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?
5 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
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.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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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.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on April 23rd, 2017
I'm sorry Peppermint Pattie isn't doing well! Because the Benadryl isn't helping, she needs to see a vet immediately. In some cases allergic reactions need stronger medications such as steroids, and that is likely in this case since the Benadryl didn't help. They can continue to progress to breathing difficulties. so it's best to stop it for now. I would take her into an vet right away to get her treated for her reaction. 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.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on June 29th, 2017
Hives are usually treated with an anti-histamine, like Benadryl, and if that doesn't help then an injection of a corticosteroid may be needed. If you gave her an anti-histamine and it is not working then she may need to visit a vet for more treatment.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on April 14th, 2019
I am sorry that we did not get to your question sooner! I hope that Mia is feeling and looking much better. It sure looks like she had an allergic reaction. We often don't know what has caused it, no matter how hard we try to figure it out! If that happens again, you can give Benadryl at home, here is an article with info including dosing information. https://www.petcoach.co/pet-medication/benadryl/ If she isn't improving within 1 hour of giving Benadryl, or if she continues to get worse, take her to a vet. Again so sorry we weren't able to help you right away this time. I hope Mia is doing better. Thank you for using PetCoach!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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