sj77 avatar image

Hives on a bulldog

My English Bulldog has been getting hives on and off for almost a week now and I feel helpless. Been to the vet twice and a trip to pet emergency. I've been told different causes from food or grass allergies and read that the saliva from a flea can cause them too. Having trouble keeping the hives under control and would love some advice besides giving her Benadryl and prednisone. Is there any creams or treatments that anyone can recommend? Please help!!

bathe that bully

if it is environmental (grass, pollen, etc) then bathing helps remove them, thus (hopefully) cutting down on the immuno response. our vet gave us a shampoo that was specifically for this. 

sj77's picture

Thank you and yes I did give

Thank you and yes I did give her a bath asap this morning with a hypoallergtic shampoo that I have. I will look into the other shampoo. Have you ever heard of a dog being allergic to a cat? My cat from time to time likes to lay on my dog's blankets, just wondering if that could be a cause too.

Kathy Chester Newman and Jessa's picture

There are so many things that can cause hives...

have you used a flea or tick treatment?  Rug shampoos, laundry detergent (Tide is the worst), weed killer, bug killers, floor cleaners, etc.  I would use the benedryl, it will help keep the hives under control until you can figure out what is causing it.  Not likely to be food, but it's always a possibility.

Sams74's picture

I know what you're going through!

I dealt with lots and lots of hives from mid August to early October. She had them every day.  Nothing worked 100% so I figured I had to wait out the season and manage them best I could.  The only thing that seemed to lessen the quantity was wiping her down after being outside and keeping the windows closed.  Good luck! I know how frustrating it could be! 

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sj77's picture

Thank you everyone for your

Thank you everyone for your advice, I really appreciate it!!

Hives

Ask your vet about HYDROXYZINE. We had so many trips to the vet for her breaking out in horrible hives. We tried benedryl, claritin , every and any thing you could think of. Somebody on this site said they gave thier dog hydroyzine. I told my vet to perscribe it for her. No more hives, And you can get it from walmart or target with a perscription alot cheaper. Saved our poor dog.

Missy Violet and Magic's picture

Yep, HYDROXYZINE...

I believe it was me that mentioned the hydroxyzine.  My previous bulldog had the same problem.  After many ER visits we went to the dermatologist who put him on a daily dose, 50mgs. In fact, if I remember correctly it was 2x a day.  He said it was the best antihistamine for hives....they use it often on horses.  We never found out what was causing them but we suspected fertizer. I hope this helps. Good luck!

Missy Violet and Magic's picture

*fertilizer* is what that was supposed to say^.....

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