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My dog has hives & swollen face. Can Benadryl or home remedies help?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 10 lbs

I believe my dog has hives...she has the bumps under her coat and I first noticed it when her snout and eyes were a bit swollen and now the bumps have worsened and I have given her allergy relief. I need to know if there is anything else I can do because I can not afford a vet trip at this moment. Will Benadryl be better? Is there anything I can buy at my local pet store for her?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

Veterinarian

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.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Rebecca, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 29th, 2017

    Poor Charlie. He does sound very uncomfortable. If the benedryl is not helping then the next step probably would involve a vet visit. He may need systemic steroids or other medication to relieve his symptoms. Until you can get him there cool baths may help a bit and benedryl every 8 hours may prevent the signs from worsening. If you know what caused the reaction, make sure he doesn't have contact to that anymore. Though many times we never find the allergen without allergy testing. Do not give otc pain medications as they could make things worse. This article may help you find a way to afford anvet visit. http://m.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_veterinary_care.html Good luck and I hope Charlie is better quickly.

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    Answered By Stephanie Echols, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 6th, 2017

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Those definitely look like hives. I recommend taking Bella to the vet for injectable antihistamines and steroids. Oral Benadryl alone may not be strong enough. Good luck and kisses to Bella!

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