Antihistamines with the active ingredients of diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine, cetirizine, clemastine or loratadine are usually safe for most healthy adult dogs. Hydroxyzine is another dog-safe antihistamine and one of the most effective available, but it's only available on prescription.
DO NOT USE ALLEGRA D IN PETS. Fexofenadine is also available an oral suspension that contains xylitol (NOTE: Xylitol may be toxic in dogs). The human oral suspension is not recommended for use in pets.
Telfast®- (active ingredient fexofenadine ) these are available in 60 to 180 mg tabs. But note that while not likely to overdose, the dosage for most dogs is only 5-10 mg / Kg once or twice a day.
Other safe antihistamines for dogs include Claritin (loratadine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine). They produce less sedation than Benadryl does but could still make your dog drowsy. Warning: Make sure your OTC allergy medicine only contains antihistamines.
Zyrtec is an over-the-counter human allergy medication sometimes given to dogs with atopic dermatitis or mild to moderate environmental allergies. Vets may recommend Zyrtec for dogs who scratch excessively, are sensitive to insect bites, or have dermatitis.
Quercetin is a bioflavonoid that provides natural allergy relief for dogs reducing symptoms like itching, scratching, licking and chewing. Many veterinarians suggest quercetin because it is a safe, natural antihistamine for dogs. In fact, quercetin is often referred to as "Nature's Benadryl".
The dosing schedule is also much more convenient, with dogs weighing over 10 lbs getting a single 10mg tablet once daily. Dogs weighing less than 10 lbs can have half of a 10mg tablet once daily. Chlortrimeton is another excellent antihistamine for dogs, and is the drug of choice for kitty allergies as well.
Over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine tablets include fexofenadine (Allegra Allergy), loratadine (Claritin, Alavert) and cetirizine (Zyrtec Allergy); OTC antihistamine syrups are available for children. Prescription antihistamine tablets, such as levocetirizine (Xyzal) and desloratadine (Clarinex), are other options.
According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, the standard dose for Benadryl® is 2–4 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, or 0.9–1.8 milligrams (mg) of Benadryl® per pound. Therefore, a simple and practical dose is 1 mg of Benadryl® per pound of your dog's weight, given two to three times a day.
When accidentally ingested by dogs and cats, antihistamine poisoning can result in clinical signs of severe agitation, lethargy, sedation, aggression, abnormal heart rate, abnormal blood pressure, vomiting, diarrhea, inappetance, seizures, respiratory depression, and even death.
Best treatment: Antihistamines
Antihistamines are commonly used to treat dog allergies. Their histamine-blocking quality tackles airborne allergens and reduces symptoms in your pup. The safest over-the-counter options for your dog include Benadryl, Zyrtec, Claritin, and Allegra.
Zyrtec Dosage and Instructions. It is recommended to give your dog 0.5mg per pound of body weight. You can safely give Zyrtec to your dog up to 20 mg per day. It should only be administered orally.
Benadryl is safe to give your dog for allergies, anxiety, motion sickness, and vaccine side effects. Though a typical Benadryl pill is 25 mg, you should only give your dog 0.9-1.8 mg per pound of weight. Make sure that the Benadryl you're giving your dog only contains diphenhydramine.
The main active ingredient in piriton is chlorpheniramine which is generally safe for dogs, but other brands may have cetirizine hydrochloride which isn't as safe for your pet.
Antihistamines are usually safe but can make some dogs drowsy and others hyperactive. OTC antihistamine preparations may contain other ingredients such as decongestants that are not safe for dogs.
Loratadine is dosed in dogs at 0.1 mg per pound to 0.55 mg per pound of body weight (0.25 to 1.1 mg/kg) once daily or divided twice daily. Another way that loratadine is dosed in dogs is by the total dose. For example, most dogs will receive 5 to 10 mg (total dose) orally one to two times daily (every 12 to 24 hours).
Apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, or aloe vera can be put on the skin to calm any itching. A relaxing oatmeal bath can relieve itching, burning, and dry skin.
Treating Dog Allergies
Your doctor might recommend: Antihistamines, which block the effects of a chemical that triggers dog allergy symptoms; they're sold over the counter -- like cetirizine (Zyrtec), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), fexofenadine (Allegra), and loratadine (Claritin) -- or by prescription.
ZYRTEC 10 mg film-coated tablets
Swallow the tablet whole, with a glass of water. You can divide the tablet into two equal doses.
Many people use antihistamines to treat allergy symptoms. Zyrtec (cetirizine) and Claritin (loratidine) are two popular brands. They contain different compounds but appear to be equally effective. Antihistamines can reduce allergy symptoms, such as watering eyes, itchy skin, hives, and swelling.
You can use hydrocortisone cream on your dog in most cases. Like in people, it helps treat mild rashes, itchy skin, and bug bites in canines, too.
Pruritus in dogs is the sensation in the skin that causes them to scratch. It is a symptom caused by dry skin, allergies, parasites, or other underlying conditions. Anxiety and boredom can cause dogs to lick, chew, and bite as a response. Changing your dog's diet may be the key to stopping obsessive licking behavior.