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Dog Hives

Dog hives are caused by allergic reactions to insect stings and bites, food, toxins or chemicals


Dog Hives Pic Medically known as "Urticaria", hives in dogs are small bumps that can appear on your dog's skin, face, ears, and even tongue. Dog hives are a form of short-term allergic reactions to, most commonly, insect stings. Other possible causes are certain food items, poisonous plants, household chemical products, and vaccines. You can usually see the hives developing within 15-20 minutes of the dog being exposed to the allergen.

Usually, dog hives are not life-threatening and the bumps will go away soon. However, the condition can cause a lot of discomfort and stress to our dogs.

Symptoms of Dog Hives

  • Bumps on the skin, face, ears, and/or tongue
  • Hair over the bumps may stand up
  • Excessive scratching due to intense itching
  • May have difficulty in breathing
  • Sometimes swollen eyes and face
  • ** Take your dog to the veterinarian immediately if:

  • she has difficulty in breathing
  • her face is so swollen that she may have breathing problems
  • the hives do not go away in a day
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    Homeopathic Remedies for Dog Hives

    Homeopathic remedies are very effective in treating sudden onset of hives caused by allergic reactions to substances such as chemicals, bug stings, etc. It is therefore advisable to keep the following homeopathic remedies in your first aid kit for dogs just in case your dog develops hives:

    Apis mellifica

    An effective remedy for hives, swelling and breathing difficulty. Give this remedy to your dog immediately if her face starts swelling up.

    Urtica urens

    This is an effective remedy for allergic hives that itch and sting intensely. The dogs needing this remedy will often develop red patches on their skin and they also tend to urinate more frequently.

    Arsenicum album

    Dogs needing this remedy are weak and restless. They also suffer from intense itching and have breathing difficulty.

    Rhus toxicodendron

    Rhus tox can relieve hives that cause intense itching. (The itching usually improves by hot bathing.)

    An Effective Homeopathic Remedy for Hives in Dogs

    Newton Homeopathics Skin Relief for Dogs and Cats

    This natural remedy is effective for the relief of itching and pain associated with not only hives, but also eczema, pimples, and other skin eruptions, as well as mange.

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    Herbal Remedies for Dog Hives

    For dog hives that are not too serious and with no swelling, herbs can also be used to alleviate the itching.

    Oat

    Apply an oatmeal paste to the affected area(s). To make the oatmeal paste, cook the oatmeal in water until it is in a loose and wet paste form. Let it cool and apply it liberally to your dog. Alternatively, give your dog oatmeal baths to help alleviate the itch. Boil about one pound of organic oat straw in 2 quarts of water and add this to your dog's bathwater.

    Yellow Dock

    Use a rinse from dried yellow dock (available at health food stores or herbal stores). Add one tablespoon of the herb to 2 cups of boiling water. Let it sit and cool down. Strain off the herb and use the liquid as a rinse.

    Green Tea

    Steep a couple of green tea bags in 2 cups of hot water. Discard the teabags. Let the tea cool down and pour it on your dog. Let it drip dry.

    Chamomile / Calendula

    If your dog is itchy and her skin is reddened, use a rinse of chamomile tea or calendula tea.

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    Prevention of Dog Hives

  • Though not easy, we should try to prevent our dogs from developing hives by making sure that they are not exposed to possible allergens (e.g. household cleaning chemicals, toxins, etc.).
  • If your dog has developed hives as a result of a certain vaccine, be sure to let your veterinarian know so that preventative measures can be taken (e.g. excluding certain vaccines during subsequent vaccinations, or using a different type of vaccine).
  • Vitamins and supplements may be helpful in preventing allergic reactions in dogs who are particularly sensitive, or who have a weakened immune system:

    • Vitamin C - 5 to 10 mg/lb, 2-3 times daily
    • Vitamin E - 5 to 10 mg/lb, once a day
    • Coenzyme Q10
  • Here is an excellent product of Coenzyme Q10 for dogs:

    Dr. Harvey's Co Enzyme Q10 - 30 ct.



    References

    D. Hamilton, Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs (North Atlantic Books, 1999).
    R. Kidd, Dr. Kidd's Guide to Herbal Dog Care (Storey Publishing, 2000).
    PetEducation.com


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