Asbo (19month old boxer) has had hives in the past, I know what the cause is & I stopped using a coat spray on him at shows and he hasn't had them since stopping in December. Unfortunatly this weekend his breeder used the spray on his coat by accident (i forgot to tell her not to use it) and bingo he's come out in hives.
The hives aren't affecting his throat, just along his back where the spray was.

Has anybody got any tips for helping with the hives that are there. I've used piriton to stop anymore coming up but I want to help releive the ones that are there, everytime I've gone to the vets they just give me verbac shampoo which really hasn't help before.

I've read that rincing in cold water helps & also cold wet teabags on the worse area can help? Would hibiscrub also help?

For anybody else who needs this info in future:
I bathed him in cold water last night & I read on various vet help type websites that a diluted oatmeal shampoo gently rubbed over the body can help and I just happen to have a sensitive skin oatmeal shampoo in!

Today he's much better, yes still lumy but not the big prenounced hive lumps, just the left over old ones which are slowly going away

Fingers & paws crossed he's ok for Crufts (1 week to go!) :)

awww sorry to hear ur dog is  not well , hope he is better for crufts ! :) lol love the name Asbo !!! haha some one at our club has a pup and called her "player" i wish i wud have got to chose to our pups name, instead my 8 year old chose it hahaa x

When hives, or other allergic reaction, are caused by an external irritant, like coat spray, I'd suggest washing the product off asap.  Use cool water and a 'safe' shampoo/soap if you know the product you are trying to shift might need some extra help.  I'm a big fan of Hibiscrub as long as it's very dilute and prefer it to many dog shampoos, certainly for sensitive skin pooches :)

Don't forget that you can continue to use Piriton for as long as the hives are present, and maybe a day or two beyond.  It's ok for long term use.

Poor lad, hope he is ok now

ok,i know my daughter is a human not a dog hehehehe but she gets hives and takes centrizine,much much better than piriton which she takes when really bad,maybe ask your vet aout it,dont go out and buy it in case its dangerous,but worth chat to vet
jo

Evening Primrose Oil is a natural anti-histamine. That may help too :)

Would I buy the evening primrose oil as an actual oil to put on him or give him the tablet form? (got loads of the tablets in) :)

I use the Piriton because it's non-drowsy, I don't use the others as I'm not 100% about them, I did read alot of american's use Benadryl but I read the back of the packets and it said it's non-drowsy but it also said it can cause drowsiness lol

Speaking purely from a personal perspective - I have to take antihistamines when it's Hayfever season, and I can't take anything that says may cause drowsiness (can't go near piriton), I was taking one that specifically said non drowsy, and felt so sleepy, I spoke to the pharmacist who did say that there are some people who will be affected regardless. Unfortunately I'm just one of those people.