A hive is a skin reaction that causes itchy welts. Humans experience this and your Frenchie is not an exception.
In this article, we will know more about French Bulldog hives and how we could prevent them from causing discomfort to your Frenchie. Let’s begin!
Hives in French Bulldogs
What Are French Bulldog Hives?
Urticaria, the medical term for hives, is an allergic reaction that causes itchy lumps to appear on the skin of French bulldogs and other dog breeds. To put it another way, when the body overreacts to an allergen, cells release antimicrobial chemicals.
Frenchies are prone to getting hives, especially when they have allergies to certain foods. On the body, patches of dry, flaky skin are possible, as are hot spots, lesions, scabby sores, and crusty sores on the legs, paws, face, sides, and back.
Rash vs. Hives: What’s the difference?
While both cause red, itchy areas of skin, there are some key differences to be aware of in order to receive the most successful therapy possible.
For starters, rashes frequently result from an irritant, while hives are typically brought on by an allergic reaction. Rashes are often flushed, whereas hives are raised bumps on the skin. Finally, whereas rashes are identified by physical examinations, the reason for hives can be identified through an allergy test.
Causes Of Hives In French Bulldogs
For instance, a single component in your dog’s diet can result in hives.
Immunization-related allergic responses might also result in hives. Are these pimples appearing on your dog after a vaccination? Then it’s best to consult the veterinarian. The next time, he or she might suggest getting an antihistamine injection prior to the immunization.
The allergy is typically brought on by something in the surroundings. If your Frenchie got the issue after exercising outside, the possibilities are endless. An insect bite, poison ivy, insecticide, and other things could all turn out to be allergy-causing the problem. If it’s something as random as an insect bite, then the probability of the condition reoccurring is small.
Symptoms of French Bulldog Hives
- Wheals (red, raised spots on the skin) can appear everywhere (including on mucous membranes), but they are most frequently found on the head, neck, back, belly, and legs.
- severe itching
- excessive drooling in case of swollen mouth
- Angioedema, a swelling that can have serious and life-threatening effects when it affects the face and respiratory system, is life-threatening.
Preventing Hives In French Bulldogs
Skin allergies can often be managed with proper hygiene. Bathe your French Bulldog with organic, sulfate-free, hypoallergenic shampoo to help control and reduce chronic itchiness. Look for shampoos that have additional anti-inflammatories such as hydrocortisone and aloe vera as these ingredients also calm red, inflamed, itchy skin.
Food allergies are a bit trickier. Your Frenchie’s veterinarian can help you develop a diet that will best serve your dog, such as an elimination diet trial. This process will allow the veterinarian to identify which protein sources are causing your dog discomfort.
Fresh food diets with real ingredients are an ideal way to identify and solve your Frenchie’s food allergies.
Recovery of Food Sensitivity and Allergies in French Bulldogs
Food Allergies in Bulldogs and French bulldogs that lead to digestive problems can be treated with a hypoallergenic elimination prescription diet.
Either a hydrolyzed protein diet with a single low-allergen carbohydrate source or a new protein diet with a single source of protein from another source. Although vegetarian options exist, the protein supply should mostly come from animal meat.
It is advisable to try a hypoallergenic prescription diet for at least two to three weeks.
Conclusion
Hives can be a life-threatening disease that should be taken care of as soon as possible. Frenchies, just like humans, need their lives to be hives-free. If you see one of the symptoms above on your Frenchie, the most appropriate thing to do is to consult your vet as soon as possible. Let us take care of our Frenchies’ health so that they could enjoy their lives to their full extent.
FAQS
What to do if you find hives on your French Bulldog?
Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Why does my French Bulldog gets hives so often?
Food allergies are common in French Bulldogs, and the inflammatory reactions frequently show up as skin conditions like dermatitis, crusting sores, hives, and pruritus. An sensitivity to one or more animal proteins is typically the leading cause of food allergies.
What foods are French Bulldogs allergic to?
Food that contains allergens to Frenchies include:
Beef, chicken, dairy products, fish, barley, corn, oats, rice, and wheat.
Should I take my French Bulldog with hives to the vet?
Absolutely. It is the best option for an owner like you to take.
Is the recovery from hives an easy one?
Hive symptoms go away within 24 hours most of the time, although it can occasionally take a few days.
