A second-generation antihistamine called Allegra® (fexofenadine hydrochloride, generic name) is designed to treat allergies in people. Veterinarians have been prescribing Allegra for dogs with nasal or skin allergies as an extra-label medication, despite the fact that the medication has not been approved for use in canines by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is less sedating than other antihistamines and is particularly helpful for treating allergic rhinitis in dogs.
The main uses of fexofenadine in dogs are to treat or prevent allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis symptoms. It should be used consistently and is best given before the itching gets worse. Antihistamines work better when taken on a regular basis and before an animal is exposed to an allergen.
View our article on L-Theanine for dogs if your dog experiences anxiety.
There are three different formulations of Allegra: 30, 60, and 180 tablets. Veterinarians only recommend the version of Allegra with fexofenadine hydrochloride as the active ingredient. Make sure to administer the precise medication as directed by your veterinarian. Based on your dog’s size and weight, your veterinarian will determine the appropriate dose.
Dogs should take a 60 mg tablet once daily, or 1-2 mg per pound of body weight:
How and Why Do Antihistamines Work?
A substance called histamine is released by the body of your dog (or your body, for that matter) when it comes into contact with a pathogen. This also happens when a dog has allergies, but in that case, the immune reaction is disproportionate and focused on a typically benign substance.
Histamine aids white blood cells and some kinds of proteins, among other things, to enter the body’s capillaries where they can combat the infection or foreign invaders. However, histamine also causes inflammation and itchiness. This is why when exposed to an allergic trigger, your eyes may water or your dog’s skin may itch.
It’s interesting to note that humans frequently experience runny noses, watering eyes, and sneezing fits because our bodies’ mast cells, which contain histamine, are primarily found in the upper respiratory system. Dogs, on the other hand, have most of their mast cells in their skin, which makes them itchy when they are exposed to an allergic trigger.
Antihistamines prevent inflammation and itching by inhibiting the actions of histamine, as their name suggests. The most well-known antihistamine is Benadryl (diphenhydramine), but there are many others as well. Each one functions a little bit differently.
Depending on the allergen and the person affected, some antihistamines may offer more relief than others. Because of this, you and your veterinarian might need to try a variety of medications before deciding on one that will help your dog.
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Pet allergy sufferers’ immune systems are overly sensitive and react to harmless proteins, or allergens, in an animal’s saliva, urine, or dander (skin flakes). These allergens can adhere to and gather on clothing, furniture, and other materials. Pet hair itself is not an allergen. And there are no hypoallergenic animals, not even hairless ones. ¹,².
Because your body perceives harmless proteins as threats by labeling them as allergens, your immune system can cause allergies. It will start creating antibodies and histamines to fight it. ¹.
Where can I buy Allegra for dogs?
You can purchase Allegra, an over-the-counter medication, at your nearby pharmacy.
Nevertheless, we strongly caution against administering Allegra to your dog without a doctor’s prescription!
Your veterinarian may have generic versions of fexofenadine on hand. They’ll be able to recommend those, which are frequently less expensive!
Additionally, generic fexofenadine might be easier to use when it comes to giving your dog the right dosage. Generic fexofenadine tablets come in strengths of 30 mg and 60 mg, in contrast to the 180 mg of fexofenadine found in Allegra tablets.
FAQ
What allergy medicine helps with dog allergies?
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.
How can I stop being allergic to dogs?
- Keep the dog in a few rooms only, and keep it out of your bedroom.
- If you must pet, cuddle, or kiss the dog, wash your hands with soap and water first.
- Over time, high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) cleaners operating continuously in a living room or bedroom can lower allergen levels.