My Chihuahua has broken out in hives

Question
I have a 4 year old chihuahua and recently she has been randomly breaking
out in what look to be hives.  They appear all over her back and her belly.  
And recently they have been showing up on her head.  They're maybe 30-40
just tiny bumps all over her head and during the day she will be ok the
bumps will subside but wont go completely away and then towards the
evening they reappear and she's been throwing up.  But i cook eggs or
hamburger meat and rice and it seems to help her stomach but the bumps
will not go away and they cause her an itchy discomfort.  What can i do to
help? Do i have to take her to the vet?

Answer
Hi Jamie...

Yes, I definitely think that you need to have your Chihuahua seen by a qualified veterinarian for a firm diagnosis.  When you describe the bumps, it makes me think that she has a food allergy, but when you say that they subside during the day and come back at night AND when you say that she throws up, that really worries me.  I'm wondering what food you're feeding and honestly believe that investing in one of the good, human grade, premium foods that are out there is an investment well made for the future health of your dog.  But, having said that, you really do need to have your dog examined.  At four years old, it's not a bad idea to have a complete blood chemistry run, too, to make sure all is okay and help with a diagnosis - especially if you haven't had one run recently.

I'm sincerely hoping that this is only an allergy, but you won't know until you have her examined. Please write me again and let me know what you find out and let me know if I can be of help then.

Jo Ann