French bulldog hives are one of the most common allergic reactions to specific ingredients from your dog’s food or certain elements from your environment. Even though they’re usually not life-threatening, they should be treated with medication to stop further spread. Hives on dogs are otherwise called urticaria, and just like in humans, they occur when the immune system overreacts to a specific allergen.
How do you recognize French bulldog hives?
Hives on your Frenchie look like round welts and cause the fur to stick up. The allergic reaction usually lasts for two or three days during which your little pup will feel uncomfortable. Severe reactions and large French bulldog hives require immediate reaction and corticosteroidal therapy.
Dog owners of longer-coated breeds such as Shiba Inus or Labrador Retrievers should regularly check their dogs’ skin as well. Since they are more difficult to spot on dogs with longer coats, you can also check if there is a facial or eyelid swelling. Itchiness is also one of the symptoms, as well as developing red spots and cuts due to excessive scratching.
What causes French bulldog hives?
Hives on dogs can occur due to many reasons. Besides certain ingredients from your dog’s food, the triggers can be insect bites, using inappropriate cosmetics, contact with floor cleaning chemicals, and other cleaning agents.
Owners of French bulldogs and other breeds that are prone to heatstroke should be on high alert because exposure to direct sunlight, heat, and excessive exercise could be some of the causes. Even contact with some poisonous plants such as Poison Ivy or Stinging Nettle can cause hives.
What are the symptoms of hives on your Frenchie?
Besides the areas of swelling under your French bulldog’s coat, you’ll also spot excessive drooling. We all know that Frenchies are already droolers. However, if your pooch is doing it more than usual, then you gotta check for other symptoms as well.
The dramatic swelling of a dog’s face and difficulty breathing is called anaphylaxis. It’s a stage when the Frenchie’s respiratory passages become compromised, so the dog breathes heavily. In such cases, taking your pooch to the vet is extremely important because the dog will have to get an antihistamines injection to feel better. Although anaphylaxis is very rare, it’s good to know what could happen when you least expect it.
How to treat Frenchie’s hives?
Your vet may prescribe antihistamines or rapid-acting corticosteroids to help alleviate the symptoms of an allergic reaction. When given by injection, these medications can have immediate effects on your pup in a short time. After 5 min, your dog will feel better, and the hives will disappear by the end of the day.
Apply a wet and cold towel
If your Frenchie doesn’t have severe hives, then you can put a wet and cold towel on the affected spot. It will help reduce itchiness and soothe the uncomfortable feeling.
Provide your dog with a pleasant bath
Providing your dog with a pleasant bath can also help him feel better. In case your Frenchie suffers from environmental allergies, the water will rinse the allergens from his skin. The dog will immediately feel better and will also reduce the feeling of itchiness.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is a powerful antiseptic that reduces inflammation and the feeling of itchiness. Therefore, our advice is to make a solution made of cold water and a few drops of tea tree oil (because it’s strong). You can sprinkle your Frenchie’s coat with it and he’ll also smell fresh.
Oatmeal bath
Oatmeal is known as one of the best remedies for a dog’s itchy skin. And…since French bulldog hives are itchy, the oatmeal bath will provide a calming effect. To prepare this bath for your dog, you need lukewarm water and oatmeal powder. Make a mixture for your pet, gently apply it to his body and wait for 10 min.
French bulldog hives-Wrapping up
If your dog often gets hives, then you have to determine the exact cause of the reaction. Does your furry friend have hives only during the blooming season? Was he bitten by an insect? Do you feed him an unhealthy and cheap diet? These could be only some of the questions. Monitoring your dog’s behavior and activity is highly important because that’s how you’ll be halfway to discovering the cause.
