Antihistamines.Benadryl (diphenhydramine), Zyrtec (cetirizine), and Claritin (loratadine) are commonly used antihistamines that relieve allergy symptoms or counteract allergic reactions. Antihistamines are usually safe but make some dogs drowsy and others hyperactive.
Treating Dog AllergiesYour doctor might recommend: Antihistamines, which block the effects of a chemical that triggers dog allergy symptoms; they're sold over the counter -- like cetirizine (Zyrtec), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), fexofenadine (Allegra), and loratadine (Claritin) -- or by prescription.
Toxicity to petsWhen accidentally ingested by dogs and cats, antihistamine poisoning can result in clinical signs of severe agitation, lethargy, sedation, aggression, abnormal heart rate, abnormal blood pressure, vomiting, diarrhea, inappetance, seizures, respiratory depression, and even death.
If your dog won't stop licking, scratching, and chewing, has red and irritated skin or hair loss, make an appointment to see your vet. Depending on the seriousness of the problem, a professional can provide more aggressive treatments such as antihistamines, steroids, or allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy.
Over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine tablets include fexofenadine (Allegra Allergy), loratadine (Claritin, Alavert) and cetirizine (Zyrtec Allergy); OTC antihistamine syrups are available for children. Prescription antihistamine tablets, such as levocetirizine (Xyzal) and desloratadine (Clarinex), are other options.
The average dog would get 1/4mg per pound; for example, a 16lb dog would get a single 4 mg tablet twice daily. This is one of the few prescription-only antihistamines used in veterinary medicine. Dosing is very similar to Benedryl at 1mg per pound body weight 2-3 times daily.
Claritin generally starts working within a one to three hour period and reaches its peak effect after approximately eight to twelve hours. The medication usually lasts for 24 hours in most patients, so it is meant to be taken once a day.
Common antihistamines used in dogs include diphenhydramine (Benadryl), loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec) and fexofenadine (Allegra). Some preparations of these drugs can be toxic to dogs so please do not ever give your dog any medication without speaking to your veterinarian first.
One of the side effects of Benadryl is drowsiness, which helps to calm anxious dogs. The Merck Veterinary Manual states that diphenhydramine may relieve symptoms of mild-to-moderate anxiety in pets associated with travel. It also may help relieve motion sickness during car rides and plane rides.
50/50 Apple Cider Vinegar Water Spray
- Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a natural, safe relief for especially dry, itchy skin.
- To avoid getting vinegar in any open cuts, fill a spray bottle with 50% water and 50% ACV to target affected areas.
The euthanasia medication most vets use is pentobarbital, a seizure medication. In large doses, it quickly renders the pet unconscious. It shuts down their heart and brain functions usually within one or two minutes. It is usually given by an IV injection in one of their legs.
by Drugs.comThe general dose of Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is 2 to 4 mg/kg up to three times day. If your dog weighs 25 lbs (11.3 kg) the dose of Benadryl would be 22.6mg to 45.2mg up to three times a day. Benadryl tablets are available in 25mg and 50mg strength.
A majority of dogs respond well to human over-the-counter allergy medicine that you can purchase just about anywhere. The most common antihistamine prescribed for dogs is diphenhydramine, brand name Benadryl.
If your dog is still itching, but he doesn't have fleas or a food allergy, he may have some environmental allergies to things like pollen or dander. A nutrition change may not do much in the way of relief, but your veterinarian may recommend a therapeutic food to improve your dog's skin health.
The most typically reported signs after loratadine ingestions in dogs are hyperactivity, depression, and tachycardia at doses as low as 0.25 mg/kg; no deaths or serious effects have been reported to the ASPCA APCC, even at doses as high as 72 mg/kg.
When strict flea control is not possible, or in cases of severe itching, your veterinarian may prescribe antihistamines or corticosteroids (steroids) to block the acute allergic reaction and give immediate relief. If a secondary bacterial infection is present, an appropriate antibiotic will be prescribed.
Benadryl dosage for dogs
| Very Small Dogs (4-10 pounds): | 1/4 tablet |
|---|
| Small Dogs (10-20 pounds): | 1/2 tablet |
| Medium Dogs (20-30 pounds): | 1 tablet |
| Larger dogs: | 1 tablet per 25 pounds body weight |
It is important to follow the advice given by your vet at all times to ensure the best results and avoid potential side effects. As a rule a typical dose prescribed is between 0.2 to 0.8 mg of Piriton tablets per kg of their body weight, typically once every 8 to 12 hours or up to three times daily.
SIZE & FREQUENCY
| Weight | Cups/Day | Recommendation |
|---|
| 40 – 50 lb | 2¼ – 2¾ | 1 Lg Bag / 4 Weeks |
| 50 – 60 lb | 2¾ – 3¼ | 1 Lg Bag / 3 Weeks |
| 60 – 70 lb | 3¼ – 3½ | 1 Lg Bag / 3 Weeks |
| 70 – 80 lb | 3½ – 4 | 1 Lg Bag / 3 Weeks |
Itchy, Itchy, Scratch, Scratch: Natural Home Remedies for Dogs With Allergies
- Apple Cider Vinegar.
- Vitamin E and Fish Oils Combo.
- Oatmeal Bath.
- Yogurt.
- Chamomile Tea.
- Epsom Salts.
- Coconut Oil.
- Food Additives.
According to expert advice, the proper dosage depends on a number of different factors including the size, weight and breed of your dog (check with your vet first if you are unsure). In general, 1/2 a 4mg tablet or 5ml is prescribed for smaller breeds, while 1-2 tablets or 10-20ml of liquid can be given to larger dogs.
Use MelatoninMelatonin supplements have been used in people to treat jet lag and sleep disorders and some veterinarians recommend using it to help pets sleep too. Melatonin is available at health food stores, but ask your vet about the proper dosage before giving it to your dog.
- Chicken and Rice. Chicken and rice are prime ingredients in many dog foods, and these mild foods sit well on upset canine stomachs.
- Shredded Chicken. Shredded chicken is easy on upset stomachs and acts as a huge eating incentive for dogs with decreased appetites.
- Pumpkin.
- Bone Broth.
- Baby Food.
Zyrtec is one of the safer medications you can give to your dog, so as long as you do so correctly and under your vet's guidance, your pet should be good to go. Zyrtec is also a difficult medication for a dog to overdose on. They have an extremely high tolerance for it, so long as they aren't allergic to it.
Cetirizine (Zyrtec) ¼ - ½ mg per pound (one 10mg tab per 30-40 lbs) twice daily.
