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Dog has hives, eye swelling, severe allergies. Is it an emergency?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 4 years and 8 months old | 29 lbs

I think my dog is having bad allergies- usually this time of year her skin gets dry and flaky and she itches- but today she woke up whining and itching- noticed she had some sporadic hives in armpit areas and was very warm, and one eye was swelling up. Gave her benadryl and a cool bath, and she was temporarily relieved but the symptoms keep returning. What should I do?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 23rd, 2017

I'm sorry Tulli is having such bad allergies and she is currently suffering from some severe symptoms. Given that the Benadryl and cool bath isn't working, I would have her seen by a vet now. She could be suffering from an allergic reaction causing the hives, and it's also concerning that her eye is swelling up. The eye is such a delicate and important structure that any problem with it should be considered an emergency. Seeing a vet now so Tulli can get medication for her reaction is best. Please take her into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website.

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 27th, 2020

    This looks like a pretty significant allergic reaction. The welts may not go down on their own. If they don't, you need to get her to a vet. In the meantime you can give her some Benadryl. I cannot give you a dose because you didn't mention her weight but the dose is 1mg per pound of body weight. So, if she is 50 pounds she would need 50mg (so two of the human 25mg tablets). If she is in between dosages always round up. You can give her that dose up to every 8 hours. Give only regular Benadryl (diphenhydramine) - with no other active ingredients.

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