Antihistamines for Dogs

What are the reasons to give my dog antihistamines?

Like humans, dogs can suffer from allergies of many origins. From environmental allergens to food allergens to skin allergens, your dog might come into contact with a number of irritating substances in their day-to-day lives.

• Skin allergies are the most common allergic reaction in dogs. Flea allergy dermatitis can cause itch and irritation, and the other types of allergies (food and environmental) can have skin effects as well.
• Environmental allergies might include airborne contaminants like mold, pollen, or dust. Your dog could suffer from atopic dermatitis, or they may experience symptoms like sneezing and watery eyes.
• Food allergies can range from minor (involving skin itch or gastrointestinal upset) or severe (causing anaphylaxis). For severe reactions, be sure to seek emergency veterinary treatment.

What are the benefits of oral antihistamines for dogs?

Oral antihistamines might be the best way to treat your dog’s allergy symptoms. Antihistamine medications can reduce the body’s reaction to allergens, leading to a reduction in discomfort and allergy symptoms. Treating your dog's allergies can have a number of benefits, including:

• Better quality of life
• Prevention of more severe symptoms, such as infection
• Relief of irritating effects like itching

What are the best antihistamines for dogs?

• Hydroxyzine HCL is a prescription antihistamine tablet for dogs that is often used to treat snake and insect bites, bee stings, reactions to vaccines or blood transfusions, and skin itch.
• Hydroxyzine Pamoate comes in the form of a capsule. These antihistamine pills are frequently prescribed for dogs with acute inflammatory and allergic conditions, skin itch, bee stings, bug or snake bites, and more.
• Chlorpheniramine is an over-the-counter antihistamine that works best for treating dogs with military dermatitis or with drug-induced, contact, or inhaled allergies.
• Diphenhydramine(generic Benadryl) is an antihistamine that works to treat allergies, insect sting reactions, and other allergic conditions in dogs.
• HomeoPet Skin & Itch is a homeopathic formula that works as an antihistamine in dogs. It relieves symptoms associated with environmental, airborne allergens and contaminants.
• Loratadine (generic Zyrtec) provides antihistamine relief to dogs with perennial or seasonal allergy symptoms like sneezing, discharge, nasal itching, and itchy or burning eyes.
• HomeoPet Cough Relief is a homeopathic product made to remedy the specific symptom of coughing in dogs.
• Meclizine is an antihistamine and anticholinergic that provides over-the-counter relief of allergy symptoms.

Can I give my dog Benadryl?

Your veterinarian might suggest using Benadryl (diphenhydramine) to treat your dog’s allergy symptoms. Benadryl can be used for dogs with veterinarian approval. Your vet will likely want to assess the source of the allergy and ensure that there aren’t underlying, more severe medical issues at play before starting your dog on Benadryl. From there, your veterinarian can give you details regarding the dosage and frequency that will best treat your dog’s allergies.