Dog Hives

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By Katherine Smith, DVM, CVA, CVSMT. Reviewed by Jo Cornett, DVM.Updated Apr. 8, 2025 dog hives; a dog sits in an on open field.

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Key Takeaways

Hives are raised, red bumps that are itchy and uncomfortable. They are often caused by an allergic reaction.
Hives are usually harmless but should still be seen by a vet. In serious cases, allergic reactions may worsen and cause a medical emergency called anaphylaxis.
Treatment involves reducing the allergic reaction.

What Are Dog Hives?

Hives are usually caused by an allergic reaction somewhere in the body.

They can appear very quickly—and disappear just as fast. The raised red area of the skin is called a wheal, and it can appear anywhere from a few minutes to hours after exposure to an allergen.

Wheals can be located anywhere on your dog’s body, but they’re usually found on the head, neck, back, stomach, and legs.

In mild cases, the hives will generally disappear 12–48 hours after contact with the allergen.

However, because the reaction can progress to anaphylaxis (a dangerous swelling of your dog’s airways) seek treatment if you see hives on your dog.

This is especially true for hives that occur on the face or around the throat.

Symptoms of Dog Hives

Symptoms of dog hives include:

Red raised areas of skin that can occur anywhere (including mucous membranes) but are most seen on the head, neck, back, abdomen, and legs
Intense itchiness and scratching
Excessive drooling if the mouth is swollen
Swelling (angioedema), which is particularly concerning when it involves the face and respiratory system. This can have severe and life-threatening consequences.

Causes of Dog Hives

The allergen that causes the hives may be environmental, chemical, or dietary. Any allergen your dog is sensitive to may also lead to hives.

Common causes of dog hives include:

Insect stings or bites (typically on the head and neck of your pup)
Shampoos or topical agents
Medications
Vaccinations
Toxic plants
Food allergens

Insect bites, chemical contact, and medications are the most common causes of hives in dogs.

How Vets Diagnose Dog Hives

Your vet will closely examine your dog to locate any wheals, which typically have hair on them and may appear in clusters.

Beyond a physical examination, other ways to diagnose hives include:

Any history you can provide; be as thorough as you can in describing allergens your dog might have encountered and when and where you first saw the hives
Your dog’s response to treatment

Treatment for Dog Hives

Dogs with hives usually respond quickly to treatment, which may include:

Antihistamines (oral or injectable) and a steroid
Injectable medications and intravenous fluids (in severe cases)

For dogs with contract dermatitis, your vet may recommend Zenrelia.

Zenrelia is a prescription medication that was introduced in late 2024. It offers fast itch relief with a single daily pill.

Depending on your individual pup and their lifestyle, your vet may also recommend Apoquel or Cytopoint.

At-home treatments may include:

Cold compresses over the hives or swollen areas to give relief from itchiness
Antihistamines, but only under the supervision of your vet

Recovery and Management of Dog Hives

Work with your vet to determine the cause of the hives, using both your dog’s health history and history of exposure to allergens.

Depending on the cause and the frequency, your vet may recommend:

Allergy testing to confirm environmental allergens
Immunotherapy treatment (allergy shots) to desensitize your dog to specific allergens
A food trial to find ingredients that might cause a reaction, which could result in specific dietary recommendations

Dog Hives FAQs

Are dog hives an emergency?

Yes.

Hives indicate an allergic reaction within the body. Although the hives themselves are mostly just uncomfortable, they could lead to very dangerous complications, including anaphylaxis and death.

It’s best to treat even mild cases of hives.

What can I give my dog for hives?

It’s important to speak to your veterinarian before giving your dog any medication. The vet may recommend certain medications to give your dog now or to have ready for future episodes.

How long do hives last?

Hives can disappear within a few hours or last up to 48 hours.

Can anxiety cause hives in dogs?

There’s a small chance that stress can cause dog hives, but generally, anxiety merely worsens hives that are already present.

Should I take my dog to the vet for hives?

Yes, hives indicate a larger issue—an allergic reaction—and require treatment to make your dog comfortable and keep the reaction from progressing.

What do hives look like on a dog?

Hives are red, often swollen areas of skin that may be very itchy. They can be anywhere on the body, but you’ll often spot them on your dog’s head, neck, back, stomach, or legs.

What foods cause hives in dogs?

There is no one food that generally causes hives in dogs. In fact, food allergies in dogs are rare. However, if your dog is allergic to a particular food or ingredient, this may cause hives.