Dog has Bumps All Over His Body – Top Reasons Why

You’re all cozied up on the couch one night with your beloved pet. Then, you stroke the fur on his back side and feel several bumps.

Upon closer inspection, your dog has bumps all over his body! If this is a familiar scenario to you, the bumps that you felt might just be hives. Not to worry, though, because they can easily be treated.

What Do Hives Look Like in Dogs?

Hive are basically localized patches of pale-red, inflamed, itchy bumps. Also known as urticaria, it is uncommon in dogs, but it’s still possible for your canine to get it as a negative reaction to insect bites or stings, shampoos, and certain medicines.

These bumps can vary in size, from small pin-sized dots to large red patches. On dogs, they can appear anywhere on the body but, most of the time, you will see them on his back or neck. They may also appear in areas that are more sensitive like the lips, tongue, or ears.

Because hives appear as raised round bumps on the skin, they will be more prominent on dogs with shorter fur compared to dogs with a longer one. So, it’s best to do a close-up inspection if you have a breed of dog with a thicker coat.

What’s the Difference Between Hives and Rashes?

Since a rash is essentially an irritated area of the skin, you can consider hives as a kind of rash. When you press on one of the bumps, it will usually blanch up, meaning that it will appear white when pressed.

A rash can remain on the skin, as is, for several days. But, hives, on the other hand, appear suddenly (approximately a half-hour after the affected dog has been exposed to an allergen). Hives can disappear all on their own but have the tendency to reappear in different forms and on a different part of the body.

Common Reasons Why Your Dog Has Bumps All Over His Body

Anything your dog is hypersensitive to can cause hives. If he was stung by an insect, more commonly bee stings and spider bites, hives can appear. Also, if your dog ran through poison ivy, oak, or grass with pesticides, he can also get hives. In some cases, hives can appear after your dog gets vaccinated. They can also come out when your dog has certain food allergies.

In addition, because hives is a form of allergic reaction, you may also notice other symptoms. When your dog has been exposed to something that he is hypersensitive to, his face or eyes will likely be puffy, and his nose may start to become runny.

How Do You Get Rid of Bumps on Your Dog?

The best treatment is the right does of antihistamines or steroids. If this is your dog’s first time to get hives, it’s best to visit your vet and ask about the right dose of anti-allergy medication. You should never administer Benadryl at home, by yourself, when you have not gotten instructions from your vet yet.

On the other hand, fur parents whose dogs have already gotten hives before, you may not need to visit your vet anymore since you already know the medication to give and the exact dose calculated for your pet.

Preventing Your Dog From Getting Bumps All Over His Body

In general, hives can be prevented by avoiding allergens. Always take note the of the possible causes. It will be very easy to tell since hives appear immediately. For example, take note of the brands of kibble he is allergic to. If there’s a beehive in the park, steer clear of it when you are walking your dog.

It can’t totally be totally avoided, when you have an adventurer on your hands. But, just make sure that you already know the right medication to administer when the next episode of hives happens.