Antihistamine for Dogs

Antihistamine for dogs can be an effective treatment for dog allergies just as it is for humans. In dogs it is used primarily for the control of itchy skin. A dog antihistamine alone has a 10-to-20% chance of being effective. However, when part of a treatment plan that includes increasing fatty acids into the diet, specifically omega3 fatty acids, and allergen avoidance, the success rate can be as high as 40%. Certainly, dog antihistamines are among the most important canine medications available to veterinarians today. Essential fatty acids, or EFA’s include omega6 fatty acids. But these are found in abundance in daily diet. Only omega3 fatty acids need to be supplemented, such as adding 3V capsules, or 3V Caps for dogs.

Often, an antihistamine for dogs with an omega fatty acid supplement will be used as part of an effort to find an alternative to the use of Cortisone or other related steroid. Steroids should be used only for short periods of time during intense itching episodes, assuming other means of itch control can be found. In some cases, antihistamines can be an important medication in achieving this goal. Antihistamine for dogs is usually well tolerated. The most troubling side effect of any dog antihistamine is sedation. While on an antihistamine dogs will often exhibit lethargic behavior and may sleep more often and for longer periods of time. For this reason, during an initial dog allergy treatment process using an antihistamine, some dog owners while noticing a sedation effect may ask veterinarians to discontinue its use. This is a mistake. There is a fair chance that another antihistamine may not have the same degree of sedation.

It can be very worthwhile to try at least three other types of antihistamine to see if one works better. It is normal to try several different antihistamines before a final selection. The one with some of the best results is Atarax. However, others find the best dog antihistamine to be Benadryl, Chlor-Trimeton, Tavist, or Seldane. As each dog responds differently, there is no way of knowing which one may be best for your dog. The selection and use of any antihistamine for dogs should only be done under a veterinarian's guidance. While antihistamines are a very good treatment for dog allergies, they are powerful medications with widely different reactions. The use of any powerful dog allergy treatment requires knowledge and experience in order to avoid a medical emergency.