hives

Question
my french bulldog has been itching for weeks he has itched himself raw in a few spots i woke up this morning and he has hives all over him.i cant take him to the vet for a few days what can i do?

Answer

Hi Tonya,

An over the counter antihistamine can counter-attack allergens (if this problem is an allergic response) it can also help with itching, though it may make your dog drowsy. Benadryl (or it's generic counterpart called Diphenhydramine) can be given to dogs. Just be sure to use regular strength Benadryl (or Diphenhydramine 25mg tablets).

Generally, the recommended dosage of Benadryl is 1mg per one pound of your dog's weight. It should only be given to your dog every 8 hours. So, if your dog weighs 25 pounds, give him one a 25mg. tablet, twice a day. The liquid form of Benadryl has a very high in alcohol content, so it should not be given to a dog.

Your dog should not be given Benadryl if he has glaucoma, lung disease, heart disease, an overactive thyroid (Hyperthyroidism), high blood pressure, bladder problems or a prostate enlargement. This medication can interact with other medications, including vitamins and supplements.  You should talk to your veterinarian if your dog receives other medication to make sure Benadryl is safe to give him.

You can also dab Calamine lotion to help ease the itch. If you apply the lotion just before taking the dog outside for a walk, it will have a chance to work, instead of immediately being licked off. You an also dab on 100% pure Aloe Vera gel to sooth the itch, it's safe if it's licked off, but applying it before walking your dog will give it a chance to do some good.
Hydrocortisone sprays are available at most pet stores, follow label directions.

Shampooing will sometimes help to control itching. Use a shampoo made especially for dogs. Look for one that contains Colloidal Oatmeal, and is labeled as being an itch relief shampoo. Cool water is more soothing to an itch than warm. Dry your dog with a hair drier if possible, rubbing to dry with a towel can aggravate an itch.

Your dog's skin problem is going to harder to treat the longer you go without seeing a veterinarian, not to mention that your dog is suffering with this. Itching leads to scratching, which damages the skin. The damaged skin is easier for yeast and bacteria to grow in. The bacteria and or yeast then contributes to more itching, leading to more skin damage. As this cycle progresses, deeper and deeper layers of the skin are affected, sometimes leading to systemic bacterial infections that can even be fatal. Treating a dog promptly when it needs medical care is cheaper than putting off treatment.

If you are having trouble afford veterinary care, first talk to your regular vet. Ask your veterinarian if he or she will let you work out a payment plan. Many veterinarians are willing to work out a weekly or monthly payment plan so that you do not have to pay the entire cost of veterinary care up front. Another option is to contact your local shelter or Humane Society. Some shelters operate or know of local subsidized veterinary clinics or veterinary assistance programs. If you happen to live within driving distance to veterinary school, check with them to see if they offer discount services to the public. There are two special credit cards to apply for which help with medical bills (including veterinary bills) read about them here:

http://www.carecredit.com
http://www.healthcard.citicards.com

Best of luck,

Patti