I have a almost seven year old mastiff mix. He seems to have had an allergic reaction to something although I have not fed him or done anything unusual in the past few days. He has some large bumps, can be short of breath and doesn't really want me touching him. Our normal vet can not get us in for a few days. He has had two prior allergic reactions; the last one our vet had him take some benadril and he was fine, but the first he had a more serious reaction and they said it was good we got him in immediately. He rarely gets sick so I feel like I am being a bit of a worry-wart, but should I take him to the 24 hour pet hospital instead? Thank you so much for any advice

I whould definently take him to the vet asap! you can never be to careful. if he is short of breath his airway could be closing and the longer you wait the worse it could get!

At least with my vet if we bring ours in and say "Emergancy" we're in an room STAT! There shouldn't be any 'working into the schedule' for a dog with breathing issues. Take them to whoever you trust ASAP, this kind of thing can bad quickly. Trust me, my sheltie had a touch and go with Anaphylaxic shock and we came 3 minutes from it ending her life. Some things go beyond appointments.

When you have situation like that, you don't call for an appointment. You call and tell the vet you're on your way in with an emergency.

Thank you everyone for your responses. I felt like the vet's office thought I was over-reacting, and I feel much better now that everyone else thinks I wasn't I gave him a benadril and his breathing is back to normal and the bumps have reduced but he still seems a little uncomfortable so I am taking him to the after-hours vet just to make sure. I really appreciate the help from everyone!

unfortunately sometimes vets don't become vets to take care of animals, sometimes to just make good money. NOT all vets are this way, just a handful. I used to live in a very small town and the vet there was the most uncompassionate person I'd ever met. And the vet we see now is the opposite! So, I'm glad you are listening to the people on here. Animals are like your children and you know if there is something wrong with them. Keep us updated!

Thank you all for again your help and concern We did have a vet that we loved but he retired recently and we now have to go to a new one. But he seems much better now, just tired. No more itching and much much happier. Luckily I get to have him here at my work with me so I get to keep a good eye on him

Could he have been stung by an insect/s? Just a thought. Hope he is feeling better.

Maggie