Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My dog has hives and swelling. Is Benadryl enough, or what's next?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | French Bulldog | Female | spayed | 4 years and 6 months old | 24 lbs

Hi my bulldog has very red and hard bumps and her mouth is swollen, her ears are red as she is very hot - this came out of nowhere. She's breathing okay and I gave her a Benadryl for her size specifically. Is it going to help? I'm not sure what else to do

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 3rd, 2017

Those look like hives on Molly. Giving her a Benedryl was the right thing to do. She's probably having an allergic reaction to something. Sometimes Benedryl is not enough and the dog needs steroid injections or pills to help get over the reaction. If she's acting comfortable and calm you're probably OK, but if she is painting excessively or seems very lethargic I would recommend taking her to the vet immediately to get treatment for an allergic reaction. Also other things to watch out for is any vomiting or diarrhea. This can indicate a severe reaction as well.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?
Is your mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and pussy? Dr. Melanie, a certified vet, discusses severe eye issues like infection or abscess, urging an immediate visit.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?
Is your rat breathing heavily, won't eat, and has no energy? A Licensed Vet Tech explains potential causes like infection and age, urging a vet visit for diagnosis.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet keeps scratching its ear. What's causing this problem?
Is your pet scratching their ear often? A certified Petco veterinarian explains common causes like otitis or infection and how to identify the problem.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My degu lost teeth after an accident. How can I feed him soft foods?
Your degu had an accident, lost teeth, and can't eat hard food. A Petco Vet Tech offers crucial advice on immediate vet care and how to feed your injured degu.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My guinea pig has a growing lump on its neck. Can it heal itself?
Guinea pig has a growing, hard neck lump? Worried about vet costs? A certified veterinarian advises on crucial steps for diagnosis and your pet's well-being.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored