Can you give your dog too much antihistamine
Are Antihistamines For Dogs Safe?
NOTE: You should always contact your veterinarian for advice and guidance before giving a pet any over the counter medication
No dog owner likes to see their pup sneezing, coughing and irritated due to an allergy. Yet finding a solution to the problem seems to be a lot harder than it should be.
Effective, safe and dog-specific allergy medicines seem to be annoyingly difficult to get your hands on (although they do exist), and so its only natural that dog owners have begun to question whether our own human antihistamines could help alleviate the symptoms of a struggling four-legged friend.
From Benadryl to Piriton, this article will explore the pros and cons of giving your dog human antihistamines, helping you to put a stop to your animals agitation!
Can I give my dog human antihistamines?
Human antihistamines are usually safe for dogs to take, but make sure you check the brand and correct dosage amount with your vet before giving one to your pet.
The most commonly used antihistamines are diphenhydramine, cetirizine and loratadine, which can all help relieve symptoms such as itching and sneezing for dogs.
Although sounding decidedly scientific, you may know these better as the main ingredients in well known branded allergy drugs such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine), Claritin (loratadine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine).
Just like with humans, these antihistamines can sometimes have side effects on dogs and so you need to be wary. Thankfully these arent usually harmful and tend to result in either making a dog very drowsy or opposingly making them behave more hyperactive or erratically.
But although most brands are generally safe, you do need to be careful when shopping for over the counter antihistamines. Occasionally they will contain other harmful ingredients such as decongestants which could be toxic for your dog.
Such mistakes can be avoided by thoroughly observing the label and ingredients list, or by getting in touch with your vet!
Best antihistamine for dogs
The best antihistamine for dogs is the Vets Best Seasonal Allergy Tablet, purely because its one of the only antihistamines on the market to be made especially for canines and not humans.
In fact, its not even suitable for human consumption!
This means you no longer have to stress over whether you can give your pooch a Piriton or not, as theres already a doggy designed option readily available!
While most canine allergy relief products are merely a vitamin or fatty acid supplement designed to boost itchy skin, Vet Bests tablets are one of the few to contain an actual antihistamine that prevents your pups body from reacting to allergens and stimuli they are sensitive to.
The tablets utilise the active ingredient diphenhydramine hydrochloride, the same antihistamine used in popular human allergy tablets such as Benadryl. And unlike other dog allergy medicines like Apoquel, Vets Best doesnt require a prescription, making them a cheaper and less time-consuming, quick fix!
The tablets work in the same way as a human drug, by blocking the bodys H-1 receptors in the blood vessels and muscles. This prevents your dogs body from producing histamines when confronted with non-harmful allergens, and in turn prevents irritating reactions like itching, sneezing, watery eyes and a runny nose.
Anyone who owns an allergy-suffering pup knows that skin issues are often the most troublesome symptom. So Vets Best tablets are a particular lifesaver when it comes to providing fast relief to minor skin irritations, helping to reduce constant scratching.
As the tablet is designed for dogs, working out the right dosage for your pet pooch is also totally hassle-free. Here is the simple dosage table for you to follow, based entirely on your pups weight!
- 10-24 lbs: 1/2 tablet
- 25-49 lbs: 1 tablet
- 50-75 lbs: 1 1/2 tablets
- 75 lbs+: 2 tablets
As with any medicines, you should always check with your vet before administering Vets Best to your pet, just to be safe.
Ask a veterinarian before use if your pet has:
- Glaucoma
- Asthma
- Heart Disease
- Hypertension
- Urinary Bladder Obstruction
- Enlarged Prostate Gland
- Hyperthyroidism
- Is Pregnant or Nursing
- Weighs under 15 lbs
Its also particularly important to avoid using it in combination with any other product which contains diphenhydramine, to help avoid overdose
Can I give my dog Benadryl?
Although it might seem strange, it is usually safe to give your dog Benadryl to relieve allergy symptoms, and its even prescribed or recommended by some vets.
However, like with any drug, it may not particularly be the best solution to your pups problem!
Benadryl has been known to have adverse effects when taken in combination with other medications your dog may be on, which is why its always imperative to talk to your vet before administering it.
How and when to use Benadryl for dog allergies
Benadryl is best for dogs who are suffering from low to mild allergic symptoms because the drug isnt specifically formulated for canines, so their effectiveness can range from mild to effective.
However, vets still often use it to ease environmental allergies in pups and also to deal with reactions to insect bites or stings. It can also be used as a pre-treatment for possible vaccine reactions.
It is to be taken orally, so it is often easiest to add a pill to your dogs food.
Benadryl is not a suitable medication if your pet is having an acute allergic reaction.
Symptoms of an acute reaction are characterised by facial swellings, difficulty breathing and in rare cases anaphylactic shock.
When to avoid Benadryl
Benadryl is one of the safest over-the-counter drugs that can double up as a doggy medication.
However, for canines with certain health issues, they are not the smartest choice.
For pregnant dogs, dogs with glaucoma and canines with low blood pressure or cardiac conditions, taking Benadryl is an unneeded safety risk and so its best to avoid using it.
And its also important to note that if you make the wrong choice, they can be a risk for healthy dogs too. Thats because some Benadryl tablets are combined with other medicines which make them unsuitable and so its vital you ensure your Benadryl tablets contain only diphenhydramine.
Whats the correct Benadryl dosage for a dog?
The recommended dosage of Benadryl for a dog is 1 mg per pound of body weight, to be taken 2-3 times a day. Standard tablets are 25 mg, and so they are the perfect size for a 25 lbs dog.
Obviously this gets trickier when your pup is slightly larger or smaller than 25 lbs and so the most reliable thing to do is ask your veterinarian for the correct dosage for your canine.
Can I give my dog Piriton?
It is generally considered safe to give a dog Piriton to treat environmental allergies, as long as you have sought guidance from a veterinary professional first.
Unlike some of the previously mentioned antihistamines, Piriton is mainly made up of the ingredient chlorphenamine. In the human world, this drug is mainly used to treat runny, itchy noses and hive symptoms, making it a great anti-allergy tablet.
However similar to Benadryl, it is often prescribed by vets to help treat dogs suffering allergic reactions.
But as with Benadryl, if using Piriton for a pup, you should be wary of there being a chance of side effects.
In Piriton these can include; drowsiness, constipation, dry mouth and nausea. In rare instances, these can be more severe and may include respiratory issues, irritability, poor coordination, urination issues and affected concentration.
Thankfully, all of these reactions tend to be fairly mild if they actually occur.
When to avoid Piriton for dogs
If your dog has an existing medical condition, it isnt worth taking the risk and giving them Piriton without the advice of a vet.
Whats the correct Piriton dosage for a dog?
Typically, vets recommend dosing by the dogs weight at 0.91.7 mg per pound of body weight, every 8 to 12 hours.
Its important to remember though that this is merely a guideline, and as always, the best way to determine the correct dosage for your dog is to contact your vet.
Piriton for Dogs Is It Safe Correct Dosage Levels
Piriton for dogs is safe as long as its given in the correct dose. Typically, the dosage is calculated by your dogs weight, for example, a dog that weighs 5kg takes 1mg. In this article you can find a table with more information about dosage, exactly what Piriton is, how often you should give it to your dog, potential side effects, and more.
What Is Piriton?
Piriton is a brand of antihistamine that uses an active ingredient known as chlorpheniramine maleate which can be found in a variety of antihistamines. Certain brands like Piriteze dont use this active ingredient but rather use cetirizine hydrochloride.
Chlorpheniramine maleate works by preventing a substance called histamine from responding negatively to an allergen. It can be used as an antihistamine for dogs, since it is perfectly safe as long as its given in the correct doses, and helps with all sorts of allergies, hives, or hay fever.
Can I Give My Dog Piriton?
Some symptoms of allergies are sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, coughing and/or wheezing, watery, red, or itchy eyes, and hives or a rash on your dogs skin. If your dog is suffering from any of these symptoms, they may need to take Piriton to block histamine which stops the body from responding to an environmental trigger.
Although Piriton is technically safe for dogs, the wrong dose, using it for the wrong condition, or using it on a dog that is already on other medication can have extremely negative results.
This is why, as with all medicine that is traditionally made for humans, its important to be very cautious and to seek veterinary advice.
It is also good to note that you should be careful when giving your dog Piriton because of the ingredients. Depending on the country, some of the ingredients can vary. The ingredients you should watch out for are: amphetamine, caffeine, pseudoephedrine, and alcohol. Any of these could poison your dog.
How Much Piriton Can I Give My Dog?
To find out how much Piriton you can give your dog you should consult your veterinarian and always follow their advice closely.
The required Piriton dose for dogs depends on the weight. A typical dose prescription is 0.2 of Piriton tablets per kg of the dogs body weight. Take a look at the following table for a general guide:
| Dog Weight (KG) | Tablet Dose (mg) |
| 5 | 1 |
| 6 | 1.2 |
| 7 | 1.4 |
| 8 | 1.6 |
| 9 | 1.8 |
| 10 | 2 |
| 11 | 2.2 |
| 12 | 2.4 |
| 13 | 2.6 |
| 14 | 2.8 |
| 15 | 3 |
How Often To Give Your Dog Piriton?
Dogs usually need to take Piriton once every 8 12 hours for up to three times daily.
If youre wondering how long this will go on for; well, it depends.
Just like us humans, dogs can have allergic reactions causing scratching, runny noses, red or swollen eyes, and excessive paw licking or chewing. The most common causes are dust mites, pollen, hives, insect bites, fleas, and grass.
If the allergen can be identified and removed, then treatment for an allergic reaction can be avoided but this is often not possible to do.
Allergens can be difficult to identify and remove from the environment, so the use of Piriton is often seasonal and ongoing. Some dogs only need to take Piriton before going out on adventures during spring and summer.
Side Effects
As with all medications, there are several potential side effects although they are generally rare. These include: drowsiness, constipation or diarrhea, excessive thirst or a dry mouth, nausea and vomiting, and a change in behavior.
For anyone with concerns regarding any side effects, consult your vet beforehand.
Drowsiness is the most common side effect, as it can happen when humans take this medication as well, and this should not raise any concern unless you think you have given your dog too much Piriton; in which case you should contact your vet right away.
Diarrhea occurs due to the stomach being upset from the medicine and it is also a normal reaction. Only contact your vet about it if its persistent.
Make sure that your dog has plenty of water and that it is easily accessible for them. Keep in mind that if your dog is feeling drowsy and is staying upstairs but the water is downstairs, this is no good to them. Help them out by keeping their water close by.
If vomiting occurs, youre going to have to check that your dog hasnt spat the tablet out. If this is the case, make sure to place the tablet in a meal for your dog to eat and if your dog keeps vomiting then its best to contact your vet.
Change in behaviour is the rarest side effect, so if you notice anything significant seek medical attention.
Piriteze and Benadryl
There seems to be some confusion about whether to give Piriteze, Benadryl or Piriton for dogs, so lets clear some things up.
First of all, Piriton is not the same as the others because it uses a different active ingredient. As already mentioned, Piriton has chlorpheniramine which is generally safe for dogs, but the active ingredient in Piriteze and Benadryl is cetirizine hydrochloride which is not safe for pets.
Alternatives to Piriton
Some other antihistamines which are safe for dogs can be found here.
Zyrtec has become a very popular one because of its convenient dosing schedule dogs that weigh over 10lbs receive a single 10mg tablet once daily, and dogs weighing less than that simply take half of a 10mg tablet. Side effects appear to be minimal, the worst to happen is that your dog becomes drowsy.
Chlortimeton is another excellent antihistamine for dogs and even cats as well. This one does require two doses a day though, as the average dog would get mg per pound.
Atarax is a prescription-only antihistamine and cannot be sold over the counter but it is one of the most effective antihistamines available. Dosing is at 1mg per pound of bodyweight 2-3 times a day.
Lastly, we have EPA which contains Omega-3 fatty acids (eicosatetraenoic acid or EPA) as they have been found to be very beneficial in treating allergies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which antihistamines are safe for dogs?
Some other antihistamines that are safe for dogs are Zyrtec, Chlortimeton, Atarax and EPA.
How much antihistamine can I give my dog?
The standard dosage for oral antihistamine is 1mg per kg of your dogs body weight. This depends on the exact antihistamine though, as does the number of times it needs to be taken as it could be once, twice, or three times a day.
Is Piriteze the same as Piriton?
No, Piriteze and Piriton are not the same. The difference is that they use a different active ingredient. Piriton has chlorpheniramine which is generally safe for dogs, but the active ingredient in Piriteze (and Benadryl) is cetirizine hydrochloride which is not safe for pets.
Can I give my dog antihistamines every day?
Most antihistamines are required to be given daily to your dog, but for how long depends. Consult your vet to find out exactly for how long you should be giving medication to your dog.
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