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My dog has hives and face swelling. What to do if I can't afford vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Chihuahua | Female | unspayed | 5 months and 24 days old | 5 lbs

I have a 7month old female standard chihuahua she started having swelling in her face yesterday with bumps it went done after some time now she has swelling again and bumps and what appears to be hives all over not just in the face and she will not stop crewing and scratching at them what could cause this out of no where and what do I do she's a emotional support dog and we have no money I just lost my job

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on December 9th, 2016

I am sorry you lost your job! It sounds like Freya is having an allergic reaction, and the problem with the ones that happen on a dog's face is that their face can swell to a point where they start having breathing difficulties. She does have to see a vet right away, she will need either antihistamines or steroids to stop the reaction. If paying for a vet is an issue, you can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962 https://www.redrover.org https://www.carecredit.com

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Freya obviously has a severe allergic reaction to something. Best would be to take her to a vererinarian, but you can try giving her some Benadryl by mouth such as children's Benadryl. The dose is 1mg/lb every eight hours by mouth.. Do not overdose, please. This could have been an insect bite. If the sweelling gets worse, if she has breathing problems, vomits or if it does not go away after two doses, you will need to take her to a veterinarian. Call around to the pet charities in your area whether there are any low cost veterinarians or clinics in your area.

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