My dog is breaking out in red hives?

Dog:Name: StoneyAge: 4 years oldWeight: 41 lbsProblem:-Red hives on her chest and stomach. Paws are also red (she licks at them often)-She's lost weight since her last vet visit. She was 45 lbs when we took her last year. When we took her a few weeks ago, she was 41 lbs, even though she's kept on a steady diet and we've been increasing the amount of food we give her as she get older so she'll gain some weight. They doctor expressed concern about her weight loss, but told us to keep her on a steady diet.Background Info:-We're not worry-warts. We don't take her every time something is wrong because we're always able to find a home remedy that won't harm her even if it doesn't help her.-She really only goes to the vet about once or twice a year, mostly for her annual shots.-Stoney has never been particularly large. She most she's ever weighed was 45 lbs, which is why we were trying to feed her up a bit.-Her face isn't swollen.-Stoney has a history of getting into things.My mom thinks it's eczema. We haven't taken her to the vet yet because it doesn't seem to be affecting her too horribly. There's been no drop in her activity and she doesn't growl or shy away when I touch her, so I know she's not hurting.What could be the problem? Thanks!It's 5:40 PM. I just gave her 20mL of Benedryl. It's been recommended by the vet before to give her this and it's helped her before. It didn't do anything thing when I gave it to her yesterday, though (Sep 14, 2013).It's 5:40 PM. I just gave her 20mL of Benedryl. It's been recommended by the vet before to give her this and it's helped her before. It didn't do anything thing when I gave it to her yesterday, though (Sep 14, 2013).

How to Lose Weight With Portion Control

Recommended Answer:

It sounds like some sort of allergic reaction. You can go ahead and give benedryl at a dose of 1 mg per pound of dog orally and see if that helps for tonight. However, you will need to monitor carefully for the next several hours. If any respiratory distress occurs, this could mean airway swelling, and you need to go to the emergency hospital. If the hives/swelling are still there in the morning, you will need to follow up with your regular vet.