Hives
Hives, also known as urticaria, is an allergic skin reaction that can occur in dogs. It manifests itself as itchy, red and swollen wheals on the skin. The wheals can appear individually or in groups and vary in size. The causes of hives can be varied, for example insect bites, medication, food, plants or chemicals.
Symptoms of hives in dogs
The symptoms of hives in dogs are usually easy to recognize. The wheals are often visible and feel warm and firm. They can appear on various parts of the body, such as the face, neck, stomach or legs. The wheals can also affect the eye or mouth and cause swelling. This can impair breathing or vision.
The wheals are usually very itchy and can make the dog restless. He may try to scratch or lick himself, which can further irritate the skin. In some cases, hives can also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea or difficulty breathing. This may indicate a severe allergic reaction that can trigger anaphylactic shock. This is a life-threatening emergency and requires immediate veterinary attention.
Treatment of hives in dogs
The treatment of hives in dogs depends on the severity of the symptoms and the cause. In mild cases, it may be sufficient to keep the dog away from the allergen and cleanse the skin with cool water. This can relieve the itching and reduce the swelling.
In more severe cases, the vet may prescribe antihistamines or corticosteroids to suppress the allergic reaction and reduce inflammation. These medications can be administered as tablets, injections or ointments. They should always be used as directed by the vet and should not be discontinued without consultation.
If the cause of the hives is not known, the vet can carry out an allergy test to identify the allergen. This involves applying various substances to the dog's skin and observing the reaction. If a wheal develops, this is an indication of an allergy to this substance. The vet can then recommend a suitable therapy to treat or prevent the allergy.
Prevention of hives in dogs
The best prevention of hives in dogs is to avoid or minimize the allergen. This may mean protecting the dog from insects, giving him a hypoallergenic food, keeping him away from certain plants or chemicals, or not giving him medications to which he is allergic.
If the dog gets hives anyway, take him to the vet as soon as possible and don't give him any home remedies that could make the situation worse. You should also make sure that the dog does not scratch or lick itself too much to avoid infection or skin damage.
Hives are an unpleasant condition for both the dog and the owner. However, early diagnosis and treatment can alleviate the symptoms and prevent complications.
The authors assume that a veterinarian should be consulted if an animal is ill and that medication should only be taken after consultation with a doctor or pharmacist. Only an individual examination can lead to a diagnosis and treatment decision.
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