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Medication Finder
Click here to get information
on commonly used
medication for your pet
Ever wondered if you could
use aspirin? Common
over-the-counter medicines
that can be used safely.
Antihistamine Use in Dogs
There are several over-the-counter antihistamines that are safe to use in dogs.
These drugs are mostly used in veterinary medicine to treat allergies of the skin
(licking paws, scratching) but are also helpful in treating upper respiratory allergies
(sneezing, watery eyes).

The generic forms of these medications are just as effective as the well known
forms. As long as you follow the recommended dosages and intervals in the
following chart, there should be minimal side effects except sedation.

It is highly recommended that you consult with your veterinarian if your pet is on
any other medication before starting any antihistamine listed to avoid drug
interactions and side effects.

These medications need to be used for at least 5-7 consecutive days before
concluding that they are ineffective. If your pet is not getting relief, or there is
significant redness to the skin, consult with your veterinarian-a stronger,
prescription-strength antihistamine, steroids, or antibiotics may be needed.
Generic
Trade Name
Forms
Up to 10
pounds
10-20
pounds
20-30
pounds
30-50
pounds
Over 50
pounds
Dosing
Chlorpheniramine
Chlor-Trimeton
4 mg
tablet
1/2 tablet
1 tablet
2 tablets
2 1/2 tablets
3 tablets
2-3 times
daily
Diphenhydramine
Benadryl
2.5mg/ml
syrup
1 tsp
2 tsp
     
2-3 times
daily
   
25 mg
cap/tab
   
1 tab/cap
2 tabs/caps
3 tabs/caps
2-3 times
daily
Ceterizine
Zyrtec
10 mg
tablet
1/4 tablet
1/4 tablet
1/2 tablet
1/2 tablet
1 tablet
Once daily
Clemastine
Tavist-1
1.34 mg
tablet
N/A
1/2 tablet
1/2-1 tablet
1 tablet
1-2 tablets
2 times
daily
Loratidine
Claritin
10 mg
tablet
1/4 tablet
1/4 tablet
1/2 tablet
1/2 tablet
1 tablet
2 times
daily