Allergy medications such as Apoquel (oclacitinib), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), loratadine (Claritin), and cetirizine (Zyrtec) can be used safely in dogs. Check with your vet for the appropriate dosage based on your pet's size and allergy severity.
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.
You can't get rid of pet allergies. However, you can take OTC antihistamine pills, nasal corticosteroids and nasal antihistamines to treat your symptoms. For some people, allergy shots (immunotherapy) offer a long-term solution to managing pet allergies.
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®), cetirizine (Zyrtec®), and loratadine (Claritin®) are commonly used antihistamines that relieve allergy symptoms or counteract allergic reactions. Antihistamines are usually safe but can make some dogs drowsy and others hyperactive.
Quercetin is a bioflavonoid that provides natural allergy relief for dogs reducing symptoms like itching, scratching, licking and chewing. Many veterinarians suggest quercetin because it is a safe, natural antihistamine for dogs. In fact, quercetin is often referred to as "Nature's Benadryl".
You can safely give Zyrtec to your dog up to 20 mg per day.
If your dog won't stop licking, scratching, and chewing, has red and irritated skin or hair loss, make an appointment to see your vet. Depending on the seriousness of the problem, a professional can provide more aggressive treatments such as antihistamines, steroids, or allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy.
Pet allergy relief
When you can't live without your pet, a medicine for dog and cat allergies can help control your pet allergy symptoms. ZYRTEC® starts working at hour 1 and stays strong day after day, so you can reduce your cat and dog allergy symptoms. Learn more about ZYRTEC®.
In many cases, symptoms of a dog allergy are mild, and a person may still be able to live with a dog if they can manage their symptoms. Some home remedies can reduce symptoms. However, the only truly effective way to eliminate dog allergies is to avoid exposure to dogs.
Cetirizine (Zyrtec® or Reactine®) is one of the most commonly used over-the-counter antihistamines recommended by veterinarians. Claritin® can be used but is not typically recommended by veterinarians as some forms of Claritin® contain decongestants such as pseudoephedrine which is very toxic to dogs.
Coconut oil for allergies in dogs is an effective way to help dogs with skin allergies and infections. Many veterinarians, including holistic veterinarians, recommend this type of essential oil to help treat a wide range of skin ailments.
Put a mixture of 50% vinegar with 50% water into a spray bottle, then spray it on the affected areas of your dog's skin. You can also soak your dog's itchy paws in this mixture. However, never use apple cider vinegar on open sores because it will hurt and can make your dog's skin irritation worse.
Allergy shots, or immunotherapy, have been shown to eradicate pet allergies entirely in as much as 80% of patients who take the full course, says allergist and immunologist James Sublett, president-elect of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
Allergy shots or immunotherapy is the most effective way to build immunity to dog allergies. This means administering doses of allergen extracts over some time, via injections and increasing the dose triggers over time.
Zyrtec is an over-the-counter human allergy medication sometimes given to dogs with atopic dermatitis or mild to moderate environmental allergies. Vets may recommend Zyrtec for dogs who scratch excessively, are sensitive to insect bites, or have dermatitis.
Apoquel is used to help dogs with their skin itching and inflammation caused by allergies. Apoquel is associated with more side effects than Zyrtec or CBD – some of them quite serious. Zyrtec and CBD alone or combined are likely safer for your dog if they successfully control your pet's itching and inflammation.
Best treatment: Antihistamines
Antihistamines are commonly used to treat dog allergies. Their histamine-blocking quality tackles airborne allergens and reduces symptoms in your pup. The safest over-the-counter options for your dog include Benadryl, Zyrtec, Claritin, and Allegra.
Often veterinarians will prescribe antihistamines and corticosteroids to reduce allergy symptoms. Antihistamines reduce allergic reactions in dogs by blocking the release of histamine within mast cells, which is the source of that incredibly itchy effect.
While humans often outgrow allergies, allergies in dogs tend to worsen as they get older.
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.
The dose is 5–20 mg/dog once daily. cetirizine (Zyrtec®) – also second gen. It is available as 10 mg tablets and either 1 mg/ml or 10 mg/ml oral solution. The dosage is 5–20 mg/dog once daily.
Zyrtec is an allergy medicine for dogs. It is frequently used to treat skin itching and inflammation associated with atopic dermatitis, a condition caused by a reaction to inhaled allergens. Zyrtec can also be used to treat other allergic reactions, including insect bites and stings and hives.
CYTOPOINT® is an injection that controls itch for 4 to 8 weeks* CYTOPOINT is a safe, effective, long-lasting treatment to help control itch due to atopic dermatitis.