Top Best Answers To The Question How Much Allergy Medicine Can I Give My Dog
The standard dosage for oral Benadryl is 1 mg per pound of body weight, given 2-3 times a day.
Most drug store diphenhydramine tablets are 25 mg, which is the size used for a 25 pound dog.
Always double check the dosage before giving an over the counter medication.
Those who are looking for an answer to the question «How much allergy medicine can i give my dog?» often ask the followingquestions:
What Can I Give Dogs For Allergies
Allergies present in various ways with dogs. Skin irritation is common with allergies, and youll see your dog constantly itching their body or licking/chewing their feet. You can help alleviate the discomfort with a baking soda bath or oatmeal dissolved in cool water. Mineral oil is sometimes effective pour it onto a cotton ball and wipe it around the affected area.
Hot spots are very common in dogs, and they appear as inflamed, red, raw patches on their body. Theyll bleed or ooze fluid and they cant be treated very effectively at home. If your dog has a suspected hotspot, you should take them to the vet for a steroid cream or oral steroid to prevent it from getting infected. According to WebMD, the doctor can run a blood test to scan for a specific allergen to determine if your dog has any allergies.
There are a variety of safe over-the-counter antihistamines that are appropriate for your dog. Diphenhydramine is the most recommended by veterinarians. Its 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. Chlorpheniramine is another one thats safe for dogs but not commonly prescribed because it can be hard to find. If you find it, always read the label a lot of combinations have acetaminophen as an added ingredient. Cetirazine is also very effective for dogs with common allergies.
Canine Atopic Dermatologic Immunotherapeutic
An even more recent development in the management of allergies in dogs, has been the development of Cytopointan antibody that attaches to an itch-triggering chemical signal called IL-31. Once bound to IL-31, Cytopoint blocks the creation of further itch signals, thus offering relief to your itchy dog. Its not a pill, but rather, is given every one to two months as an injection at your veterinarians office. This is great news for owners of dogs who wont take pills .
The before and after photos below illustrate the marked improvement Cytopoint can make. The photo on the left was taken on November 25, 2020. The photo on the right was taken May 14, 2021.
Cytopoint starts working within one to two days after the injection and helps the dog for one to two months. Because it is targeting a very specific signal in the immune system, the risk of suppressing the immune system is low, so it can be used safely with other medications.
Unfortunately, because this medication targets the chemical signal associated with the itching feeling instead of modifying the action of cells in the immune system, its not as effective as steroids or Apoquel in reducing signs of allergy-related inflammation such as red and irritated skin or swelling of the ear canals.
The bottom line on Cytopoint for dogs
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How Many Antihistamines Can You Give A Dog
The number of antihistamines you can give your dog will vary depending on your dogs size, weight, age, breed, and any underlying conditions they have. As well as your dogs individual factors, the safe dosage they can have will also depend on what kind of antihistamine youre using.
For example, antihistamines like Benadryl that use diphenhydramine are usually dosed at 1mg per 1lb of body weight. Meanwhile, medicines that use promethazine are 1mg per 1kg of body weight. Other antihistamines are dosed somewhere between 5mg to 20mg per dog depending on their size.
Additionally, antihistamines can come as a tablet or as a liquid formulation, and each of these has a different dosage. Childrens antihistamines arent as strong as the ones made for adult use, so their dosage will be different too.
Liquid formulations can be easier to use for dogs because you can measure the volume more accurately. Childrens antihistamines can also be easier to use with small dogs because they arent as strong, so the dosage isnt as small and difficult to measure.
Your vet will be able to help you to determine the safe dose for your dog. And remember, the dose thats safe for humans definitely wont be whats safe for your hound because they are much smaller than humans and have completely different metabolisms.
Side Effects Of Claritin For Dogs
One of the benefits of Claritin over other antihistamines, like Benadryl, is that its less likely to make your dog feel overly drowsy. Although in some cases, you might notice your dog seeming a little more relaxed.
Some other side effects could include stomach issues or dry mouth.
As ever, if you notice any sort of allergic reaction when administering the medication to your dog, make sure to contact your veterinarian immediately.
If you suspect your dog took too much of the medication and may be suffering from an overdose, then you must contact your veterinarian straight away.
Has your vet ever recommended Claritin for your dogs allergy issues? Did it help your dog feel better? Then let us know in the comments section below!
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Are There Natural Antihistamines
Antihistamines can be found naturally in various foods and plants. For example, stinging nettles have an antihistamine effect, but dont go rubbing them on your pooch or youll make them agitated and itchy! Instead, stinging nettle will need to be taken as a tea or a herbal supplement to benefit from the antihistamine effect.
Another natural antihistamine is bromelain which can be found in pineapple or as a herbal supplement and has an antihistamine effect. You might also find a supplement called quercetin which can also be found in apple skin and works similarly. But eating some apple or pineapple wont fix your dogs itching because there isnt enough active antihistamine inside it to help them. Antihistamines as a supplement or a medication are much more effective because the antihistamine has been isolated and concentrated.
Although it isnt an antihistamine, omega-3 works wonders on many pups with allergies and its perfectly safe to use, even if your dog has another condition or medication. Omega-3 can be found naturally in some foods, like oily fish, but its also readily available as a safe supplement. Omega-3 doesnt have an antihistamine effect, but it does have an anti-inflammatory effect and it has a proven benefit for pups with allergies, especially when its given to them alongside antihistamines.
Why Your Veterinarian May Need To Treat With A Combination Of Medications
To further complicate matters, a dog may suffer from one, two, or all three of these types of allergies. The symptoms of these allergies have a cumulative effect, which is why your veterinarian may treat your dog with a combination of allergy medications for dogs, especially if your dog has more than one type of allergy. Sadly, there is no single magic bullet that works in all cases all the time.
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Antihistamines Like Benadryl And Zyrtec
ANTI-histamines, such as diphenhydramine , certirizine , 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.
The benefits of antihistamines are that they are cheap and may help with mild environmental allergies in dogs. The downside is that they are typically unimpressive in their effectiveness for more significant environmental allergies in dogs. Therefore, they usually need to be used in combination with other medications to control symptoms.
For the complete story on potential side effects and contraindications for Benadryl use in dogs, read Benadryl for Dogs: How it Works, When it Works, Why it Works.BOTTOM LINE: Antihistamines as an allergy medicine for dogs are generally very safe but not very effective.
Ease Your Pups Allergy Symptoms With Benadryl
Benadryl is safe for your pet and will help with their allergies or other symptoms. If you are considering Benadryl for your dog, it is vital that you make sure to give them the right dose.
If you are wary of giving your dog Benadryl, you have options. Natural alternatives to Benadryl for alleviating your dogs allergy symptoms include quercetin, CBD, and baking soda.
If you are still unsure about which method is best for you and your pet, consult your veterinarian.
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Things You Can Know About Allegra For Dogs
In Emotional Support Animal by Emotional Pet Support TeamJanuary 3, 2018
Allergies are an annual plague for many people, arising as the earth comes back to life after a long winter. Any type of animal or emotional support animal can get allergies just like how any human can get allergies. Some people arent so lucky, though, and experience allergies year-round. If youre one of those people, you know how important it is to be on an effective allergy regimen. Unfortunately, allergies arent specific to humans, and your dog can suffer from allergies just like you do. If you want a guide to help you aid your dog in case of an allergy attack, then we have a guide for you below.
Immunotherapy: The Gold Standard In Treating Environmental Allergies In Dogs
When it comes to treating environmental allergies in dogs, the gold standard is immunotherapy. Similar to allergy shots in people, this treatment works by slowly exposing the dogs immune system to the allergen until the immune system no longer reacts to it.
The immunotherapy is given as an injection under the skin once every one to three weeks or as a medication that is given under the tongue every 12 hours.
Benefits of immunotherapy as an allergy medication for dogs
There are many benefits of immunotherapy. Instead of suppressing the immune system, the treatment is directly targeted to the allergens that specifically trigger that dogs immune system. A skin test or blood test is used to determine which allergens are a problem for that dog, and the immunotherapy is customized based on that information.
Between 50% to 80% of dogs on immunotherapy show improvement in allergy symptoms after a year of treatment.
Downsides to immunotherapy as a medication for dogs with allergies
There are some downsides to immunotherapy. First, because the immune system is being stimulated instead of suppressed, there is a low risk of a serious allergic reaction. Second, therapy is a lengthy process, usually taking between six to 12 months. B ecause no standard protocol exists, results can vary, and dogs may need to remain on immunotherapy for the rest of their lives to maintain control of their environmental allergies.
The bottom line on immunotherapy for dogs with environmental allergies
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Benadryl Usage For Dogs
Veterinarians recommend Benadryl and its generic diphenhydramine for dogs for a range of symptoms. These include environmental allergies, food allergies, anxiety, hives, motion sickness, and more.
Because Benadryl can cause drowsiness, it is sometimes used for dogs with mild to moderate anxiety issues. Many dog parents give their dogs Benadryl during high-stress situations like thunderstorms or fireworks. Veterinarians will recommend its use in conjunction with heartworm treatment as it prevents allergic reactions associated with it.
Can Dogs Take Allergy Medication
Dogs actually can take medication to help with their allergy symptoms. When it comes to allergy medicine for dogs, there are both prescription and over-the-counter options.
Allergy medications for dogs work just like with people, Dr. Ochoa told The Dodo. They decrease the histamine response, thus decreasing the itching and inflammation in your dog’s skin.
No matter what kind of allergy medication you give your dog, its important to remember that youre treating your dogs symptoms, not the allergy itself.
Owners need to understand, though, they cannot cure allergies, Dr. Simon told The Dodo. They mask symptoms and make dogs more comfortable during flareups. The closest you can get to curing allergies is with immunotherapy since it has the potential to permanently change how your dogs immune system reacts to triggers.
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Atopica As A Medication To Treat Allergies In Dogs
Cyclosporine works by blocking the activation of T cells, a type of white blood cell that targets specific foreign invaders, and decreasing the release of pro-inflammatory chemicals. This helps reduce the signs associated with allergies since they are mediated by the immune systems reaction to allergens.Cyclosporine is effective for long-term management of allergic dogs and in some cases, can be used as a sole treatment for allergies.
Atopica takes about six to eight weeks before the full effects of medication are seen. Sometimes other allergy medications for dogs might need to be used to control allergy symptoms while waiting for the cyclosporine to kick in. Its also important to note the some dogs experience undesirable side effects.
What are the side effects of Atopica?
- Vomiting and diarrhea in the first seven to 10 days of administration
- Overgrowth of the gums
- Immunosuppression could lead to increased susceptibility to developing neoplasia
- Reported increase risk of urinary tract infections in dogs and fungal infections
The bottom line on Atopica for dogs with allergies
BOTTOM LINE: Atopica can be effective at managing allergies. However, it comes with a host of side effects. This is why it has fallen out of favor in recent years as a first line allergy therapy now that Apoquel and Cytopoint have come on the market.
How Much Benadryl Can You Give A Dog
Thankfully, diphenhydramine has a fairly wide safety margin in dogs. A safe and easy dosage to remember is 1 milligram per pound of body weight. For example, a 50-pound dog would get 50 milligrams of Benadryl. Brand name and generic forms generally come in 25-milligram tablets, so that 50-pound dog would get two tablets at a time. If your dogs weight is in between a multiple of 25, you can break tablets in half to get the right dosage.
Childrens liquid Benadryl can be used for small dogs using the same dosage. Avoid the adult formula of liquid Benadryl, as this often contains alcohol, which is toxic to dogs. As with any flavored human medication, always check the inactive ingredients for xylitol, a sweetener that is extremely toxic to dogs. Do not give your pet any medication containing xylitol.
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What Are The Side Effects Of Benadryl In Dogs
Potential side effects include:
- Urinary retention
- Less commonly diarrhea, vomiting, or lack of appetite
Its possible to overdose a dog with Benadryl. If you catch your dog with an open bottle of Benadryl, contact your vet or a pet poison control center to determine the best course of action. Inducing vomiting is often effective if the pills have been consumed recently.
Signs of a Benadryl overdose include:
Giving Your Pet Allergy Medication For Humans
Most commercially available allergy medications contain histamine blocking agents that reduce the amount of histamine thats produced by the body. Since dogs are very sensitive to different types of medications its best to administer drugs that are specifically formulated for use in pets.
The ingredients that are present in dog allergy medications are similar to those that are present in allergy medicines for humans. Several pet owners therefore administer certain human medications like Tavist, Benadryl and Claritin to their pets in order to get rid of the symptoms.
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What Human Drugs Are Safe For Dogs
Youve got a dog needing treatment and youve even got some of your own meds nearby. Can you use them?
The use of non-veterinary drugs is a common question from pet owners. When is it a good idea to give your dog human medications? Sometimes, surprisingly, it is. Just not that often.*
Here are the top over the counter drugs you can give, and a few you definitely cant! Plus some guidelines for safe and appropriate use. See full disclaimer below.
Can I Give My Dog Piriton
Piriton is a well-known brand of antihistamine thats readily available in most supermarkets and pharmacies. It uses the active ingredient chlorpheniramine which can be safe for use in dogs. You must only give Piriton to your pooch if your vet has told you that its safe, and always use the exact dosage they have recommended.
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Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids
Theres very solid evidence for the benefit of omega 3s in dogs. They are proven to reduce signs of dermatitis and may play a role in reducing cardiac arrhythmias. They are safe and often well-tolerated by dogs at a dose of 1 g fish oil per 4-5 kg bodyweight.
Bad Stuff: Although they are useful, omega 3 fatty acids do not exert a strong effect in most dogs. Dont give up too soon though they can take 3 weeks to show an effect. They should be avoided in dogs prone to pancreatitis.
Is It Possible For A Dog To Have A Benadryl Allergy
Some dogs develop an allergic reaction to Benadryl. If your dog starts having symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek veterinary care immediately. As Benadryl for dogs is often used to treat allergies, keep an eye on your dog after giving Benadryl for the first time to make sure that the allergy symptoms dont worsen.
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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.
