Due to Molly's sensitivity to grass, pollen and other possible stuff, she has had to take steroids and antihistamine on a couple of occasions. We have managed to avoid these meds in the main, using coconut and salmon oil to keep her skin and coat soft. These have helped prevent the dry, flakiness which makes the itching worse and skin more easily broken. However this has been an exceptional summer here in UK and we have had to resort steroids and antihistamine. My question is, has anyone experience of long term use of antihistamines on dogs? After finishing the course prescribed by the vet, I've bought the same strength from the pharmacy - much cheaper than the vet - who confirmed that it is the same drug. Obviously I can't buy steroids but wouldn't want to anyway. The antihistamine seems to be doing the trick but I'm concerned about how long it is safe to continue using them. I'd be grateful to hear of anyone's experience.
I have known dogs be on antihistamines for extended periods (not my own) but would recommend that you get the vet to confirm that this is okay for your dog. It's awkward if your vet is disapproving of you buying your antihistamines elsewhere, but he can hardly blame you for doing so if it's a cheaper option Antihistamines can reportedly interfere with the performance of working dogs which doesn't surprise me at all, as when I took them myself I had trouble remembering what day of the week it was! It might also be worth talking to your vet about allergy shots as an alternative.
The vet herself actually suggested that it is cheaper to buy them from the pharmacy than for her to prescribe - a rare thing from a vet, but she's realistic ! That's useful information about the working dogs, I didn't know about those side effects. I'm hoping the sensitivity will ease now we're approaching the end of the season so she won't need them anyway but yes, I'll check with the vet with regards long tem usage. Thanks for your reply and the info. Pippa.
We have occasionally used Benadrly for Tilly when she was itchy. It is generally considered quite safe, but for better or worse it also make her sleepy. It has the same affect on humans.
My dog has sensativity...I was giving Benedryl as needed.....took my pup to a specialist and was advised to use Zyrtec.....it has an extra ingredient not in benedryl........works great.........we only have a problem a few months out of the year ....something airborne..........wishing you the best ....
I'm using the unbranded equivalent to the vet's prescription which was 4mg Piriton, which contains the antihistamine drug chlorphenamine. I've only done this though with the vet's knowledge, so you should check with your vet first before you use anything for your Molly's itches. Just to be sure there is no other reason for it. Good luck.
I've not heard of this as an itch reliever, I think it must be different in the USA than here in the UK. Here Benadryl is a cough medicine !
Benadryl is an antihistamine, and works for stings, itching, seasonal allergies etc. It may be effective for any allergic reaction. There is a lot of info about it's use for dogs on the Web. It is recommended for insect stings but it does make dogs and people sleepy.
True regarding sleepy.......Zyrtec is better ......no problems with sleepiness .......worked great for the itching.... .....as always check with yer Vet......
