What human antihistamine is safe for dogs?

Benadryl is a great medication for use in dogs with mild-to-moderate allergies. Seasonal allergies, food allergies, environmental allergies, and allergic reactions to snake and insect bites all respond to Benadryl in most cases.

Can human antihistamine be given to dogs?

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. Read the label carefully to ensure that the product only contains antihistamine.

What anti histamine can I give my dog?

Can I give my dog human Benadryl?

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.

Which human allergy medicine is best for dogs?

Antihistamines like Benadryl and Zyrtec

ANTI-histamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl®), certirizine (Zyrtec®), and hydroxyzine, are commonly taken by humans to treat allergy symptoms and can be used for dogs as well.

Vet Guide | What You Should Know About Over-the-Counter Antihistamine Use in Dogs and Cats

Which OTC antihistamine is best for dogs?

The most common antihistamine for dogs is diphenhydramine (brand name Benadryl). Also found in ProSense Dog Itch & Allergy Solutions Tablets, diphenhydramine is safe in most dogs if given in the recommended dosage of 1 mg of diphenhydramine per pound of body weight given by mouth.

Is Zyrtec or Benadryl safer for dogs?

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 antihistamine.

How much Benadryl 25 mg Can I give my dog?

Benadryl Dose for Dogs

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook recommends giving a standard dosage of 25 milligrams for a 25-pound dog two to three times per day. As a general rule of thumb, use 1 milligram per pound of your dog's body weight. For example, a 50-pound dog would be given two 25 milligram tablets.

What is the conversion for Benadryl for dogs?

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 2-3 times a day.

Is Benadryl for humans the same as Benadryl for dogs?

Getting the dosage right is important because most Benadryl tablets are intended for humans. Some dogs can be quite small, so they need less Benadryl than a person. Dogs also metabolize Benadryl differently, so it's not a good idea to rely on human dosing guidelines.

Can dogs take Zyrtec or Claritin?

Zyrtec (cetirizine) or Claritin (loratadine) can be given once to twice daily. The adult tablets are both 10mg. Dogs under 10 pounds should get no more than 5mg, or ½ of a tablet. Those weighing 10-50 pounds should get 10mg, and heavy dogs (over 50 pounds) can take up to 20mg.

Is Claritin antihistamine safe for dogs?

Cetirizine (Zyrtec® or Reactine®) is one of the most commonly used over-the-counter antihistamines recommended by veterinarians. Claritin® can be used but is not typically recommended by veterinarians as some forms of Claritin® contain decongestants such as pseudoephedrine which is very toxic to dogs.

Can I give Zyrtec to my dog?

Cetirizine (brand name Zyrtec®, Reactine®) is an antihistamine used to treat pruritus (itching) associated with atopic dermatitis, urticaria (hives), and insect-bite reactions in cats and dogs. Its use is in cats and dogs is 'off label' or 'extra label'.

What is the best antihistamine for pet allergies?

The most commonly known antihistamine is Benadryl, says Dr. Shah, but it can cause drowsiness. That's why he recommends second-generation antihistamines like Claritin, Zyrtec, or Allegra, which are less sedating.

How much Zyrtec do I give my dog?

The 10 mg pills are okay for dogs between 10 and 50 lbs, though 5-10 lb dogs should only take half (or a 5-mg tablet.) Canines who exceed 50 lbs may take up to two 10 mg tablets if necessary. Dogs under 5 lbs should only take a quarter of a 10 mg tablet or half of a 5 mg pill.

Do vets recommend Benadryl for dogs?

Benadryl is typically recommended by veterinarians for dogs experiencing mild allergic symptoms caused by insect bites or stings, medications or vaccinations. It can be given to dogs prior to vaccination for those who typically experience a reaction.

Will Benadryl make my dog sleepy?

The side effects of Benadryl in dogs are similar to the side effects humans might experience with the drug. These include sleepiness, dry mouth, sluggishness, or urinary retention.

How long does it take for Benadryl to kick in for a dog?

It will usually take 30 minutes for Benadryl to take full effect, and you want your pup calm and anxious-free. In terms of what form of Benadryl, that's entirely up to your vet.

Is 50 mg of Benadryl a lot for a dog?

The most common dose given to a 60-pound dog is 1 mg per pound. Because it commonly comes in 25 and 50 mg sizes, a dose of 50 mg would be a good starting point.

How much Benadryl can a 20 lb dog have a day?

How much Benadryl can I give to my 20 lb dog? You should give 8 ml of liquid Benadryl or one 12.5 mg chewable tablet to your 20 lb dog.

What are the side effects of Benadryl in dogs?

Which is better for dog allergies Benadryl or Claritin?

Much like Benadryl, the drug Claritin is used most commonly for dogs suffering from allergies. However, unlike Benadryl with the active ingredient diphenhydramine, Claritin's active ingredient loratadine does not induce fatigue. Because of this trait, it is often a popular choice in the treatment of allergies.

Is Allegra or Benadryl better for dogs?

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is the most recommended by veterinarians. It's fantastic for minor allergies, small reactions to insect bites, or treating motion sickness. Avoid the liquid form because it usually contains small amounts of alcohol.

What OTC meds can I give my dog for itching?

Benadryl Ultratabs

This well-known antihistamine is most veterinarians go-to OTC option. Dogs who take Benadryl typically don't get as sleepy as humans do and tolerate it well, but it's important to check with your veterinarian about the ideal dosage based on your dog's weight.

Can I give my dog OTC Zyrtec?

Yes, you can give your dog Zyrtec. In fact, Zyrtec is one of the safest over-the-counter medications for dogs. It is an excellent first-aid choice and has wide safety margins – it is not likely to cause any issues even if given in large doses. Zyrtec is the brand name for the antihistamine cetirizine hydrochloride.