What does Hives Look Like on a Dog?

Hives on dogs are more common than most people may realize. Allergies and insect bites can be the culprit, these may be caused by food, environmental allergies, or fleas. Hives are a common spot to see a dog hive but they can also occur on other areas of your dog’s body, including paws and skin folds near the armpits, groin, or neck area.

Hives on dogs can be an asymptomatic manifestation of several different problems. Hives are raised patches of skin that usually itch and that sometimes swell. They can appear anywhere on the body, but they often occur around the head, neck, or feet. The discomfort can be mild or severe, depending on the underlying cause of hives.

What Does Hives Look Like on a Dog?

Hives are typically round and red with a white center. They may be raised or flat and may appear suddenly or overtime.

The most commonplace for hives to appear is along the spine of your dog’s back; however, they can appear anywhere on their body.

Hives, also known as urticaria, are raised red bumps on the skin that are caused by an allergic reaction. The bumps can be anywhere on a dog’s body and may come and go over time.

Hives are red, itchy bumps that can appear on your dog’s skin. They’re often associated with allergies and occur when the immune system mistakes something harmless for a threat and releases histamine to fight it.

The most common causes of hives include:

  • Fleas
  • Food allergies (like beef or chicken)
  • Insect bites or stings
  • Latex allergy
  • Medications (like antibiotics)

If your dog has hives, it’s important to visit your vet immediately. This is because some types of hives are dangerous and can lead to anaphylaxis a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Your vet will examine your dog and look for signs of anaphylaxis including:

  • Pale gums
  • Drooling
  • Lethargy/weakness
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Raised red bumps on your dog’s body
  • Pale center with a darker border (this is called “angioedema”)
  • Itching
  • You may see some swelling if your dog has been stung by an insect
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