The general rule is that canines shouldn’t take human medications. For instance, giving your pooch paracetamol can cause liver failure.
If your dog has been experiencing allergies, your veterinarian may have advised you to try giving them Benadryl. You may have also read that dogs can take antihistamines in a pinch if they’ve been stung by bees. So can dogs have antihistamines?.
In healthy, adult dogs, certain antihistamine types can be administered without risk, and they can be an effective component of a treatment strategy for canine allergies.
However, dogs don’t respond to all kinds of antihistamines. Some will work, while others don’t seem to do anything. You may need to experiment with several different antihistamine types before you find one that works for your dog because this variable reaction appears to depend on the individual dog. Additionally, antihistamines simply can’t provide a long-term solution for your dog’s allergies on their own.
CAN I GIVE MY DOG PIRITON?
The popular antihistamine Piriton is widely available in most supermarkets and pharmacies. Chlorpheniramine, its active component, may be safe for use in dogs. Only administer Piriton to your dog if your veterinarian has cleared it as safe, and follow their dosage recommendations exactly at all times.
Benadryl is another brand of antihistamine available over the counter and it uses the active ingredient “diphenhydramine”, which is usually safe for dogs. However, some varieties of Benadryl do use other ingredients which can be harmful for your pooch and giving them too much can befatal.
Antihistamines are typically taken by humans during the hayfever season to treat runny noses and itchy eyes. Additionally, they can be used to alleviate the signs of mild allergies or even wasp or bee stings. But in what situations can you give dogs antihistamines?.
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.
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.
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.
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.
CAN YOU GIVE A DOG ANTIHISTAMINE FOR BEE STINGS?
If your dog gets stung by a bee or wasp, the most crucial thing to do is to carefully remove the sting and wash the area with water. You can also use ice to lessen the pain and itching in your dog and to reduce the swelling.
It is possible to administer an antihistamine to your dog to alleviate their post-sting symptoms. However, you must first consult your veterinarian to find out which type and dosage of antihistamines are safe for your dog to use.
FAQ
Can you take loratadine and Benadryl together?
There are no known interactions between Benadryl and Zyrtec (cetrizine), Vistaril (hydroxyzine), or Claritin (loratadine). Benadryl should not typically be taken with any of these medications, unless your doctor advises it.
Can I give my dog Claritin and Benadryl at the same time?
Do not mix with other antihistamines. Most of the time, Claritin won’t really hurt your dog. To avoid an overdose, you should never combine it with other H1 histamine antagonists.
Can I give my dog two antihistamines?
Your dog shouldn’t take an antihistamine if it has more than one active ingredient or also contains decongestant medication. Always ensure that the medication only contains antihistamine and heed the advice your veterinarian has given you. Certain chemicals in human medications can be fatal if your pet ingests them.
Can I give my dog allergy medicine and Benadryl?
Giving your dog Benadryl for allergies, anxiety, motion sickness, and side effects from vaccines is safe. Despite the fact that a typical Benadryl tablet contains 25 mg, you should only give your dog 0. 9-1. 8 mg per pound of weight. Ensure that the only ingredient in the Benadryl you are giving your dog is diphenhydramine.