Why does my dog have hives after shampooing? | arlo.® Atlas

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

If your dog has hives after shampooing, the shampoo is one possible cause, but it’s not the only one. It could be a reaction to the product, skin that’s already sensitive or irritated, residue left on the coat, or something unrelated that just happened to show up after washing.

Hives usually look like raised, puffy bumps and may come with itching or redness. Most cases settle once the trigger is removed, but it’s sensible to check your dog carefully and watch for any signs that the reaction is spreading or getting worse.

Things To Check

1. Check when the hives appeared. If they started during or soon after shampooing, that makes the wash a likely trigger.

2. Look over the whole body, not just the washed areas, to see whether the bumps are spreading.

3. Check for redness, swelling, broken skin, discharge, scabs or any areas that feel hot.

4. Think about whether the shampoo was new, concentrated, scented, medicated, or left on longer than usual.

5. Check whether the coat was rinsed thoroughly, as leftover product can irritate the skin.

6. Consider anything else that may have happened the same day, such as a new bedding wash, flea treatment, pollen exposure or a different grooming product.

7. Note whether your dog seems otherwise well, or whether there’s facial swelling, restlessness, repeated scratching or signs of discomfort.

Common Causes

The most common reason is a mild shampoo reaction or contact irritation. This can happen with a new product, a strongly fragranced formula, or a shampoo that’s simply not suiting your dog’s skin.

Another common cause is shampoo residue left on the coat or skin. Even a suitable product can cause irritation if it isn’t rinsed out properly.

Some dogs already have sensitive skin, dry skin or an underlying skin issue, which can make them more likely to react after washing.

Less commonly, the hives may be linked to something else that happened around the same time, such as an environmental allergen or another grooming product.

What To Do

Rinse your dog gently with plenty of lukewarm water if you think shampoo may still be on the coat. Keep the washing simple and avoid adding more products until the skin has settled.

Watch the hives over the next few hours. If they fade and your dog seems comfortable, that’s reassuring, but it’s still worth making a note of the shampoo used in case it happens again.

For future washes, choose a mild grooming routine, use only dog-safe products, and rinse very thoroughly. If your dog has reacted before, it’s sensible to be extra careful with anything scented or heavily formulated.

If you wash your dog regularly, try to keep the routine consistent so it’s easier to spot what might be causing the reaction.

Products That May Help

If your dog has sensitive skin or you’re trying to keep washing routine and coat care as gentle as possible, this collection may be useful.

Pet Care

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