Hives

Question
My long haired dachshund appears to be broken out in hives and is going crazy scratching...it's a Saturday and my vet is closed.....I have given benadryl(4mg)and tried to rub on some benadryl cream on her.....is there anything else I should do?? I have been watching her breathing in case of throat swelling and that seems fine. Thank you very much. anne taylor

Answer
Is there an emergency vet hospital in your area?  A shot of steroids will take this away rapidly. The benadryl may help, but it may need to be repeated at 8-12 hour intervals.  I would bathe the dog as soon as you can and leave the shampoo on for 20 minutes or so.  That will remove anything onthe skin and soothe the skin  as well.