is also a natural remedy for itchy, irritated skin.

• Use pure aloe vera gel (without any added fragrances or chemicals) and apply it to the areas affected by hives.
• Gently massage the gel into your dog’s skin and let it air dry.

Be sure to monitor your dog to make sure they don’t lick off the aloe vera gel, as ingesting large amounts can lead to gastrointestinal upset.

5. Keep Your Dog Calm and Cool

Stress can sometimes exacerbate hives, so it’s important to keep your dog calm while they are experiencing this allergic reaction. If possible, keep them in a cool, quiet environment to help reduce their stress and minimize the risk of further irritation.

Additionally, avoid taking your dog outside if environmental allergens, like pollen or dust, are triggering the hives.

When to See a Veterinarian

While mild hives can often be treated at home, there are situations where you should seek veterinary care:

• Severe or Widespread Hives: If the hives cover a large portion of your dog’s body or are causing significant discomfort, a vet visit is necessary.
• Breathing Problems: If your dog has difficulty breathing, their throat is swelling, or they are showing signs of anaphylaxis (such as vomiting or diarrhea), you should take them to an emergency vet immediately.
• Persistent Symptoms: If the hives don’t improve after a day or two or worsen despite at-home treatments, it’s time to consult a vet for further investigation and treatment.

FAQs

Can food cause hives in dogs?

Do hives on dogs go away on their own?

If your dog's hives are caused by a mild, transient irritation, such as a brief exposure to a mild allergen or a very mild physical irritation, your dog's own immune system may cause the hives to gradually subside and possibly disappear on their own after avoiding further exposure to the irritant.

If the hives are caused by a severe allergic reaction, disease, or continued allergen exposure, they usually do not go away on their own and require therapeutic intervention, such as the use of medications, dietary modifications, and environmental improvements.

Should you wash a dog with hives?

Conclusion 

Hives in dogs can be uncomfortable, but with the right remedies and care, most cases can be managed effectively at home. Simple treatments like oatmeal baths, cold compresses, and antihistamines can help reduce itching and swelling. However, it’s essential to monitor your dog’s symptoms and seek veterinary care if the hives worsen or are accompanied by other severe symptoms.

By staying vigilant and keeping your dog’s environment free from allergens, you can help reduce the likelihood of hives occurring in the future and ensure that your dog stays happy and healthy.