Drugs that are categorized as antihistamines are administered for the treatment of allergic reactions. These meds are prescribed to manage adverse symptoms like watery discharge from eyes, runny nose, skin conditions such as discoloration and / or itchiness, etc. At times, your canine friend may develop a few allergic conditions when they get exposed to allergens. In this light, can you use antihistamine drugs such as loratadine to treat your dog? It becomes essential to know more prior to using it.
Antihistamine drugs – in general – help unblock nasal pathways, treat skin problems such as hives and also a few other forms of allergic reactions. These meds however cannot prevent the onset of anaphylaxis or hives. These can treat commonly experienced discomforts when you are exposed to foreign particles like (pet) dander, pollen grains, mites and / or dust. As an extended use, antihistamine meds are used for controlling spells of sneezing (mainly due to hay fever).
What is loratadine?
This is a popular antihistamine med, and it helps treat many allergies. One of the widely available brands based on this generic (loratadine) is Claritin; of course, several other brands are also sold both online as well as in drugstores. This drug is prescribed for the treatment of rhinitis (and related allergies caused by hay fever), hives, etc. It is also sold in a combined from – along with pseudoephedrine; this combination is used for decongesting your nasal airways.
This drug is sold in many forms namely, a liquid syrup, pill / tablet. Those with acute liver conditions such as cirrhosis of liver or internal swelling ate advised to take this med with added caution. In some countries (like the US), this med is grouped under category-B meds, especially for women who are pregnant.
Can you give this antihistamine med to your dog?
Yes, you can administer loratadine to your dog. Among canines, this med is tolerated well. The key ingredients are unlikely to trigger severe side effects like drowsiness or dizziness. You need to remember that earlier generation of antihistamine meds (like diphenhydramine / Benadryl) are more likely to cause dizziness. This is mainly due to their sedative properties. Hence, with the administration of loratadine your canine pet is free from being dizzy or excessively drowsy.
Your dog can be administered the same form made available to humans. You can purchase this med with relative ease from drug stores – online or physical outlets. The typical dose for canines is 0.12 milligram (mg) per pound (lb) to 0.21 mg per lb. A dog weighing say 20 lbs (~9 – 10 kgs) is given a dose of 3 to 4 mg. On the other hand, if the canine is of a bigger weight – say, 30 kgs (for instance, a German shepherd), dosage hovers between 10 – 12 milligrams.
Needful safety precautions associated with use of loratadine for dogs
A few forms of loratadine contain decongestants in them. Such combination may have a counterproductive effect on your dog; for example, your pet may develop erratic heart beats or abnormal pulse rates. In some cases, pets that are given decongestants (along with an antihistamine) can witness worsening of allergies. Last but not last, the orally disintegrating form of loratadine is not safe for dogs as it may have a sweetening substance called xylitol; this chemical is considered unsafe for dogs owing to its toxic properties.
Though this med is sold in many forms, the tablet / pill forms are considered best for canines. With pills, you can round down or up each dose, based on how well your dog reacts to the initial doses. Loratadine is not an over the counter med. Hence, you are advised to take it as per the guidance of the treating vet.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.
Education: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from New York University. Experience: 5 years of experience writing for physiotherapy and sports medicine blogs, providing expert insights on injury prevention and rehabilitation.
