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Dog Allergic Reactions
Signs of an allergic reaction in a dog include hives (bumps over the face and muzzle which extend to the entire body), redness, itching and licking at the site, swelling around the eyes, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and collapse.
Learn lifesaving skills in just 35 minutes! Sign up for our online Cat and Dog First Aid Online course today.
Emergency Steps
1If your dog is having difficulty breathing or collapses, check her ABC’s and perform CPR if needed.
- Go to the vet immediately.
2A severe allergic reaction can lead to anaphylactic shock.
3If your dog was stung, do not attempt to pick a stinger out, as that may release more of the toxin.
- A stinger is usually black and very small.
4If your dog develops hives call your veterinarian.
- If the hives progress, bring your dog to the veterinarian for injectable medication.
Dog Allergic Reaction FAQs
What are the signs of an allergic reaction to an insect bite or sting?
Signs of an allergic reaction to a bite or sting include:
- Collapse
- Difficulty breathing
- Pain
- Itching and licking at the site
- Redness, discoloration, or hives around the site, sometimes spreading to other body parts
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
How do I remove a stinger if one is present?
You can use a credit card to try to scrape the stinger away and out of the skin. Ice the area to control swelling.
Download the FREE Red Cross Pet First Aid App
The American Red Cross Pet First Aid app puts veterinary advice for everyday emergencies in the palm of your hand. With videos, interactive quizzes, and simple step-by-step advice it’s never been easier to know pet first aid. Get the app and be prepared to act when called upon. iOS App, Google Play, or text "GETPET" to 90999.
Help Save Pet Lives with an American Red Cross Pet First Aid Class
Be prepared for any pet emergency! Sign up for our 35-minute Cat and Dog First Aid Online course. Learn the basics in caring for cats and dogs through a variety of topics – from understanding and checking your pet's vital signs, to preventative care for cats and dogs, to caring for the most critical emergency situations - including breathing and cardiac emergencies, wounds, bleeding, and seizures.
Our pet first aid online course can be good for: Pet Owners, Pet Sitters, Dog Walkers, and Dog Trainers, Animal Shelter Staff & Volunteers, Groomers, Pet Retail Employees, Other Pet Care Providers, and more!
Information Provided Deborah C. Mandell, BS, VMD
Pet First Aid information provided by Dr. Debbie Mandell, Professor of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania; American Red Cross National Pet Care Advisor for the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council. Visit redcross.org/take-a-class/scientific-advisory-council to see how we work, members, sub councils, scientific reviews, and recent research.
About Red Cross Training Services
More than 4.6M people turn to us, the trusted training provider for First Aid, CPR, BLS and more, every year to gain lifesaving skills. Trust us to deliver unmatched lifesaving training that will provide you the confidence and skills to act when moments matter. Training Services is a division of the American Red Cross with the mission to spread knowledge and educate as many members of the national community in lifesaving procedures. Our services include training courses for CPR and AED, First Aid, BLS (Basic Life Support), Babysitting, Caregiving, Lifeguarding Water Safety, and more.