Allergy Medicine For Dogs Over The Counter Dosage
Allergies in dogs can be a real pain. Your furry friend may suffer from itchy skin, runny nose, and watery eyes. Allergy medicine can help relieve these symptoms and make your dog more comfortable. But with so many over-the-counter options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one.
In this article, we'll go over the different types of allergy medicine for dogs that you can buy without a prescription, their dosages, and how to administer them. We'll also discuss some natural remedies you can try to alleviate your dog's allergies.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are a common type of allergy medicine for dogs. They work by blocking the effects of histamine, a chemical that causes allergy symptoms. Antihistamines are available in various forms, including tablets, capsules, and liquids.
Some of the most popular antihistamines for dogs include Benadryl (diphenhydramine), Claritin (loratadine), and Zyrtec (cetirizine). The dosage of these medications depends on your dog's weight. You should always consult your veterinarian before giving your dog any medication.
The recommended dosage of Benadryl for dogs is 1 mg per pound of body weight, given two to three times a day. So, if your dog weighs 20 pounds, you would give them 20 mg of Benadryl two to three times a day.
For Claritin, the recommended dosage is 0.2 mg per pound of body weight, given once a day. If your dog weighs 20 pounds, you would give them 4 mg of Claritin once a day.
The recommended dosage of Zyrtec for dogs is 0.5 mg per pound of body weight, given once a day. If your dog weighs 20 pounds, you would give them 10 mg of Zyrtec once a day.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are a type of steroid hormone that can reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. They are often used to treat severe allergy symptoms in dogs. Corticosteroids are available in various forms, including tablets, injections, and creams.
Some of the most popular corticosteroids for dogs include prednisone, dexamethasone, and hydrocortisone. The dosage of these medications depends on the severity of your dog's symptoms. You should always consult your veterinarian before giving your dog any medication.
The recommended dosage of prednisone for dogs is 0.5 to 1 mg per pound of body weight, given once a day. So, if your dog weighs 20 pounds, you would give them 10 to 20 mg of prednisone once a day.
The recommended dosage of dexamethasone for dogs is 0.1 to 0.3 mg per pound of body weight, given once a day. If your dog weighs 20 pounds, you would give them 2 to 6 mg of dexamethasone once a day.
The recommended dosage of hydrocortisone for dogs is 2.5 to 10 mg per pound of body weight, given two to three times a day. If your dog weighs 20 pounds, you would give them 50 to 200 mg of hydrocortisone two to three times a day.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, is a long-term treatment that can help desensitize your dog to allergens. The process involves injecting your dog with small amounts of allergens over a period of time, gradually increasing the dose until your dog's immune system becomes less sensitive to them.
Immunotherapy is usually recommended for dogs with severe or chronic allergies that don't respond well to other treatments. The dosage and frequency of the injections depend on your dog's specific allergies and their response to the treatment. Your veterinarian will develop a customized immunotherapy plan for your dog.
Natural Remedies
If you prefer to try natural remedies before turning to medication, there are several options you can consider. While these remedies may not work for every dog, they are generally safe and can be a good alternative to traditional allergy medicine.
Some natural remedies for dog allergies include:
- Apple cider vinegar: Adding a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to your dog's food or water can help reduce itching and inflammation.
- Coconut oil: Applying coconut oil to your dog's skin can help moisturize and soothe dry, itchy skin.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Adding omega-3 fatty acids to your dog's diet can help reduce inflammation and improve skin health.
- Quercetin: This natural antihistamine can help reduce allergy symptoms in dogs. You can find quercetin supplements at health food stores.
Conclusion
Allergy medicine for dogs can help alleviate their symptoms and make them more comfortable. Antihistamines, corticosteroids, and immunotherapy are all effective options for treating dog allergies. Natural remedies can also be a good alternative to traditional medication. Regardless of which treatment you choose, it's important to consult your veterinarian before giving your dog any medication or supplement.
