Allergic Reactions in Pets: Hives, Facial Swelling, Bee Stings & Food Reactions
Signs of an allergic reaction
- Hives or welts, intense itching, red skin
- Facial, lip, or eyelid swelling; drooling from lip swelling
- Vomiting, diarrhea, or restless behavior
- Coughing, wheezing, or trouble breathing (emergency)
- Collapse, pale/blue gums (life-threatening—go to an ER immediately)
Common triggers
Bee/wasp stings, flea bites, certain foods/treats, contact plants, detergents, and some medications.
What to do right away
- Call us to describe symptoms and timing.
- Remove the offender (brush away a stinger—don’t squeeze).
- Don’t give human medications without veterinary guidance; doses vary by species/weight and some meds are dangerous to cats.
- If breathing is labored, seek emergency hospital care immediately.
How we treat at Urgent Care Pet Clinic
- Rapid triage with focus on airway and blood pressure
- Antihistamines and anti-inflammatories for hives/facial swelling
- Epinephrine, oxygen, IV fluids, and monitoring for anaphylaxis
- Eye/skin care for comfort and to prevent scratching/secondary infection
- Prevention plan (flea control, sting avoidance, diet trials if needed)
Prevention & preparedness
- Keep your yard and trails in mind—spring/summer stings are common in San Diego
- Use year-round flea control
- Introduce new foods one at a time and watch for reactions
- Ask about an allergy action plan if your pet has had prior reactions
