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.

What OTC antihistamines are 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.

Which human antihistamine is best for dogs?

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.

Is Zyrtec or Claritin better 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.

Is Claritin or Benadryl better 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.

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

Can I give my dog over-the-counter Claritin?

While many over-the-counter human medications are unsafe for your dog, several antihistamines such as claritin, benadryl and zyrtec are safe to give your dog at the right dose under veterinary supervision.

Can my dog take Zyrtec every day?

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.

Can I give my dog over-the-counter Zyrtec?

Veterinary reviewed by: Michele K. Zyrtec is an over-the-counter human allergy medication sometimes given to dogs with atopic dermatitis or mild to moderate environmental allergies. Vets may suggest Zyrtec as a course of action for dogs who scratch excessively, are sensitive to insect bites, or have dermatitis.

How much Zyrtec should I give my dog?

Cetirizine (Zyrtec) ¼ - ½ mg per pound (one 10mg tab per 30-40 lbs) twice daily. Loratadine (Claritin): ¼ mg per pound (half of a 10mg tablet per 20 lbs) once daily. Clemastine (Tavist-1, Antihist-1): 0.02mg per pound (one 1.34mg tablet per 65lb dog) twice daily.

What can I give my dog for allergies without going to the vet?

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. These medications work by preventing histamine from binding to cells and exerting its effects.

Can I use human antihistamines on my dog?

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 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 human antihistamine can I give my dog?

Benadryl Tablets

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.

What are the side effects of Zyrtec in dogs?

Cetirizine does not typically cause any side effects. Vomiting and increased salivation has been observed in some dogs. At high doses, sleepiness has been reported in small dogs and cats. Any side effects that are severe or worsen should be reported to your veterinarian.

Does Zyrtec help dogs with itching?

Zyrtec improves dog allergy symptoms such as itchy skin, runny noses, and watery eyes. Drowsiness is a common side effect of Zyrtec.

What happens if a dog take Zyrtec?

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.

Is Apoquel the same as Zyrtec?

Apoquel and Zyrtec work differently. Zyrtec blocks histamine, which helps control all allergic reactions in the body. Zyrtec causes side effects in dogs, but not as much as Apoquel.

Is there a generic for Apoquel?

There is no generic currently available for Apoquel^®. There are other types of medications and treatments available to manage allergic dermatitis in dogs.

Can I use generic Zyrtec for my dog?

Since Cetirizine is a drug primarily intended for human use, and since there is no veterinarian-approved equivalent, Cetirizine for dogs and cats is considered an extra-label drug, or a drug being used outside its realm of approved use, even though it is commonly prescribed for pets by veterinarians.

How long does it take for Zyrtec to work in dogs?

Zyrtec will act quickly once your dog digests it, and within 1-2 hours you should be able to see signs of improvement. Your vet will instruct you on how many doses you should give your dog daily.

Is there a daily allergy pill for dogs?

Oral prescription allergy medicine for dogs

Apoquel is an oral tablet you can give your dog daily for his allergy symptoms. It works by suppressing your pup's immune system so he doesn't have such a strong reaction to the things he's allergic to.

Is 10mg Claritin safe for dogs?

Dosage Of Claritin For Dogs

Vets generally prescribe Claritin for dogs in a dosage 0.2 milligrams per pound of body weight. This can translate as giving a small dog around 5 milligrams of Claritin every day, or 10 milligrams for a larger dog.

What kind of Claritin is best for dogs?

Do not give your dog Claritine-D. It contains pseudoephedrine (decongestant for humans), which is highly toxic in dogs. Only use normal Claritine or Claritin Junior in tablet form and make sure to give the tablet to your dog without crushing it.

Can I give my dog Claritin instead of Apoquel?

Apoquel vs Claritin For Dogs

The human antihistamine Claritin (loratadine) is generally safe for dogs and can provide allergy relief. But you should always consult with your veterinarian before giving your dog any human medications.

What can you give a dog for severe itching?