The Best Natural Dog Hives Remedies [Vet Approved Remedy Guide]

Your dog is constantly scratching and chewing itself and doesn't stop. Something is not right. If your dog is displaying these behaviors, take a closer look. You may see redness and irritation of the skin. The first step is to take your dog to a vet to find out what is causing this discomfort. Your dog may be experiencing hives, a manifestation of allergic reactions. The vet might prescribe medication to address the issue, but what's available if you are looking for a natural dog scratching and hives remedy?

 

 

What Are Dog Hives?

Dog hives, also known as urticaria, are a common skin condition characterized by the sudden appearance of raised welts on a dog's skin. These hives can develop anywhere on the dog’s body, including sensitive areas like the face, mouth, eyes, legs, throat, and ears. The condition is usually a result of an acute allergic reaction, where the dog's immune system responds to various triggers, leading to inflammation of the skin's deep layer.

 

While hives in dogs might appear alarming, they often signal that the body is reacting to something that is potentially harmful, like insect bites, contact allergens, or certain foods. When a dog experiences hives, pet parents may notice several telltale signs, including:

 

• Redness and Swelling: Hives often manifest as red, raised welts that can appear on the face and other parts of the dog’s body. The affected skin may look irritated and inflamed, with the swelling occurring in localized areas.
• Itchiness and Excessive Scratching: Itchy skin is a common symptom associated with hives. Dogs may scratch or rub against objects to relieve the discomfort, which can exacerbate the irritation and potentially lead to skin rashes or bacterial infections.
• Drooling Due to Swollen Lips: Swelling can occur in the lips, causing the dog to drool excessively. This can be a sign of a more severe allergic reaction, especially if the swelling interferes with the dog's ability to eat or breathe properly.
• Closed Eyes Due to Swollen, Itchy Eyes: Hives around the eyes can cause significant swelling, leading to partially or fully closed eyes. This not only causes discomfort but can also affect the dog's vision temporarily.
• Swelling in the Throat: One of the most dangerous symptoms of hives in dogs is swelling in the throat, which can lead to difficulty breathing and an anaphylactic reaction. This life-threatening condition requires immediate veterinary attention, as it can escalate to an emergency situation within a few minutes.

 

Dog hives are typically a visible sign of the body's immune response to an allergen, which could include anything from a food allergy to an insect bite. If a dog suddenly becomes covered in hives, it’s crucial to monitor the dog's environment and symptoms closely and seek veterinary care if there are signs of severe allergic reactions or breathing difficulties.

 

 

Why Do Dogs Break Out In Hives?

Dog hives are most commonly caused by an allergic reaction. Allergic reactions are immune responses to specific allergens. An immune response involves the production of antibodies, which release chemicals that cause inflammation. The swollen red spots that you see are a direct result of this inflammation. Hives can be triggered by several allergens, which means that there is not just one cause of your dog's hives. Common causes of hives are:

 

• Insect bites or stings
• Medications
• Vaccinations
• Plants, such as poison ivy or oak

 

If you have a dog who gets hives, it's good to know what exactly triggers the reaction. Once the culprit is identified you can stop your dog from getting hives, if you keep it away from what it's had acute allergic reactions to. No trigger equals no reaction.

 

 

How Long Do Dog Hives Last?

Dog hives typically last from 1-3 days. Since an allergic reaction causes hives, the welts should disappear once the allergen has moved through your dog's body. It's even possible for your pet's hives to disappear without treatment in a matter of minutes. If your furry friend experiences a particularly strong allergic reaction, various medications can help the dog recover.

 

While allergies can differ for each dog, some canines' reactions to food allergies may get worse over time. In these scenarios, it's important to remember that a medication like an EpiPen does not always cure an allergic reaction. It may ease your pet's symptoms for a few hours before the hives return.

 

Severe cases of hives need professional medical attention, so think of the EpiPen as a pressing pause on the dog's allergic reaction. This will give you time to take your pet to the emergency room. If your dog breaks out in hives, pay attention to the symptoms more than how long they last. A mild case of hives lasting more than three days is cause for concern, but severe reactions should immediately receive veterinary attention. How do you know if a reaction is severe? If your dog's face swells or they experience breathing difficulties, it's time to see the vet.

 

 

Common Treatment Options For Hives

Fortunately, there are several treatment options for canine hives. We hope that a case of hives resolves itself within just a few minutes, but these medications can help your dog recover if the problem persists:

 

• Antihistamines
• Corticosteroids
• Epinephrine (EpiPen)
• Antihistamines

 

Antihistamines like Benadryl or Claritin work by inhibiting the further activity of histamines in the immune response. Histamines cause all the general symptoms of allergies that you are familiar with (red eyes, itchy skin, wheezing). By blocking these histamines from binding to their respective receptors, hive symptoms are temporarily relieved. However, there are some side effects that can come with antihistamines. Possible antihistamine side effects in dogs:

 

• Drowsiness
• Lethargy
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Anxiety or nervousness
• Corticosteroids

 

Corticosteroids (e.g. prednisone, dexamethasone) suppress the inflammatory response. This is important because inflammation is a key part of the immune response. It is responsible for causing the redness and swelling of hives. Corticosteroids work by reducing inflammation and swelling. Possible short-term side effects of corticosteroids in dogs may include:

 

• Frequent urination
• Increase in thirst/dehydration
• Lethargy
• Higher risk of infection getting worse
• Nausea/vomiting

 

Potential long-term side effects of corticosteroids in dogs:

• Urinary tract infection
• Thin skin, blackheads, poor coat
• Decreases wound healing
• Obesity from increasing hunger
• Muscle weakness
• Calcinosis Cutis (hard areas of the skin)
• Increases risk of bacterial infections/fungal infections
• Development of mange (skin mites)
• Predisposition for diabetes
• Epinephrine

 

In rare cases, the throat can become so inflamed and swollen that it actually closes. This is called anaphylaxis, and it is a life-threatening situation that only a burst of epinephrine can resolve. Epinephrine stimulates dilation of the airways, allowing air to pass through. This is usually provided in the form of an EpiPen, which contains epinephrine that has been pre-dosed for your dog. While epinephrine can be a life-saving drug, there are possible side effects:

 

• Raised blood pressure
• Anxiety
• Tremors
• Excitability
• Vomiting
• Abnormal heart rhythms

 

 

Best Natural Home Remedies For Dog Hives

If your dog can't seem to stop scratching, there are plenty of solutions the pet parent can do at home. Mother Nature gives us natural remedies that can help our pets cope with hives. Try some of our following tips if your dog has mild symptoms of hives:

 

 

Oats

Oats have soothing properties and can alleviate itching when applied to the skin. The best way to use oats is to make oat paste by cooking the oatmeal and letting it cool. Once cooled, apply the paste to your dog's skin. You can also make an oat bath for your dog's discomfort if there is a lot of itching.

 

 

Chamomile and Green Tea 

These herbal teas have skin-soothing and cooling properties. They are best for itchy, irritated skin. You can either make a chamomile or green tea bath for your dog or drip the tea over the irritated areas.

 

 

Apple Cider Vinegar And Water Spray

An equal mixture of apple cider vinegar and water can do the trick. Apple cider vinegar has antiseptic and anti-fungal properties, making it effective for irritation from poison oak. Be sure not to use this on any broken skin, as the vinegar will cause great irritation and possibly worsen the situation.

 

 

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil contains anti-fungal and antibacterial properties that help treat irritated skin while keeping the skin nourished. Apply solid coconut oil directly onto your dog's skin to reduce irritation and dryness.

 

 

Using CBD Oil To Treat Dog Hives

If the remedies mentioned above aren't doing the trick, try our premium CBD oil drop may be able to offer your dog some relief.  Let's take a look at what CBD actually is, and what it may do. To begin with, we must know that CBD is not yet approved or meant to prevent, treat, or cure any ailments or diseases.

 

We do know, however, that it interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Dogs, like humans, have an ECS that interacts with cannabinoids. You can use CBD dog treats, CBD capsules, CBD topicals, or CBD oil to administer CBD to your dog. The ECS is responsible for regulating several key functions of the body.

 

One of the most notable functions is the regulation of the immune system. Dogs with hives usually show symptoms of irritation, facial swelling,, and inflammation. Fortunately, the ECS may help to reduce this inflammation by suppressing the inflammatory response. CBD may be helpful for:

 

• Soothing the skin
• Promoting a calm state
• Promoting a healthy coat

 

 

CBD Dosing Suggestions

CBD dosing depends on your dog's weight and whether you're aiming for a starting, regular, or strong dose. We'll go over each of our CBD oil sizes' dosing suggestions, but keep in mind that these dosages are only meant for HolistaPet products. Other brands may have different dosing suggestions based on their CBD formulas.

 

For dogs that weigh up to 20 lbs, we recommend our 150 mg bottle of CBD oil:

• Starting dose: 0.25 ml (2.5 mg CBD)
• Regular dose: 0.5 ml (5 mg)
• Strong dose: 1 ml (10 mg)

 

For dogs that weigh between 20-60 lbs, we recommend our 300 mg bottle of CBD oil:

• Starting: 0.25 ml (5 mg)
• Regular: 0.5 ml (10 mg)
• Strong: 1 ml (20 mg)

 

Larger dogs that weigh 60-100 lbs would benefit most from our 600 mg CBD oil:

• Starting: 0.5 ml (10 mg)
• Regular: 1 ml (20 mg)
• Strong: 2 ml (40 mg)

 

If you've got a pooch that weighs between 100-160 lbs, you've got two excellent CBD oil size options. Our 1200 mg bottle is perfect for daily wellness benefit:

• Starting: 0.5 ml (20 mg)
• Regular: 1 ml (40 mg)
• Strong: 2 ml (80 mg)

 

If your dog is on the heavier side or experiencing skin irritation, you may want something a bit stronger. In that case, consider our 3000 mg bottle:

• Regular: 1.5 ml (100 mg)
• Strong: 2 ml (200 mg)

 

If you're wondering what the heck a milliliter looks like, there's no need to bust out your lab equipment. We have clearly labeled milliliter markers on our CBD oil dropper so that you never have to guess. This helps you give the right dosage to your furry friend every time!

 

 

Is CBD Safe For Dogs?

CBD is generally safe for your dog. It is non-intoxicating, so it most certainly will not get your dog high. CBD comes from the hemp plant, which naturally contains a high CBD to THC ratio. Many CBD products contain zero THC, which can be ideal for your dog. In addition, CBD has minimal side effects that will most likely not be problematic for your dog. These side effects may include:

 

• Dry mouth: CBD may affect saliva production, resulting in a dry mouth and a sensation of thirst.
• Lowered blood pressure: CBD in high doses may cause a small drop in blood pressure, along with slight light-headedness.
• Drowsiness: CBD promotes relaxation, in high doses, it may cause drowsiness.

 

That being said, the adverse effects that may occur are a result of drug interactions. Therefore, it is always best to consult your vet before using CBD for your dog's diet.

 

 

Are There Any Severe Allergic Reactions to Look Out For?

While CBD is generally considered safe for most dogs and can help alleviate symptoms like itchy skin and inflammation, there is a possibility of adverse reactions, particularly if the dog has a sensitivity or allergy to the product or its ingredients. Severe allergic reactions may manifest as dramatic swelling in the face, throat, or other parts of the dog's body, leading to difficulty breathing or even an anaphylactic reaction, which is a medical emergency.

 

Additionally, symptoms such as gastrointestinal signs—like vomiting or diarrhea—could indicate that the dog's digestive system is reacting negatively to the CBD. If the dog experiences a sudden appearance of hives across its body, persistent scratching, or if the same skin response occurs or worsens after administering CBD, immediate veterinary attention is required.

 

In such cases, a physical examination and possibly allergy testing may be necessary to modify future treatment plans and prevent further health risks. Always start with a small dose and monitor the dog closely, especially if this is the first time using CBD for hives or any other skin condition.

 

 

Final Thoughts - The Best Natural Dog Hives Remedies

If your dog has allergies, be sure to consult a vet about hive prevention. If you're unsure whether your dog has allergies, there are several at-home test kits available. When your pooch can't seem to stop scratching themselves, there are several home remedies you can try that may soothe their skin.

 

If the scratching turns out to be hives, monitor your pet carefully. Hopefully, the swelling does not reach their face or airways, and the hives go away within three days. If so, help your dog cope with the symptoms using some of our tips. Although CBD is not an approved or regulated drug, it may help promote a soothing and calming effect for your dog. Should the hives become severe, take your pet to the hospital. Read here for more information.