welps on my dogs skin

[mendy_brown]

My dog periodically gets bumps all over her whole body. they start on her head and eventually make her face swell up really big. and sometimes the whelps cover her whole body and look like she has the chicken poxs. im wondering if she is allergic to something since she does have allergies. i usually give her a benadryl and it goes away after a few days. what could this be???

[Krista]

It could be an allergic reaction to something she comes in contact with (inhales or touches), or it could be a food allergy.

the most common food allergens are corn, soy, wheat, sources of protein, and added chemical preservatives.

Have you asked your Vet about this?? Allergies can get pretty serious if the allergens are not discovered and avoided if possible.

[Mark]

Hi Mendy,

It does sound like an allergy. Have you asked your Vet about it? Is there something or somewhere in particular Molly has been in to before it happens? What kind of outside area does she go to? Any specific kind of foods or snacks she's had that day?

Maybe some other members have some ideas, since I have zero experience with allergies.

Keep us posted,

Mark

[Oscar's Mom]

Try to keep a diary of what she was doing/eating before it happens, maybe you can figure out what causes it.
Does this happened weekly? I think at the vets they can just do a blood test to test for allergies. It might be best to bring her in while she is having a reaction, so they can see it. I'm just curious, what kind of food does she eat?
One morning we got up and Oscar was covered in welts, it only happened once though. Brought him to the vet, but they just gave me something like benadryl for him, no real conclusion on on it.

[Cindi]

Actually, I don't think it is a blood test for specific allergies. They may be able to tell if there are histamines in her system (I 'm not certain about the word for reactive agents to an allergy.) but if Benadryl controls the hives/welts then it is definitely an allergy. Allergy testing is usually done by those skin tests. Is it possible she is coming in to contact with a bug of some kind ie bees, ants, etc. or maybe a toad?

[mendy_brown]

thanks for your help. she eats purina one dog food, dry. i am very consistant with her diet and never give her any people food. she plays in the backyard mostly, so ill keep an eye out for bugs and possible reactions. thanks

[TessieMom]

I agree with Cindi. It sounds like what happened to me with fire ants. I had one girl who just loved to go after ants and would dig in their mound. Every time she did, she had the symptoms you describe. The vet would give her a shot, but benedryl worked just as well. Finally, got rid of the ants and no more welts. Rena

[mendy_brown]

i just wanted to let all of you know how nice it is to get responses from you! molly and i appreciate it. i thought it could be fire ants or spiders...because molly's nose is into everything. that little beak is always poking something. i will watch her better and keep using the benadryl to treat any future breakouts.