Which antihistamine is safe for dogs
Benadryl For Dogs
The temptation to reach into our medicine cabinets to treat our pets can be dangerous. Humans and dogs react very differently to medications, which is why veterinarians caution dog owners against making independent decisions about how to medicate their animals. However, some human medications are safe for use with dogs, as long as they are used appropriately.
Veterinarians use diphenhydramine for dogs, commonly known by the over-the-counter human medication brand name Benadryl, for dogs on a regular basis to treat allergies, travel anxiety, and motion sickness. While you should always consult with your veterinarian before giving your dog human medication, here is what you need to know about using diphenhydramine or Benadryl for dogs.
What Is Benadryl?
Benadryl is the brand name for the active ingredient diphenhydramine HCl. Diphenhydramine is a first-generation ethanolamine-derivative antihistamine, which is the scientific way of classifying antihistamines that can cross the blood-brain barrier making them very effective but also increasing risks of adverse side effects. While Benadryl is not yet FDA-approved for veterinary use, it is considered safe for use in dogs and cats and is commonly used in veterinary practices across the U.S.
Diphenhydramine works by blocking the receptors that receive histamines in the body. This relieves many of the symptoms associated with allergies, like itching, sneezing, and hives. The body still produces histamines, but the receptor antagonist blocks the receptors from registering the histamines.
What Does Benadryl Treat in Dogs?
Benadryl is a great medication for use in dogs with mild-to-moderate allergies. Seasonal allergies, food allergies, environmental allergies, and allergic reactions to bites from snakes and insectsall respond to Benadryl in most cases. Benadryl is commonly used to treat itchiness in dogs caused by skin allergies, and it also reduces many of the other symptoms of allergies, including:
- Hives
- Swelling and inflammation
- Redness
- Runny nose and eyes
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Anaphylactic reaction
One of the side effects of Benadryl is drowsiness, which can help to calm anxious dogs. Diphenhydramine may help relieve symptoms of mild-to-moderate travel anxiety in pets. It also may help relieve motion sickness. Although Benadryl may sometimes relieve anxiety, its best to talk to your veterinarian or an animal behaviorist to determine and treat whats causing the anxiety.
Veterinarians prescribe Benadryl for dogs with mast cell tumors to help mitigate the effects of the massive histamine release caused by mast cell degranulation. Veterinarians sometimes prescribe diphenhydramine during heartworm treatment, as it helps reduce the risk of an allergic reaction to heartworm treatment therapy. Benadryl makes an excellent addition to your diphenhydramine for dogs.
When to Ask Your Vet About Benadryl For Dogs
Before you reach for Benadryl, consult your veterinarian about your dogs symptoms. Allergy symptoms like itching and red eyes may also be signs of more serious conditions. In some cases, giving your dog Benadryl can actually worsen your dogs condition.
Red, goopy eyes could be a symptom of allergies, or it could also be a sign of glaucoma or dry eye, which Benadryl will not help treat. Similarly, itching is frequently associated with allergies and other skin conditions. Your vet will also be able to tell you whether Benadryl will interact with any other medications that your dog is taking.
Side Effects of Benadryl
There are side effects associated with using Benadryl for dogs that all owners should be aware of. Most side effects occur within the first hour of exposure, so monitor your dog carefully during this time.
If your dog has any of the following conditions, only use Benadryl after consulting your veterinarian:
Common side effects associated with using Benadryl for dogs include:
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Urinary retention
- Hypersalivation
- Increased heart rate
- Rapid breathing
Rare side effects include:
Benadryl Overdose
Its possible to overdose on Benadryl. Signs of an overdose include hyper-excitability of the central nervous system, which can be fatal. Other warning signs to watch for are:
If you suspect your dog has overdosed on Benadryl, contact your veterinarian or emergency veterinary hospital immediately. Some dogs develop an allergic reaction to Benadryl. If your dog starts having symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek veterinary care immediately.
How Much Benadryl Can I Give My Dog?
The best way to determine the correct Benadryl dosage for dogs is to consult your veterinarian. The Merck Veterinary Manual recommends administering 2-4 milligrams of Benadryl per kilogram of body weight, two to three times a day. However, this dosage can vary depending on your dogs medical conditions.
Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer for the AKC, warns that you should always consult with a veterinarian before giving Benadryl to a puppy because young puppies can be very sensitive to certain medications. The drug is also not recommended for pregnant or nursing dogs.
Never use time-release capsules for dogs, as capsules are absorbed differently in dogs than in humans and may affect your dogs dosage. They may also break open when chewed and deliver too much medication at one time, putting your dog at risk of an overdose. Your veterinarian can prescribe diphenhydramine capsules for dogs.
Its best to avoid using liquid Benadryl if it contains sodium, which can cause other side effects. Also, avoid any form of Benadryl that contains alcohol. Your vet can prescribe diphenhydramine liquid for dogs.
Childrens Benadryl pills or tablets can be used safely if you ask your veterinarian for the appropriate dosage. Your vet can even prescribe diphenhydramine flavored chews if your dog refuses to take pills or liquids.
Is Benadryl Safe For Your Dog?
Benadryl is a relatively safe and effective medication for dogs when used according to the instructions of a veterinarian. As with any new medication, always observe your dog closely after administration to make sure there arent any adverse reactions. If you have any further questions about diphenhydramine or Benadryl for dogs, contact your veterinarian for more information. And remember to keep all medicineshuman and canineout of reach of your curious dog.
Piriton for dogs: Everything you need to know
Piriton, the popular antihistamine, is commonly used by humans as a form of allergy relief. But is it safe for dogs suffering with allergies, too?
Not sure whether Piriton is safe for dogs? From dose, to the common side effects, we speak to the experts to find out everything you need to know...
Can you give your dog Piriton?
Anna Threlfall, a medicine specialist at Davies tells Country Living: "I think the safest thing to say is that chlorphenamine (Piriton) can be administered to dogs, but this should be done under the direction of a veterinary surgeon.
"If you are concerned that your dog might have an allergy, please speak to your vet for advice. There are several different antihistamines used in dogs for a variety of different conditions. They are generally safe, but should only be used as directed."
Some of the symptoms that will show if your dog has allergies include:
- Red, itchy and inflamed skin
- Incessant chewing of paws
- Irritated skin around eye or ear
When should I give my dog Piriton?
You should not give your dog Piriton unless you have consulted your vet and they have given specific advice surrounding your dog's needs. You should consult your vet if your dog is suffering from an allergic reaction and displaying any of the symptoms listed above.
A vet will know the correct cause of action for a dog with allergies.
Can pharmacists legally sell Piriton if they know it is for an animal?
No, pharmacists can't legally sell Piriton if they know it is for an animal. If someone wishes to give their animal Piriton it will have to be obtained from the vets or via a veterinary prescription you cannot buy this over-the-counter.
Regardless of its safety in dogs, this is a human medicine and not one that is licensed for use in animals. Therefore, pharmacies have to refuse sale of Piriton if they are aware that it is for animal use.
For a human medicine to be used in an animal it has to be prescribed by a vet under the 'cascade system.' This means that a human medicine can only be supplied against a veterinary prescription if there is not a licensed animal product already available for that specific problem.
Anna tells us: "Some allergy medication, such as chlorphenamine (Piriton), can be administered to dogs. The indications and doses are, however, variable and therefore the medication should only be administered under the direction of your veterinary surgeon.
"If you are concerned that your dog has an allergy that might benefit from such medication, please seek veterinary advice. If chlorphenamine (Piriton) is deemed appropriate, you can purchase this from your vets or request a prescription so this can be purchased from a human pharmacy under the direction of a veterinary surgeon."
How much Piriton should you give a dog?
According to expert advice, the proper dosage depends on a number of different factors including the size, weight and breed of your dog. Your vet will know this when they administer the correct medication for your dog. 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.
piriton Piriton Allergy tablets - 30 tablets
piriton Piriton Allergy tablets - 30 tablets
How long does Piriton take to work in dogs?
According to Dogs Barn, you should notice some improvement within 24 hours of giving Piriton to your dog. While you may notice your dog feeling a little drowsy at first, this is completely normal and is nothing to worry about. Always consult your dog for details on the correct dosage.
Are there any side effects of Piriton for dogs?
While there are few side effects with the drug, it's always important to know what to look out for.
1. Drowsiness: Piriton is an antihistamine, so it can make your dogs drowsy in the same way it does humans. Before giving it to your pup, make sure the dosage is correct.
2. Diarrhoea: Dogs react differently to different medications, so you may find your pup has an upset stomach. If this continues, it's advised you book an appointment with your vet.
3. Dry mouth: Another side effect you may spot is your dog having a dry mouth. If this is the case, ensure your dog has plenty of fresh water to drink throughout the day.
4. Nausea/vomiting: Often, dogs will vomit as an initial reaction to something. This shouldn't last long, but if it does persist, stop giving the tablets to your dog and seek advice from a vet.
5. Changes in behaviour: You may notice a change in your dog's behaviour. Again, this should also pass but if you are worried it's advised you seek professional advice from your vet.
10 dog breeds most likely to suffer from hay fever
Some dogs are more likely to suffer from hay fever than others due to their exposure to pollen when they were young, the shape of their nose, their coats and their surroundings. Read our full article on dogs and hay fever here.
- Pit Bull Terrier
- Bichon Frise
- Boxer
- Cocker Spaniel
- German Shepherd
- Golden Retriever
- Dalmatians
- Irish setters
- Schnauzers
- West Highland terriers
What is Piriton?
Piriton is an allergy tablet, licensed for human use only, which contains the active ingredient chlorphenamine maleate. Piriton is used to help control symptoms caused by allergic conditions, such as hay fever, hives, food allergies, and insect bites.
The tablets can be purchased in a range of British supermarkets, for humans only.
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Cetirizine for Dogs
PetMDs medications content was written and reviewed by veterinary professionals to answer your most common questions about how medications function, their side effects, and what species they are prescribed for. This content shouldnt take the place of advice by your vet.
What Is Cetirizine?
Cetirizine is an over-the-counter anti-allergy medication for humans. It is used to manage symptoms of seasonal allergies (atopy) in dogs and is sometimes used in cats for itching and in horses for eosinophilic keratitis, an inflammatory eye condition.
Cetirizine is FDA-approved for human use under the brand name Zyrtec, Zyrtec-D (the D indicating the decongestant as this product contains pseudoephedrine) and as generic cetirizine.
Cetirizine is available in a wide variety of products, including single-ingredient tablets, combination-ingredient tablets, chew tabs, gel caps, oral syrup, and orally disintegrating tablets. It is important to note that Zyrtec-D, the combination product containing pseudoephedrine, is not safe for use in dogs or cats. Some liquid formulations may contain propylene glycol, which is toxic to cats. The orally disintegrating tablets may contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
Cetirizine is currently not FDA-approved as a veterinary medication. However, it is readily utilized in the veterinary field, and veterinarians can legally prescribe certain human drugs in animals in certain circumstances. This is called extra-label or off-label use because this use isnt described on the drug label.
In certain circumstances, your vet may recommend a compounded formulation of cetirizine. Compounded medications are prescribed if theres a specific reason your pets health cant be managed by an FDA-approved drug, such as if your pet has trouble taking pills in capsule form, the dosage strength is not commercially available, or the pet is allergic to an ingredient in the FDA-approved medication. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. They are created by either a veterinarian or a licensed pharmacist on an individual basis to best suit a patients particular needs. You can learn more about compounded medications here.
Cetirizine Considerations
Cetirizine should not be used in animals that are sensitive to the medication or other medications in the same antihistamine class, such as hydroxyzine. Giving cetirizine with certain medications can result in health risks to your pet, so it is important to discuss your pets medications, including vitamins and supplements, and medical conditions with your veterinarian.
How Cetirizine Works
In response to the presence of certain allergens (foreign proteins), the immune system releases histamine, a chemical messenger that triggers allergy symptoms. As an antihistamine, cetirizine works by blocking histamine receptors, thereby preventing the release of histamine throughout the body.
Cetirizine Directions
Follow the directions on the drug label or as provided by your veterinarian.
Cetirizine can be given with or without food, but giving it with food can decrease the risk of digestive upset.
Missed a Dose?
Speak with your veterinarian about what to do if you forget to give a dose of cetirizine. Generally, they may instruct you to give it when you remember, or if it is almost time for your pets next dose, to skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosing schedule. Do not give extra or double doses.
Cetirizine Possible Side Effects
Cetirizine is generally well tolerated in animals. Side effects are uncommon and may include:
Human Side Effects
Cetirizine is a medication for humans, frequently with dosages different from those prescribed for your pet by a veterinarian. Due to possible side effects, humans should never use medicine dispensed for their pets and pets should not be given any medicine dispensed for a humans use.
If you accidentally ingest a pet medication, call your physician or the national Poison Control Center hotline at 800-222-1222.
Call Your Vet If:
Severe side effects are seen (see above)
Your pets condition worsens or does not improve with treatment
You see or suspect an overdose
You have additional questions or concerns about the use of cetirizine
Cetirizine Overdose Information
Overdoses of cetirizine are rare. Signs of a cetirizine overdose may include hyperactivity, agitation, vomiting, sleepiness, dilated pupils, diarrhea, and elevated heart rate (tachycardia).
Overdoses of cetirizine products that contain pseudoephedrine, such as Zyrtec-D may be serious.
If you suspect an overdose, immediately contact your veterinarian, seek emergency veterinary care, or call an animal poison control center. Consultation fees often apply.
Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661
ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435
Cetirizine Storage
Always confirm storage requirements by reading the prescription label.
Cetirizine should be stored at controlled temperatures from 68 to 77 F.
Keep the container tightly closed in order to protect its contents from moisture and light. Compounded medications should be stored according to the compounding pharmacys label.
Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Cetirizine for Dogs FAQs
Is cetirizine safe for dogs?
Cetirizine is considered safe for most dogs. Speak with your vet first to ensure this medication is appropriate for your dog. It is important to only use products that contain cetirizine as the sole active ingredient and avoid human combination products that contain other ingredients that may be toxic to animals.
Zyrtec-D, the combination product containing pseudoephedrine, is not safe for use in dogs or cats. Some liquid formulations of cetirizine may contain propylene glycol, which is toxic to cats. Cetirizine orally disintegrating tablets may contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
Can dogs take cetirizine for allergies?
Yes. Dogs can take antihistamines including cetirizine for relief from allergy symptoms.
How much cetirizine can you give a dog?
With any medication, the safest way to know the proper dose for your dog is to ask your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will recommend the appropriate dose for your dog depending on their individual needs, other medications they may be on, and their age, weight, and breed.
No vet writer or qualified reviewer has received any compensation from the manufacturer of the medication as part of creating this article. All content contained in this article is sourced from public sources or the manufacturer.
Featured Image:Antonio_Diaz/iStock viaGetty Images Plus
WRITTEN BY
Molly Price, DVMVeterinarian
Dr. Molly Price has practiced small animal medicine for over 20 years and is a graduate of Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine. She...
