Many of us who have lived with a dog are familiar with the redness, itching, and discomfort that our dogs can experience during allergy flare-ups.  To ease our dogs’ discomfort and allergy symptoms, many veterinarians are recommending, even prescribing, certain human over-the-counter antihistamines as a safe, effective treatment for our dog’s itch and redness.

However, not all over the counter people antihistamines are safe to use with our canine family members.  Many products also add a decongestants.  When given to a dog decongestants can produce serious, often deadly side effects including increased heart rate, respiratory problems to hyper-excitability with muscle tremors, seizures, and hyperactivity. Vomiting, dilated pupils, increased body temperature, disorientation, heart rhythm abnormalities, even retinal detachment and blindness in some cases.  If your dog ingests any ‘Over The Counter’ medication containing a decongestant, immediately seek out an emergency veterinarian.

The following brands are safe to use:

Benadryl, Tavist, Claritin, Chlortrimeton.

Specific brands to avoid are:

Contac, Actifed, Sudafed, Tavist-D, Claritin-D, or any other brand antihistimine with “D” added to the name, indicating that a decongestant has been added.

Never give your dog  any medication without first consulting with your veterinarian.

CEO Olivia ❤