Dog hives 'Urticaria' is a skin condition that can not only be caught by dogs and puppies but humans too.

What do Hives Look Like...?

The condition will normally appear as bumps on your dog's skin which may lead to itching and scratching of the affected area.

Causes...

This condition is not caused by stress but often due to an allergic reaction that your dog has had to an insect bite, certain medications or even something that your dog has eaten. Some dog foods have additives, preservatives, emulsifiers, artificial colorings and flavorings and even 'fillers' in the ingredients and this may cause your dog to have a reaction.

As previously mentioned some insect bites can cause the condition mainly due to a reaction to the toxins that have been passed through the insect bite or sting.

Symptoms of Dog Hives...

The symptoms of this skin condition can actually be quite distressing for your dog or puppy mainly due to the variety of symptoms that your do can experience including...

• Warts and bumps may appear on the surface of your dog or puppy's skin.
• Your pooch may start itching and scratching at the affected area.
• Your dog's skin and coat may look greasy and have a nasty smell.
• Rashes may also appear on the skin.
• The skin may appear inflamed.
• Your dog or puppy's face may look swollen.
• You may notice that your pooch develops lesions on the skin that have difficulty healing.
• You may notice that the hair starts to fall out in small patches.
• The skin may also appear yellow in certain places.
• Skin may look scaly.
• You may notice that your dog or puppy has dandruff.
• In extreme cases your dog or puppy may experience difficulty when breathing.
• Your pooch may also have very dry skin.

Treatment for Dog Hives...

Firstly makes sure that you take your dog or puppy straight to vet vet's if you think that your pooch has this condition - the vet may prescribe or offer some of the following...

• Antihistamines may be prescribed to decrease the symptoms that your dog is experiencing due to the allergic reaction
• You could try running a cold bath for your dog or puppy and place him gently in the water to sooth the condition - if your pooch does not respond well and doesn't like the cold water - then dip a towel in the water and then use it to gently place over him dabbing the wet towel on affected areas.
• The vet may prescribe vitamin supplements such as Vitamin C, Vitamin A and even Selenium - which can be included in your dog's diet.
• Some people advocate the use of dried oats made into a paste and then placed on your dog's skin.
• Use black or green tea and add it to your dog's water bowel as this will ease the constant scratching and itching.
• Your vet may prescribe oral corticosteroids to help alleviate the symptoms.
• Try gently patting your dog with chamomile tea that has been allowed to go cold.
• If you think that your dog has eaten something that has caused the condition - the vet may prescribe milk of magnesia.
• Another treatment that may be offered is Benadryl

As with all health conditions don't treat your dog without first consulting a vet.