Tag Archives: Allergies

Over the counter antihistamines for dogs

23 Friday Sep 2016

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NOTE: THE FOLLOWING IS FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. PLEASE ENSURE YOU CHECK WITH YOUR VETERANARIAN BEFORE ADMINISTERING ANY MEDICATION

ARTICLE TAKEN FROM: http://cheyennewest.com/antihistamines-for-dogs-cats/

The following is a list of options for antihistamines that are known to be effective in dogs & cats. The name of the active ingredient is listed, with the name of a well known brand in parentheses. Also listed are approximate doses for different weights, and any precautions.
CAUTION: Do not purchase antihistamines that are combination products (multi-symptom, cold/flu medicines, decongestants, etc.), especially products that contain decongestants (often labeled with a D, as in “Zyrtec-D”). These products often contain a high level of stimulants that are toxic, even life-threatening, to animals. In addition, products containing acetaminophen (active ingredient in Tylenol) are deadly for cats.
ANTIHISTAMINES AVAILABLE “OVER-THE-COUNTER”
1) Clemastine (formerly “Tavist”) – One of the more effective choices. Unfortunately, the over the counter form of Tavist containing the antihistamine “clemastine” has become unavailable. Therefore, we carry this antihistamine in our in-house pharmacy, in the 1.34mg strength.
Available in: 1.34mg tablets, 2.68mg tablets, and 0.67mg/5ml liquid
Dosage:
DOG WEIGHT (in pounds)                          Dose (tablet = 1.34mg tablet)
5-15                                                            (liquid) 1-2cc or ¼ tablet twice daily
15-25                                                             ½ tablet twice daily
25-50                                                              1 tablet twice daily
50-70                                                             1 or 2 tablets twice daily
Over 70                                                           2 tablets twice daily
CATS: ¼ to ½ tablet once daily (1.34mg tablets). Very effective in cats
May cause: sedation, hyperactivity, or diarrhea (in cats only).
Discuss with your veterinarian if your pet has: Prostatic hypertrophy (intact male dogs), urinary or GI obstruction, or severe heart disease
NOTE: Do not confuse this product with a similar product called “Tavist N.D,”
which is a different type of antihistamine, and is less effective.
2) Diphenhydramine (“Benadryl”)
Available in: 12.5mg children’s tablets, 25mg caplet, and 12.5mg/5ml liquid (liquid not recommended if it contains alcohol)
Dosage:
DOG WEIGHT (in pounds)                          Dose (tablet = 12.5mg, caplet = 25mg)
5-10                                                            ½ children’s tablet twice daily
10-15                                                             1 children’s tablet 2-3 times daily
15-35                                                             1 caplet 2-3 times daily
35-50                                                             1 or 2 caplets 2-3 times daily
50-80                                                             2 or 3 caplets 2-3 times daily
Over 80                                                          3 or 4 caplets 2-3 times daily
CATS: Generally not recommended. Clemastine, Chlorpheniramine and Cyproheptadine are more effective.
May cause: sedation, hyperactivity, diarrhea (rare), vomiting (rare), or loss of appetite (rare).
Discuss with your veterinarian if your pet has: glaucoma, GI or urinary obstruction, COPD (chronic lung disease), hyperthyroidism, seizure disorders, heart disease or high blood pressure.
NOTE: Do not use Diphenhydramine products that contain any other active ingredients (like acetaminophen). These other products are potentially toxic to your pet (especially cats!).
3) Chlorpheniramine (“Chlor Trimeton”)
Available in:  4mg tablets , and 2mg/5ml liquid
Dosage:
DOG WEIGHT (in pounds)                          Dose (based on 4mg tablet )
5-10                                                            1/4-1/2 tablet 2-3 times daily
10-20                                                            1/2 to 1 tablet 2-3 times daily
20-40                                                            1 to 2 tablets 2-3 times daily
40-60                                                            2 to 4 tablets 2-3 times daily
Over 60                                                         4 to 6 tablets 2-3 times daily
CATS: 1-4 mg per cat once or twice daily. Very effective in cats.
May cause: sedation or hyperactivity.
Discuss with your veterinarian if your pet has: glaucoma, high blood pressure, GI or urinary obstruction, hyperthyroidism, heart disease.
NOTE: Do not use chlorpheniramine products that contain any other active ingredients (like acetaminophen). These other products are potentially toxic to your pet (especially cats!).
4) Cetirazine (Zyrtec – Reactine)
This may be the best antihistamine for eosinophillic inflammation (one of the primary cell types associated with allergies). It is a formerly prescription-only medication that is now available over the counter.
Available in: 5mg and 10mg tablets
Dosage:
DOG WEIGHT (in pounds)                          Dose
Less than 15                                                One 5mg tablet once daily
15-39                                                          5mg twice daily, or 10mg once daily
Over 40                                                       10mg twice daily
CATS: 5mg ½ to 1 tablet 1 or 2 times daily.
May cause: Hyperexcitability in dogs
NOTE: Twice daily dosing is often needed.

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Canine Seasonal Allergies

13 Tuesday Sep 2016

Posted by in wrks4me - Pets

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As our pets are a key part of our family we feel for them when they are sick. The effects of seasonal allergies can be heartbreaking. Our once fun loving, energetic four legged friends are reduced to biting and gnawing at their legs and paws. Rubbing the fur off, leaving raw and bleeding skin.

What can we do. Well for me the scratching and itching didn’t happen until my dog turned 6 years old and didn’t flair up until the end of summer and through the fall. Couldn’t wait until the first frost and snow.pink-pills

Going to the vet was a common course of events for my dog and he was given the common course of treatment which was to receive a cortisone shot and a series of cortisone pills called vanectyl-P (Prednisone More). Though this was effective for some time, the side effects were somewhat disconcerting. There was lethargy, thirst and diarrhea. Every season it was a race to the vet to receive more pink pills.

apoquelA different approach to dealing with the itching by stopping the itch response. The drug Apoquel is helps control pruritus (itching) associated with allergic dermatitis and control of atopic dermatitis. Apoquel (https://www.apoqueldogs.com/) stops the itch cycle caused by flea allergies, environmental indoor and outdoor allergens (such as pollen, dust mites, or mold), food allergies, or contact allergies (such as carpet, deodorant, shampoo, insecticidal products). A bonus is the size of the pill is small and easier to administer than some other medications. Dosage will vary on size of dog.

Please note: Apoquel may reduce the immune system, which may effect your dogs ability to heal or fend off disease.

I was also introduced to cyclosporine. It is available from your vet and you can get it through a pharmacy as a prescription or you can get it from your veterinarian as the brand name Atopica More.

cyclosporine

What a difference this drug made. As for my dog, he needed to start taking it everyday for a month, then once every second day for another month and then once every third day as maintenance. I would also give an allergy medication, in my case it was a low dose of Reactine (cetirizine).reactine

However I have found that it’s best to give every Reactine every day during high allergy season. In my dog’s case it was August and September. Furthermore, during the winter and spring he would receive neither cyclosporine nor Reactin as it wasn’t necessary.

But further to medication, I used to use some physical barriers to prevent my dog from gnawing himself. I would buy some dog shirts or even buy babies long sleeve shirts. I bought some babies socks and cut off the toes and made of cuff which was sewed. These would be put on his back legs to stop him from biting his legs. Further he would wear a cone around his neck to keep him from further biting himself.

angus-allergies-3

Furthermore, I would give him frequent baths with an Oatmeal & Aloe dog shampoo.

Whether your experience may be similar or not, we all care for our pets and will do anything to endure they are healthy and happy.

All said I am not a veterinarian nor a medical provider, just a pet owner discussing what I have found effective for my pet. So it’s important to discuss your pet issue with your own veterinarian before using any medications. Remember any medications have side effects and risks and you should discuss these with your pet care provider as well.