For a number of reasons, it is always preferable to consult your veterinarian before giving your dog any over-the-counter medications.
First, you must determine the proper dose to administer because human doses and doses for dogs differ. In order to prevent any negative events, your veterinarian should review your dog’s medical history because drug interactions can be dangerous. Third, many over-the-counter (OTC) medications are NOT safe for dogs. Do not rely on the fact that a drug can be purchased without a prescription as proof that it is safe for your dog.
Antihistamines. Common antihistamines include diphenhydramine (Benadryl®), cetirizine (Zyrtec®), and loratadine (Claritin®), which relieve allergy symptoms or prevent allergic reactions. Antihistamines are typically safe, but some dogs may become drowsy or hyperactive when taking them. OTC antihistamine preparations might also include decongestants, which are dangerous for dogs. To ensure that the product only contains antihistamine, carefully read the label. Verify with your dog’s medical team that the antihistamine you have is appropriate before using it.
Antidiarrheals/Antinauseants. For gastrointestinal upsets, bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol®) is frequently kept in medicine cabinets and can be given to your dog. Consult your veterinary healthcare team before administering if your dog has never taken it before. To treat both diarrhea and vomiting, a dose of 1 teaspoon for every 5 to 10 pounds of body weight may be used. But contact your veterinarian if your dog vomits up the Pepto-Bismol. Another anti-diarrheal that is typically safe and calms upset stomachs is Kaopectate®. However, a large dog requires a lot of Kaopectate at a dose of 1 ml per pound. Your veterinarian can prescribe a medication designed for dogs.
Loperamide (Imodium®). When dosed at 1 mg per 20 pounds of body weight, this medication should be safe for your dog and a good last-resort treatment for diarrhea. Only give one dose. If the diarrhea does not resolve, contact your veterinarian. Targeted treatment of the issue will be possible with accurate diagnosis of the cause of the diarrhea.
Famotidine (Pepcid AC®) and cimetidine (Tagamet®). These drugs are used by people to treat or prevent heartburn, and they also work on dogs. These drugs can help dogs feel better by reducing the production of gastrointestinal acids. It is acceptable to use them occasionally for dietary transgressions, but if your dog continues to experience stomach issues, consult your veterinarian to identify the underlying cause.
Steroid sprays, gels, and creams. OTC steroid preparations are typically very safe and have a lower percentage of active ingredients than prescription steroids. The benefit is that they lessen itching from bug bites and hot spots. Steroids have the drawback of delaying healing, especially if the wound is infected. Have your dog’s wound examined by your veterinarian if it doesn’t look better after a few applications.
Topical antibiotic ointment. Common topical antibiotic Neosporin® is applied to minor cuts and scrapes. Every first aid kit should contain this ointment because it is generally safe for dogs. Check to make sure the ointment only contains antibiotics and not steroids, which can actually slow down the healing process. Prior to applying the antibiotic ointment, clean your dog’s wound. Cover the area to prevent your dog from licking the ointment off.
Anti-fungal sprays, gels, and creams. Although the majority of fungal infections are too complex to be effectively treated with over-the-counter medications, you can use them while waiting to take your dog to the vet. It’s crucial to treat fungal infections as soon as possible because some of them can be passed from pets to people.
Hydrogen peroxide. If your dog consumes something he shouldn’t have, hydrogen peroxide can be administered orally to cause vomiting in addition to being applied topically to clean out a superficial flesh wound (i e. , your medications, rodenticides, toxic plants). However, vomiting might do more harm than good, so speak with your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary facility PRIOR to giving your dog an oral dose of hydrogen peroxide to learn how much to give.
Mineral oil. This relatively benign liquid has a variety of uses. Before giving your dog a bath, you can put a few drops in his eyes to prevent soap stings.
Artificial tears. If your dog blinks or squints a lot, he might have dry eyes or some dust or debris in them. Both dry eyes and even the smallest speck in your eye are grating. Sometimes all that’s required to remove debris from the eye is a tiny amount of lubricating eye drop. Take your dog to the vet right away, though, if he continues to blink or squint. He might require surgery to remove a foreign body, treat an eye infection, or repair a scratch on his cornea. Contact your veterinarian right away if you notice a discharge or if your dog’s eyes appear red or swollen. Quick action will ease your dog’s discomfort and could possibly stop permanent vision loss. Keywords.
Natural Ways to Stop Allergic Reactions
There are a few holistic and natural approaches to preventing allergies in dogs that don’t involve dog Claritin, and most of them involve avoiding contact with allergen-inducing particulates.
The discomfort of allergy symptoms can result in sneezing, itchy skin, dermatitis, and other adverse reactions.
However, you can reduce the severity of symptoms without a prescription for medication or an over-the-counter Claritin for dogs by simply altering your dog’s routine.
Prevent environmental reactions by giving your dog a bath. By removing pollen, dust, and dander with a hypo-allergenic shampoo, you can literally stop an allergic reaction in its tracks in your dog.
After your dog walks, cleaning your home will stop the allergies it brings in. Sneezing and scratchy throats may also be relieved by installing an air filter. Environmental adjustments counter allergy symptoms more long term than medications.
Dogs will experience relief from their allergic reactions if your home is allergy-free.
For dogs to combat allergy symptoms, fatty acids like omega-3 or omega-6 are necessary. It has been demonstrated that coconut oil and fish oil both help dogs with their itching and sneezing. Consult your veterinarian for advice on the best diet to maintain a healthy immune system without using medication.
To ensure that it is uncontaminated by any contact with environmental particulates, make sure to give your dog fresh water at least once per day.
In addition to Claritin for dogs, there are other drugs that can treat allergies.
Your veterinarian might advise giving your dog Benadryl tablets, which do contain the active ingredient of antihistamines.
While some animals have experienced side effects like vomiting, in general, this antihistamine-filled medication is a commonly prescribed veterinary treatment to treat allergies.
Another antihistamine veterinarians may recommend for your dog is Zyrtec. Dermatitis and other allergies of the skin, such as itchy skin, are typically treated with a Zyrtec tablet.
veterinarians report few side effects but do caution against your pet becoming extremely lethargic.
At Innovet Pet, it’s our goal to keep you updated on pet health so your pet can have a dynamic, fulfilling, and healthy life. As such, whenever we talk about the pros and cons of a specific medication, we like to give you an alternative option from veterinarians, so you have the information you need.
CBD oil is one of our preferred veterinary-approved substitutes for Claritin and other antihistamine-containing tablets. CBD can help calm down an overactive immune system that is easily triggered by pollen, dust, and other allergy symptoms by interacting naturally with one of your pet’s major regulatory systems.
Recently, the veterinary and medical fields have started to accept CBD as a reliable alternative treatment.
This regulatory and balancing system and CBD get along well; veterinary research demonstrates how CBD can strengthen and broaden your pet’s therapeutic effects. Animal owners who gave their pets CBD during allergy season reported reduced inflammation and an improvement in general wellbeing without using antihistamines.
Even better, thorough veterinary studies demonstrate that CBD poses very little risk, which is something we always seek in an alternative medicine. Contrary to medications, pets cannot overdose on CBD, so there is no need to worry about dosage or overdoses. To find out the exact dosage for your animal, though, always talk to your veterinarian.
Another reason it’s a good substitute for Claritin is that CBD is simple to administer both with and without food, and it doesn’t require a prescription. And you know what a blessing this is if you’ve ever tried to give your dog medicine on a regular basis. CBD comes in tinctures, capsules, and easy to give treats.
We suggest our Hemp CBD Treats or Soft Chews, which are tiny bites that will have your dog drooling, for the pickiest eaters.
In the end, it is up to you to provide the necessary therapy to give your dog a long and comfortable life. When you give your dog CBD treats, they will think they are being spoiled, but in reality, you are being a responsible pet parent and keeping your little one healthy and happy.
Given to Dogs Suffering From Mast Cell Tumors
Due to elevated blood histamine levels, dogs with cancerous mast cell tumors are more likely to experience recurrent chronic inflammation.
Antihistamines like Claritin are prescribed by veterinarians to treat the symptoms of inflammation, but they are ineffective against cancer.
Vaccines have played a vital role in protecting canines from lethal diseases. Interestingly, some dogs are hypersensitive and will show severe allergic reactions to routine vaccines.
Although these allergic reactions can be frightening, you shouldn’t let them stop you from giving your dog vaccines. Claritin may be suggested by your veterinarian as a preventative measure for the reactions.
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What’s The Best Antihistamine For Dogs?
Dog allergy symptoms can be alleviated by a number of over-the-counter (OTC) human antihistamines, but we advise consulting your veterinarian before using any of these drugs.
Dogs can benefit from Benadryl (diphenhydramine), the most popular antihistamine for humans. Just be aware that because Benadryl has sedative qualities, your dog may become very sleepy. Zyrtec (cetrizine) and Claritin (loratadine) are two additional canine-safe antihistamines. They may still make your dog sleepy even though they produce less sedation than Benadryl does.
Warning: Make sure your OTC allergy medicine only contains antihistamine. Some products could include unsuitable ingredients for dogs, like decongestants.
FAQ
Can I take Claritin for dog allergies?
You can give Claritin to your dog, but only under your veterinarian’s guidance and with certain precautions. In humans, Loratadine helps to relieve allergy symptoms. It can treat mast cell tumor-related inflammation in dogs, lessen skin sensitivity brought on by allergic reactions, and lessen adverse reactions to vaccinations.
What is the best allergy medicine if your allergic to dogs?
Nasal corticosteroids OTC nasal sprays with corticosteroids include triamcinolone (Nasacort), fluticasone (Flonase), and budesonide (Rhinocort). These medications are considered first-choice medications for pet allergies.
Is Benadryl or Claritin better for dog allergies?
Just be aware that because Benadryl has sedative qualities, your dog may become very sleepy. Zyrtec (cetrizine) and Claritin (loratadine) are two additional canine-safe antihistamines. They may still make your dog sleepy even though they produce less sedation than Benadryl does.
Does Claritin help with dogs itching?
Itching, inflammation, redness, and other allergic reactions are the result, making it necessary to treat dog allergies. Regardless of the allergen, giving your dog Claritin can help manage all these allergy symptoms.