Which antihistamine is best for dogs?
Jena Lowe
2025-08-03 12:03:26
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: 13
You can give the antihistamine Benadryl to your dog, but you should always check with your vet first. Benadryl can be used to treat dogs with Hives, Swelling, Cough, Sneezing, Runny eyes or nose. The safest way to give Benadryl is to give it according to the weight of your dog. AKC says the dose for Benadryl is 2 to 4 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, two to three times per day. Other antihistamines can also be given to dogs, based on their weight. These include the below antihistamines: Cetirizine, Clemastine, Chlorpheniramine, Cyproheptadine, Fexofenadine, Hydroxyzine, Terfenadine, Trimeprazine. The safest dose is different for different antihistamines, so always check with your vet first. Cetirizine 1 milligram per kilogram of body weight or 10 to 20 milligrams per dog, once or twice per day. Chlorpheniramine Dogs under 20 kilograms 4 milligrams, three times per day, Dogs over 20 kilograms 8 milligrams, three times per day. Cyproheptadine 0.25 to 0.5 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, three times per day. Fexofenadine 2 to 5 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, once or twice per day. Hydroxyzine 0.5 to 2 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, three to four times per day.
Deonte Bosco
2025-08-03 11:28:44
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: 12
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.
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl): 1mg per pound (one 25mg tablet for a 25lb dog) twice daily.
Hydroxyzine: 1mg per pound (one 25mg tablet for a 25lb dog) twice daily.
In any individual patient, one antihistamine may be significantly more effective than another.
Therefore, you may need to try several until one is found that does help, before determining that they are not effective in your dog.
Each antihistamine should be given for a 2-3 week trial before determining that it is not effective.
Antihistamines help to control itching in approximately 1/4 to 1/3 of dogs with skin allergies, especially if started when skin itch is still mild and if used with Omega-3 Fatty Acids.
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