Which Over The Counter Allergy Medicine Is Safe For My Mini Labradoodle? (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Small Animal Veterinarian
Dr. Karyn is a small animal veterinarian originally from Australia, now based in the UK. She holds degrees in Veterinary Science (2010) and Zoology. When not helping pets, she tends to her 5 cats, 5 dogs, and garden!
The Question
which over the counter allergy medicine should I give my dog, and how much?
Quick Info about Charli
Hi Marisa,
Thanks for writing in. Allergies can be super annoying! The fact that Charli's itching is flaring up at the moment makes it more likely to be an environmental allergy, rather than a food allergy that doesn't really let up all year. However, dogs with allergies are often sensitive to multiple allergens, so it might not be a bad idea to look at her food as well. I recently answered a question about this, so you can check that out later: https://askavet.dogster.com/vet-answers/are-there-natural-remedies-to-help-my-german-shepherd-with-persistent-it
For really severe itching, some dogs need stronger antihistamines or other medications, which require a veterinary prescription, but there are a few OTC options you could try first. Diphenhydramine (most commonly sold as Benadryl) is typically quite safe for dogs, and you can find a safe dose in this article. If you're using a medication formulated for humans, it's important to check the label thoroughly for any ingredients that could be toxic to dogs. Alternatively, this Antihistamine Medication for Allergies for Dogs from PetArmor is specifically dosed for dogs and is actually a very good price too!
Cetirizine (commonly known as Zyrtec) is also relatively safe for dogs, but I don't find it as effective. The main reason it's used in humans is that it's less likely to cause drowsiness, which isn't usually a huge concern in dogs. In fact, Diphenhydramine is sometimes given to dogs going on long road trips to help them snooze the miles away!
I have also had really good results from using probiotics to manage allergies and sensitivities, but in general, these are more effective at boosting the immune system than at providing immediate relief, so it's often worth starting on probiotics while using something stronger in the short term. Look for products that contain between 1-10 billion CFUs (colony-forming units), and that have been produced in a way that keeps those 'good' bacteria alive.
If the itching persists, I would definitely recommend making an appointment with your vet.
I hope this helps!
Dr Karyn