Antihistamines for Dogs

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Overview

If you are an allergy sufferer, you most likely will have experienced using antihistamines to treat your allergy symptoms.

Antihistamines are also one treatment option available for dog allergies. In fact, besides corticosteroids, antihistamines are frequently used by veterinarians to relieve itching in dogs with allergies.

But how effective are antihistamines for dog allergies?

This page looks at the following:

• What is histamine? How do antihistamines work?
• How effective are antihistamines to control dog allergies?
• What are some safe antihistamines for dogs?
• Are there any side effects?

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What is Histamine? How Do Antihistamines Work?

Histamine is a chemical that is released by mast cells in the body of a dog with allergies, in response to an exposure to allergens such as pollens, mold, house dust mites, etc.

The released histamine locks onto histamine receptors (called H1 receptors), which are located on various cells in the dog's body. When that happens, the cells undergo biochemical changes and produce allergy symptoms such as itching, runny eyes and runny nose.

Histamine receptors also release other chemicals that increase inflammation, resulting in inflammation of the skin in the allergic dog.

Antihistamines work by physically preventing (blocking) histamine from connecting with its histamine receptor, thus preventing the biochemical changes which produce the allergy symptoms.

How Effective Are Antihistamines To Control Dog Allergies?

Various studies on the effectiveness of antihistamines on dogs have been conducted with variable results.

Specifically, about 10 to 30 percent of dogs have been found to show improvement after using antihistamines for their allergies.

Compared with corticosteroids, antihistamines are not as effective because antihistamines block only the histamine receptors on cells in the body.

The problem is, histamine is not the only chemical released by the mast cells. Other chemicals released can also cause allergy symptoms such as itching.

In addition, antihistamines for dogs work best when taken before allergy symptoms are evident - they are not so effective if taken when the allergic dog is already showing signs such as severe itching.

What Are Some Safe Antihistamines for Dogs?

Here are some common antihistamines that are considered safe for dogs, together with their dosages:

Is there a "best" antihistamine for dogs?

The short answer is "No".

The reason is, different dogs react to antihistamines differently. What's "best" for Fido may not work for Rover. If you are lucky, you may get an antihistamine that works for your dog first time round.

On the other hand, there is also a possibility that none of the antihistamines work! Only by trial and error can you determine which antihistamine works best for YOUR dog.

Are There Side Effects of Antihistamines on Dogs?

Antihistamines, especially the 2nd generation ones, seem relatively safe to be used to treat dog allergies.

The one major side effect of the 1st generation antihistamines is sedation - your dog may be sleepy when taking this medication. In some cases, sedation wears off in a few days.

As well, dogs with the following conditions should NOT use 1st generation antihistamines:

• Glaucoma
• Urinary retention disorders
• Heart disease

If your dog is pregnant, ask your vet if it is safe for her to use antihistamines.

Except for Zyrtec®, these drugs are metabolized by the liver. Therefore, dogs with liver disease should use antihistamines with caution.

To strengthen the liver and support liver function, you may want to give a supplement that contains the herb milk thistle to your dog to help detoxify his liver while he is on antihistamines.

References
S. Messonnier, The Allergy Solution for Dogs (Three Rivers Press, 2000).
R.H. Pitcairn, The Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats (Rodale, 2005).