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My dog has red bumps and hives. What can I do to help her at home?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Boxer | Female | spayed | 65 lbs

My 3 year old female boxer has raised red bumps all over her body. They started last night with not as many, but this morning I woke up and they are all over her body. I believe she might have hives or some type of allergic reaction. I've already contacted her primary vet, but can't afford to bring her in right now.... what would be a way for me to help her?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on July 11th, 2017

Hi, I'm Dr. Johnson. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Jamo! It sounds like Jamo is having an allergic reaction and the raised red bumps are hives. Another possibility is a skin infection. Hives could be from an insect bite, a reaction to something she ate or an environmental allergen. Boxers tend to be a sensitive breed! Ideally I recommend that you bring her to your Vet to have her looked at, I understand your financial dilemma. They will know best the difference between an infection and hives. An infection requires antibiotics while hives from an allergic reaction require steroids and an antihistamine. You could try 2 tablets of 25mg generic benadryl every 8 hours. Just make sure there are no other drugs or decongestants in the benadryl. I wish you the best of luck

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    Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 6th, 2017

    Poor Bailey! If you already gave oral Benadryl and it is not better then she needs to be seen by a vet for treatment. Your vet an give an injection of a corticosteroid and Benadryl which should help resolve the hives.

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    Answered By Mirissa Duncil, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 5th, 2017

    Hi there! Benadryl OTC is generally considered safe for dogs. It make make them a bit sleepy, just like us. Your veterinary office will likely give you a dosage if you provide Phoenix's weight, as we cannot legally give you a dosage for any medication because of laws prohibiting this since we have not physically seen you animal. However-if she actually has hives it is likely she has a reaction to something and the Benadryl may not be strong enough. If you get a dosage for that and it does not improve or gets worse, please take her in as soon as you can. I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 10th, 2017

    Poor Delilah! These look like hives. You can try to give her 50mg of Benadryl twice a day for a few days in a row to see if that helps. But keep a close eye on her. If they are not improving or getting worse then you will want to take her back to the vet. I have seen these hives get worse or even infected which both would require stronger medication.

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