What should you know about dog hives?
Short answer
Dog hives are raised, itchy welts that can follow an allergic trigger and need urgent attention if swelling affects breathing.
This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.
At a glance
- Typical appearance
- Raised, itchy, changeable welts
- Common concern
- Swelling of lips, face, tongue, or throat
- First step
- Stop suspected exposure and assess symptoms
What hives look like
Hives, also called urticaria, are temporary raised areas caused by activity in the skin’s immune cells. They may appear suddenly, change shape, and fade while new welts develop. Itching is common. Contact with a dog does not automatically mean a person has hives; a person’s own rash may instead reflect an allergy, irritation, infection, or another condition. Read about [Hives](/conditions/urticaria/) and [Itchy Skin](/symptoms/itchy-skin/) for related information.
What to do
Move away from a suspected trigger and avoid rubbing the skin. Keep a record of recent foods, medicines, insect stings, products, or animal contact, because timing can help a clinician identify a pattern. Do not give a pet or person another medicine without professional advice. A clinician may consider [Antihistamine Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/oral-antihistamine-therapy/) and, in selected severe situations, [Oral Corticosteroid Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/oral-corticosteroid-therapy/).
When to seek care
Get emergency help for trouble breathing, throat or tongue swelling, faintness, confusion, or rapidly worsening symptoms. Facial or lip swelling can be [Angioedema](/conditions/angioedema/) and needs prompt assessment, especially with a [Skin Rash](/symptoms/skin-rash/).
Questions for your doctor
What might have triggered the welts? Could this be angioedema or another rash? Which medicine is appropriate for the person or pet, and what warning signs require emergency care?
Find care
General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi
That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.
27 Ar Ruwwad St - Shakhbout City - MSH4 - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, Cigna, MetLife +20 more
Al Ruwais, Al Dhafrah
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, AXA, Cigna +16 more
Al Bahyah - Al Bahyah Old - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, Cigna, Allianz Care +18 more
Abu Dhabi
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, AXA, Cigna +27 more
Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.
A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.
Questions people ask
Are hives contagious?
No. Hives are an immune reaction and do not spread like an infection.
When is swelling dangerous?
Swelling with breathing difficulty, throat tightness, faintness, or tongue swelling is an emergency.
Keep reading
Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.