An Important Caution About Nsaids And Steroids
NSAIDs and steroids should never be used together because of potential damage to the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys.
So even though Zachory came to me for acupuncture of his neck, I was excited to discuss new, better, and safer options for treating his allergies. We worked with his regular veterinarian to select and administer Cytopoint. Zachorys injection was pricey. However, unlike some alternatives, it should keep him symptom-free for about a month.
Thankfully, Cytopoint wont interfere with his other medications and it has worked beautifully for him! Mom described it as a huge relief for both of them.
Why Dogs Suffer From Allergies
If your dog suffers from allergies like Zachory did, there are solutions! But before we jump into treatment options, its important to understand why allergies happen in the first place.
Uncovering the role mast cells play in allergies
In humans, the cells that mediate allergiescalled mast cellsare predominantly located in the upper respiratory tract, which also happens to be the location that most of our seasonal allergy symptoms center around. However, for our canine companions, this is not the case.
In dogs, the allergy-mediating mast cells live in high concentrations in the skin. Thus, dogs are more likely to have seasonal allergy symptoms that center around the skin and ears.
Mast cells are a type of white blood cell that is made in the bone marrow then travels to the tissues of the body . They help protect the body against foreign invaders.
Mast cells look very distinct under a microscope. They are filled with tiny granules which contain several active substances, the most well known of which is histamine. Dont forget about histamine because it will come into play when we look at allergy therapies namely antihistamines.
When mast cells sense something they see as a potential threatin this case an allergen, like pollenthey become activated and start degranulating. This is the process of dumping the granule contents into the surrounding tissue. A chain of events ensues which summons the rest of the immune system army and causes allergy symptoms.
How Does It Work For Dogs
Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine, like diphenhydramine . This means that it counteracts the activity of histamine, a key mediator involved in allergic disease. During an allergic reaction, histamine is released and it is this histamine that is responsible for the itching and inflammation that is associated with many allergic reactions in dogs. When the action of histamine is blocked by an antihistamine, an allergic reaction can be prevented, halted, or decreased in severity.
In dogs, chlorpheniramine has variable efficacy. Some dogs experience a dramatic improvement in skin allergies with chlorpheniramine, while others will show no apparent benefit with treatment. In many cases, trial and error is required to determine the optimal medication to treat canine skin allergies. Chlorpheniramine may be combined with other medications, such as corticosteroids or fatty acid supplements.
While human chlorpheniramine is often used as an antihistamine for dogs, its important to exercise caution when purchasing chlorpheniramine from your local pharmacy. Chlorpheniramine is often combined with decongestants, pain relievers, or other medications that may be toxic to dogs. If your veterinarian has recommended that you purchase over-the-counter chlorpheniramine for your dog, read labels carefully and consider talking to a pharmacist to ensure that you are purchasing a product that contains only chlorpheniramine.
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What Should I Avoid While Taking Allergy Relief
Allergy Relief may cause blurred vision or impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly.
Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of chlorpheniramine.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cold, cough, allergy, or sleep medicine. Antihistamines are contained in many combination medicines. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much of a certain drug. Check the label to see if a medicine contains an antihistamine.
Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Allergy Relief can decrease sweating and you may be more prone to heat stroke.
Allegra Products To Avoid With Dogs
Some fexofenadine hydrochloride formulas are combined with certain medicines that should NOT be given to dogs. A common example is Allegra D it contains pseudoephedrine which can be harmful to dogs.
Another Allegra formulation that should NOT be given to dogs is the childrens oral suspension because it contains xylitol which is toxic to canines.
Allegra is also available as a 30 mg oral dispersible tablet formulated to dissolve on the tongue of humans, which can be difficult in dogs. Also, some types of tablets contain xylitol, which can be toxic to pets.
Read Also: What’s The Difference Between Allergies And Sinuses
Can Dogs Take Claritin
Claritin is an antihistamine for humans, also known as loratadine. Claritin can be safely given to your dog as long as you have approval from your vet and are following their instructions.
The right dose of Claritin will be based on your dogs weight, so your vet can help you figure out the perfect amount to give him.
Youll also want to make sure to avoid Claritin thats dissolvable since it could contain xylitol, which is a common ingredient thats toxic to dogs.
Aspirin Ibuprofen Naproxen For Dogs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like these work well in humans with minimal side-effects. This means we get a lot of questions about using them in dogs.
Bad Stuff: Please dont use these drugs at all. Human anti-inflammatory medications are almost universally toxic to dogs. A single dose of Nurofen or Voltaren can be fatal, and survivors are left with permanent organ damage. Even aspirin, although used in the past as a blood thinner, is not recommended.
The veterinary pain medications are the only safe option. Read about effective treatments for arthritis in dogs here. If your dog has taken any human anti-inflammatory, contact a vet immediately. See also paracetamol below.
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Oclacitinib : A Newer Allergy Medication For Dogs
Oclacitinib is a relatively new medication for treating allergies in dogs. Apoquel works by blocking the action of JAK1 and JAK3, molecules normally used to transmit the itch and inflammation signal created in response to an allergen. This translates to less itching and inflammation for your allergic dog.
Like the dog in the before and after photos below, most allergy patients respond to Apoquel very quickly. Its highly effective in quelling the itching, as well as managing the allergies long term.
Initially, the medication is given twice a day for two weeks and then tapered to once a day for maintenance. Some dogs show an increase in symptoms when they go from the twice-a-day dose to the once-a-day dosing. If you notice your dog is becoming more itchy again, speak to your veterinarian for guidance on how to proceed.
Possible side effects of Apoquel
Like any medication, there is a risk of side effects. However, the number of dogs who experienced side effects was very low compared with other medications.
Because Apoquel does block a chemical signal in the immune system, there is a risk of suppressing the immune system at high doses. However, since Apoquel has a more specific target than other medications such as cyclosporine or steroids, there is a comparatively lower risk of immunosuppression.
Apoquel: full disclosure
The bottom line on Apoquel for dogs
Can Dogs Take Benadryl For Anxiety
You might have heard that Benadryl can be given to dogs to help with travel anxiety or dogs that are scared of fireworks and thunderstorms.
Benadryl has some efficacy in the prevention of motion sickness in dogs and as a mild sedative, but the effects are not the same as with people. Some dogs and cats can actually have the opposite reaction to Benadryl, causing hyperactivity instead of sedation.
If your dog has anxiety, or they get nervous while traveling, talk with your veterinarian to determine a course of treatment. It might involve making changes to your dogs environment, behavioral training, or tools such as anxiety vests and pheromones.
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How Much Do Dog Allergy Shots Cost
So, how much are allergy shots for dogs? Your location, your vets pricing, and the size of your dog can all affect the cost of allergy shots. The cost of living differs in different places, and dosing depends on weight, so small dogs and big dogs need different amounts, which can change the price.
In general, immunotherapy costs for the vet are around $5 to $10 per ml, and dogs can require 1-3 ml per month, and other supplies, like syringes, may need to be purchased. This can translate to a cost of between $300 and $500 for a four to six-month supply. Cytopoint averages $65 to $135 per injection. Your vet will determine the number of injections your pup will need, and they may also have additional costs for your allergy treatment plan.
Best Prescription Allergy Medicine For Dogs
If youre concerned about the effectiveness of OTC allergy medication, you could always chat with your vet about some good prescription options for your dog.
Prescription medicine tends to be more effective and to work quicker, Dr. Simon said. Generally, they stop the itching within a matter of hours.
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Oral Prescription Allergy Medicine For Dogs
For oral prescription allergy medicine, both vets we spoke to recommended Apoquel.
Apoquel is an oral tablet you can give your dog daily for his allergy symptoms. It works by suppressing your pups immune system so he doesnt have such a strong reaction to the things hes allergic to.
Oral steroids are sometimes prescribed for allergies, but these arent a good long-term medication because of the side effects associated with them. So you should really only use oral steroids as needed, like if other treatments arent effective or its the only option you can afford.
And now that you know your options for your dogs allergy medication, youll be able to help ease his symptoms in no time.
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Claritin For Dogs Usage Guidelines
Claritin is available in various forms, including regular tablets, disintegrating tablets, chewable tablets, and syrups. The disintegrating tablets must not be used in dogs because they often contain xylitol an artificial sweetener that is extremely toxic to dogs, and the syrup is toxic to bother dogs and cats because it is preserved in propylene glycol and enriched with xylitol.
Additionally, dogs must never be given Claritin-D, a formulation with pseudoephedrine as a second active ingredient. While a helpful decongestant in people, pseudoephedrine is toxic to pets .
On the other hand, the Claritin Junior formulation is safe for dogs and can be convenient for use in toy dogs as it contains low Loratadine amounts .
We should also note that Loratadine interacts with certain medications and should not be used at the same time with:
- Antibiotics like erythromycin
- Antifungals like ketoconazole
- Antacids like cimetidine
However, not all interactions are bad. For example, Loratadine acts synergistically with omega-3 fatty acids. Therefore, when giving Claritin to your dog, veterinarians recommend using a supplement like fish oil .
If your dog does not handle Claritin well, you can try another member of the antihistamines family, like Benadryl , Tavist , Zyrtec , or Allegra . They are all available over-the-counter and can help manage your dogs allergy symptoms.
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Chlorpheniramine Side Effects In Dogs
Like any antihistamine, especially other first-generation antihistamines, chlorpheniramine may cause sedation. Dogs may become tired or act weak while taking chlorpheniramine. In some cases, this resolves over the course of a few days as the dog acclimates to the medication. In other cases, sedation persists and the medication must be stopped.
In rare cases, dogs may become excitable or agitated when treated with chlorpheniramine. Dogs with a seizure disorder may also be more likely to have a seizure while on chlorpheniramine. Treated dogs may also develop gastrointestinal effects, including vomiting and diarrhea, especially if chlorpheniramine is given on an empty stomach.
Discontinue your dogs chlorpheniramine and contact your veterinarian if you notice any of the following side effects:
- Significant sedation
- Increased skin inflammation
- Eye redness, pain, or squinting
Many dogs safely take chlorpheniramine for prolonged periods of time with no negative effects.
The Correct Dosage And How Often
Piriton, used as an allergy remedy for your dog or pet, is available in both tablet and liquid form. People often ask, is piriton safe for dogs? Whilst it is, it is important to check with your vet not only in order to administer the right dosage but also to check there will be no negative reactions with other medications.
Knowing how much piriton is vital. The tablets usually come in 4mg which is equivalent to 10ml of the syrup. Proper dosage depends on a number of different factors including the size, a dogs body weight and breed of your dog and the severity of the reaction but in general, 1/2 a 4mg tablet or 5ml is prescribed for smaller breeds, while 1-2 tablets or 10-20ml of liquid can be administered to larger dogs. Make sure to always follow the instructions and seek advice so you dont give the wrong dose.
This dose can be given up to three times daily if required. While Piriton tablets for dogs can be used in the long term, it is advisable to use only until the condition clears up or, in the case of seasonal allergies, as long as is needed.
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*why Are Vet Drugs Different
There are four reasons why most animal drugs dont get used in people and vice versa.
Have something to add? Comments will appear within 24 hours.By Andrew Spanner BVSc MVetStud, a vet in Adelaide, Australia. Meet his team here.
Hi Nicole. There are many drugs that should only be used by vets in specific circumstances. Nexium and Zantac are examples of these. This is also true for paracetamol, but Ive included it just to show that it is an option. We do not believe that glucosamine is efficacious for arthritis in dogs so it is easy to avoid. I suspect in your case the reaction is to other products that are are found together with it. Regarding treatments for constipation, psyllium husk is certainly the best place to start. However, at risk of being repetitive, constipation is over-diagnosed and I would only use these treatments with veterinary guidance.
Claritin For Dogs: Dosage Benefits Side Effects And More
Dog allergies are common for dogs and can be hard to manage. In this article, we will talk about Claritin for dogs.
Based on statistics, Claritine , together with Cetirizine and Fexofenadine, is the most commonly used second-generation antihistamine in veterinary medicine. Lets see why this off-label medication is so widely used.
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How Dog Allergies Are Treated
Treatment for your doggies allergies depends on the severity of your pets symptoms and their overall health. Veterinarians will first work to determine if your dogs symptoms are allergy related or due to another underlying health condition. They may run an allergy test to determine what your dog is allergic to.
To treat severe dog allergies, vets may prescribe a combination of medication, supplements, and topical therapies like shampoos and conditioners. Sometimes, there is never a 100% fix for your dogs allergies, according to Dr. Erica Irish.
It can take a lot of testing and a lot of trial-and-error to figure out what your dog is allergic to and how you can help ease their symptoms.
What Is A Pet Allergy
Pet allergy occurs when our bodys allergic system becomes activated with any pet dander exposure, says Niha Qamar, MD, allergist, immunologist, and co-author of What? I Could Be Allergic to That?
According to a 2018 study, as many as 10% to 20% of the worldwide population has allergies to dogs and cats. While pet allergies are common, theyre especially prevalent in people who have a family history of allergies, says Dr. Qamar.
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What Is Apoquel For Dogs
Apoquel is the brand name for oclacitinib, an oral medication that veterinarians prescribe to manage itching associated with allergic dermatitis in dogs over one year of age. The FDA approved Apoquel for veterinary use in 2013, and it has become one of the most widely prescribed anti-itch medicines for dogs. Its manufactured by Zoetis, the worlds largest producer of medicines and vaccinations for pets and livestock.
Apoquel effectively relieves itching associated with food allergies, flea allergies, contact allergies, and atopic dermatitis . Atopy is a common form of a dog skin allergy in which dogs are allergic to various environmental factors typically by inhalation or direct contact.
How does Apoquel work? Apoquel is an immunosuppressant that works by inhibiting Janus kinase enzymes in a dogs body. Blocking these enzymes suppresses the bodys allergic reaction, including both itching and inflammation.
Apoquel can begin providing relief as soon as four hours after administration and can last up to 24 hours. So, its typically given daily to manage symptoms.
Dogs under one year of age should not take Apoquel. Apoquel also isnt recommended for dogs who have serious infections or for dogs who weigh less than 6.6 pounds.
