Giving antihistamine for dog itching can be one of the many options to go, when you are suddenly woken up in the middle of the night due to all slurping, thumping, and smacking sounds. It might happen when your dog is too busy licking, scratching, chewing, and driven nuts because of their irritation.
Over the counter antihistamines are amongst the most common remedy for atopic dermatitis – a frustrating condition that causes canine itch. While they can be pretty helpful, they don’t have enough effectiveness to control severe or acute flare up. Below is the best antihistamine for dog’s itchy skin.
- Dexchlorpheniramine – a medication that works by blocking histamine (particular natural substance produced by body during allergic reaction and acetylcholine (also a natural substance made by body that causes runny nose and watery eyes).
- Promethazine – also used to treat different allergy symptoms like itching, rash, and runny nose. Due to its ability to stop runny nose shortly, it is also typically used for common cold. It works by blocking histamine. This medication also has other effects such as pain relief, calming, and anti-nausea from blocking acetylcholine.
- Fexofenadine – this antihistamine for dog itching helps with several symptoms of allergy. It is also used to treat some food allergies, hay fever, reaction to stings by insect bites, and conjunctivitis (itchy and red eyes). Fexofenadine is less likely to make your dog feel sleepy compared to other antihistamines because it is known as a non-drowsy medication. In general, administering fexofenadine is very safe and won’t cause harm to your pet.
- Loratadine – Just like fexofenadine, Loratadine is also notable for being non-drowsy antihistamine. This medication is available by vet’s prescription, and is able to be bought on supermarket and pharmacies. You can get it in liquid or tablet forms that must be swallowed. In general, this antihistamine type is highly safe. It may have side effects like all medicines, but not every pets will get them.
Generally, antihistamine is a safe medication for dogs although it might cause them to be hyperactive and drowsy. However, you need to pay attention to its ingredients list as some over the counter antihistamine may contain unsafe substance such as decongestants. Before you administering it to the dog, read the label carefully. It is also advised to talk to your vet prior to giving antihistamine for dog itching or any other OTC medications to minimize the side effects.
