What over the counter allergy medicine is safe for dogs?

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®), cetirizine (Zyrtec®), and loratadine (Claritin®) are commonly used antihistamines that relieve allergy symptoms or counteract allergic reactions in humans. Antihistamines are usually safe for dogs but can make some dogs drowsy and others hyperactive.
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Is Zyrtec or Benadryl better for dogs?

Zyrtec has become the new first-line drug for dog allergy, largely because of its convenient dosing schedule. Although individual response to antihistamines does vary greatly, this year our clients are seeing a higher response rate than with Benedryl.
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Can I give my dog Claritin or Zyrtec?

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.
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What over-the-counter can I give my dog for allergies?

Veterinarians use diphenhydramine for dogs, more commonly known by the over-the-counter human medication brand name “Benadryl,” on a regular basis to treat allergies, travel anxiety, and motion sickness.
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Is Benadryl or Claritin better for dogs?

The best over-the-counter antihistamine for dogs has been Benadryl or diphenhydramine, although recently veterinarians have begun using Claritin (loratidine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine) in dogs. In cats, chlorpheniramine seems to work the best. This is given at 2 mg, which is a half tablet, twice a day.
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7 OTC Human Medications Safe and Effective for Dogs

What human antihistamine is ok for dogs?

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®), cetirizine (Zyrtec®), and loratadine (Claritin®) are commonly used antihistamines that relieve allergy symptoms or counteract allergic reactions in humans. Antihistamines are usually safe for dogs but can make some dogs drowsy and others hyperactive.
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Is 25mg of Benadryl too much for a dog?

The general dose of Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is 2 to 4 mg/kg up to three times day. If your dog weighs 25 lbs (11.3 kg) the dose of Benadryl would be 22.6mg to 45.2mg up to three times a day. Benadryl tablets are available in 25mg and 50mg strength.
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What is the best human allergy medicine for dogs?

ANTI-histamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl®), cetirizine (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.
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What is good for dogs with bad allergies?

Try giving your dog a natural dietary supplement such as fish oil or a fatty acid such as omega-3 or omega-6 oil to reduce itchiness and improve overall skin health. Coconut oil has also been shown to suppress allergic reactions while contributing to healthier skin.
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What can I give my dog for allergies if I don t have Benadryl?

Other antihistamines safe for dogs
  • Cetirizine. 1 milligram per kilogram of body weight or 10 to 20 milligrams per dog, once or twice per day.
  • Clemastine. 0.1 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, two times per day.
  • Chlorpheniramine. Dogs under 20 kilograms. ...
  • Cyproheptadine. ...
  • Fexofenadine. ...
  • Hydroxyzine. ...
  • Terfenadine. ...
  • Trimeprazine.
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What's the best medicine for pet allergies?

Prescription antihistamine tablets, such as levocetirizine (Xyzal) and desloratadine (Clarinex), are other options. Corticosteroids delivered as a nasal spray can reduce inflammation and control symptoms of hay fever.
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Do vets prescribe Zyrtec for dogs?

Cetirizine is currently not FDA-approved as a veterinary medication. However, it is readily utilized in the veterinary field, and veterinarians can legally prescribe certain human drugs in animals in certain circumstances. This is called extra-label or off-label use because this use isn't described on the drug label.
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Does Benadryl help dogs with itching?

In summary, Benadryl (diphenhydramine) can be a helpful and safe medication for treating mild itching, to be used as a mild sedative, and to prevent acute allergic reactions in dogs. Common side effects of Benadryl in dogs include sleepiness and gastrointestinal symptoms but most dogs will tolerate the medication well.
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Does Zyrtec stop itching in dogs?

Cetirizine (Zyrtec®, Reactine®) is an antihistamine used to treat and prevent 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'. Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off-label use in veterinary medicine.
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How many 10mg Zyrtec can I give my dog?

Here's the recommended Zyrtec dosage for dogs based on their weight:
  • Less than 10 pounds: 2.5 milligrams (half of a 5-milligram pill or a quarter of a 10-milligram pill)
  • 10–50 pounds: One 10-milligram tablet.
  • 50+ pounds: Up to two 10-milligram tablets.
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Can I give my dog Zyrtec in the morning and Benadryl at night?

You can also give Zyrtec in the AM in combination with the Benadryl at night, 5mg per day for a small dog and 10mg for a large dog.
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What is the number one food allergy in dogs?

Protein and complex carbohydrates are the most common canine allergens. In an oft-cited study, beef, dairy products, chicken and wheat were found to cause the most food-related allergies in dogs. These top four allergens are followed by eggs, lamb, soy, corn, pork, fish and rice.
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What can I give my dog for allergies and sneezing?

Over-the-counter antihistamines such as Benadryl or Zyrtec might help alleviate some allergy symptoms. In more severe cases, your vet may prescribe prescription allergy medication like Apoquel, or steroids to reduce inflammation and itching. Always consult with your vet before giving your pet any medication.
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Which dog breed causes the most allergies?

The worst dog breeds for people with allergies
  • Basset Hound.
  • Boston Terrier.
  • Bulldog.
  • Doberman Pinscher.
  • German Shepherd.
  • Labrador Retriever.
  • Pekingese.
  • Pug.
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What human medicine is good for dog allergies?

Human allergy medications like cetirizine or loratadine may be considered safe for dogs under veterinary guidance. However, this depends on your dog's reaction to the active ingredients, dosage, and any underlying health conditions.
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Should I bathe my dog if it's itching and licking itself?

Giving your itchy dog a bath can actually relieve rather than contribute to itchy skin, providing the right shampoo is used, as a bath removes dander, bacteria, yeast, and other debris that may be contributing to itchy skin on your dog.
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What to feed a dog with allergies?

Best Foods for Dogs with Allergies
  • Canine Hydrolyzed Protein Small Dog Dry Dog Food.
  • Hill's Prescription Diet® d/d Canine Potato & Venison Formula.
  • Purina Pro Plan FOCUS Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula.
  • Hill's Prescription Diet® Dog i/d® Sensitive Dry.
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What OTC allergy meds are safe for dogs?

Antihistamines for Skin Allergies in Dogs
  • 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.
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Is 100 mg of Benadryl safe for a dog?

Benadryl dosage for dogs.

According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, the safe dosage is 2-4 milligrams of medication per kilogram of weight, or 0.9 to 1.8 milligrams per pound. This amount can be administered two to three times daily, depending on your dog's symptoms.
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How long does it take for Benadryl to kick in for dogs?

Generally, Benadryl starts working within 30 to 60 minutes of giving it to a dog. How the Benadryl is administered (oral liquid, tablet, capsule, or injection) will determine how quickly it takes effect.
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