Get a Handle on Your Pet's Hives

Pets seem to develop a number of allergic reactions to various things like bites, certain foods, brushing against leaves and grass, and pollen. The allergic reaction could show up as a bad case of the hives causing your pet to scratch ferociously. Although, their excessive scratching could be fleas it also could be hives. One way to notice if the problem is hives is that hives will appear as red welts on the skin and more than likely disappear in a day. Hives are not that common with pets like they are with humans but pets can get hives that lasts for a couple of days or so.

Although it doesn't take long for the hives to disappear there are ways you can get a handle on your pet's hives. First, try over the counter medications like Benadryl and give to your pet based on their weight. Be sure to consult your vet before giving your pet any over the counter medications to be sure they are not allergic to the medication and also to find out how much dosage to actually give your pet. Avoid using cream ointments that help humans, like calamine lotion or hydrocortisone, these products are not effective on animals because they usually just lick it off.

Also, avoid scratching your pet. Like in the case of people who have hives, scratching only makes things worse. Another way to get a handle on your pet's hives is to find out what has caused the hives. Is it a particular food or ingredient? Is it from them roaming around in deep grass or brushing up against bushes or leaves? It may take some time to actually find out what is causing the hives. But pay close attention to what your pet eats and any reaction a couple of days later and keep a close eye on where your pet wanders this will help you discover what the true culprit is. If they seem to be getting hives when they roam around in certain areas, keep that area off limits.

Certain pets develop an allergic reaction to a certain type of protein found in their food. If you think it's the food, change their diet for a few weeks to see if the hives disappear. Then switch your pet back to the old diet, if he breaks out in hives you have found the culprit that has caused the hives. Your vet can help you recommend foods for pets that have an allergic reaction to certain foods or you can make your own pet food and leave out the ingredient that caused the hives. Following these few recommendations can help you get a handle on your pet's hives.