Piriton is generally safe to give to dogs and can be an effective treatment for a wide variety of environment allergens but should only be given on the advice of a vet.
In general, 1/2 a 4mg tablet or 5ml is prescribed for smaller breeds, while 1-2 tablets or 10-20ml of liquid can be given to larger dogs.
The most commonly used antihistamines for dogs include: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) Loratadine (Claritin®) Cetirizine (Zyrtec® or Reactine®)
Dogs usually need to take Piriton once every 8 – 12 hours for up to three times daily. If you're wondering how long this will go on for; well, it depends. Just like us humans, dogs can have allergic reactions causing scratching, runny noses, red or swollen eyes, and excessive paw licking or chewing.
Cetirizine does not typically cause any side effects. Vomiting and increased salivation have been observed in some dogs. At high doses, sleepiness has been reported in small dogs and cats. Any side effects that are severe or worsen should be reported to your veterinarian.
Benadryl is a great medication for use in dogs with mild-to-moderate allergies. Seasonal allergies, food allergies, environmental allergies, and allergic reactions to snake and insect bites all respond to Benadryl in most cases.
Cetirizine (Zyrtec) ¼ - ½ mg per pound (one 10mg tab per 30-40 lbs) twice daily.
If your dog has been affected by insect bites or has had food allergies, hives, or hay fever, the Piriton has an active ingredient that can alleviate many of these conditions. A dog will take Piriton for very similar reasons to why you or I would take them.
Usually, histamine is a useful substance, but in an allergic reaction it causes symptoms including itchy, watery eyes, a running or blocked nose, sneezing and skin rashes. Chlorphenamine blocks the effects of histamine and reduces these symptoms. You should start to feel better within 30 minutes to an hour.
The effects develop within 30 minutes, are maximal within 1 to 2 hours and last 4 to 6 hours. The plasma half-life has been estimated to be 12 to 15 hours. Chlorphenamine is metabolised to the monodesmethyl and didesmethyl derivatives. About 22% of an oral dose is excreted unchanged in the urine.
Antihistamines are usually safe but can make some dogs drowsy and others hyperactive. OTC antihistamine preparations may contain other ingredients such as decongestants that are not safe for dogs. Read the label carefully to ensure that the product only contains antihistamine.
Antihistamines with the active ingredients of diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine, cetirizine, clemastine or loratadine are usually safe for most healthy adult dogs. Hydroxyzine is another dog-safe antihistamine and one of the most effective available, but it's only available on prescription.
An effective, reliable hayfever and allergy medication, you can purchase Piriton Allergy Tablets over-the-counter and without a prescription.
Chlorphenamine blocks histamine from binding to its receptors in various parts of the body. This stops it from causing the symptoms of an allergic reaction. Piriton usually starts to relieve symptoms within half an hour to an hour after taking a dose.
Piriton can relieve the symptoms of hay fever and other allergies, and so aid restful sleep when symptoms are troublesome at night. Piriton can also be used to relieve the itchy rash of chickenpox. You will find Piriton syrup and tablets behind the pharmacy counter, just ask your pharmacist.
Cetirizine is known as a non-drowsy antihistamine. That's because it's less likely to make you feel sleepy than sedating antihistamines, such as Piriton (chlorphenamine). Most people prefer to take a non-drowsy antihistamine instead of one that makes them drowsy.
Piriton Syrup is a great option for children 1 year and over with allergy and hay fever symptoms. They will help relieve the usual symptoms including hayfever, skin allergies, pet allergies, house dust mite allergies, insect bites, and mould spore allergies.
Types of antihistamine
antihistamines that make you feel sleepy – such as chlorphenamine (Piriton), cinnarizine, diphenhydramine, hydroxyzine and promethazine.
If your pet has severe itching, it is time to get them to the vet. However, for mild cases, giving them a soothing bath, antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), and an effective next-generation flea medication can all be a good place to start.
Common Causes of Itchy Paws in Dogs
Allergies (food, environmental): Pollen, mold, grass, food ingredients, dust mites and chemicals. Bacterial or fungal infections: When dogs' paws come into contact with contaminated surfaces like dirty water, mud, or damp areas, there's a risk of developing infections.
Flea allergy dermatitis, seasonal allergies or atopy, food allergies, contact dermatitis (e.g., soaps and perfumes), and sarcoptic mange (mites) are some of the most common causes of pruritus in dogs. "Pruritus due to skin disease is one of the most common reasons dog owners seek veterinary care."
Dosing Information of Cetirizine for Dogs and Cats
Cetirizine is dosed in dogs at 0.5 mg per pound (1 mg/kg) orally once to twice daily.
Antihistamines, like Benadryl®, have historically been an easy over-the-counter option to provide people (and pets) some relief. Yet, studies have demonstrated that while antihistamines may relieve respiratory allergies in humans, they had little or no effect on skin allergies in dogs[1,3].
Here's the recommended Zyrtec dosage for dogs based on their weight: Less than 10 pounds: 2.5 milligrams (half of a 5-milligram pill or a quarter of a 10-milligram pill) 10–50 pounds: One 10-milligram tablet. 50+ pounds: Up to two 10-milligram tablets.