The Facts

• According to the Dog Health Guide, canine hives---also called canine urticaria---appear when a dog comes in contact with something it is allergic to. The hives usually occur within 30 minutes of contact and often require medical assistance.
  
  

Causes

• Dogs that experience hives typically either inhale a particle of something it is allergic to or absorb it through the skin. For instance, vaccinations can cause hives, as well as insect stings or bites, drugs, new foods, soaps and insecticides. Dogs that have hives may also experience swollen faces as a result of the reaction.
  
  

Symptoms

• According to Natural Dog Health Remedies, hives can present a variety of symptoms. Hives are raised, circular spots that appear on the skin. Dogs with hives will often have raised patches of hair around the hives and can experience the hives on their body, head, face and even tongue. Dogs will often scratch excessively or have difficulty breathing.
  
  

Treatment

• Treatment for hives often depends on what caused the reaction in the first place. It is helpful to think about what occurred before the hives were spotted. For instance, if the dog went for a walk or ate a new food before the bumps appeared, chances are the pooch is allergic to a component in the environment or food. If so, the location and food should be avoided in the future and your veterinarian will likely prescribe medication to alleviate the hives. If your dog experienced hives after a bath, rinse your dog off with cool water to remove any residual substances left on the skin. The cool water will also help to calm any itch and irritation the dog is experiencing. Allergy medications and steroids are often needed to resolve hives and should be given under a veterinarian's care.
  
  

Prevention

• While it may not be possible to prevent all occurrences of hives on your dog, there are a few measures you can take to lower the chances. Avoid placing your dog in contact with any known substances it is allergic to, such as soaps, flea preventative or household cleaners. In addition, speak with your veterinarian about precautions that can be taken before vaccines are administered, if your dog had hives as a result of the vaccines. Natural Dog Health Remedies suggests giving vitamins and supplements to your dog to strengthen the immune system and prevent allergic reactions. Give 5 to 10 mg per pound of vitamin C to your dog two to three times daily, along with 5 to 10 mg per pound of vitamin E once daily.