Can my dog have Benadryl capsules or other antihistamines like Zyrtec?

Both are antihistamines and giving them together may cause stronger side effects. It is NOT recommended. Give one or the other based on your dog's weight and only under the advice of your veterinarian.

Benadryl (diphenhydramine), Zirtek (cetirizine) and Chlor Trimeton (chlorpheneramine) are all available in the UK. Discuss other options, both OTC and prescription, with your veterinarian. Read labels carefully and avoid any antihistamine with paracetamol.

Your dog could definitely have environmental allergies! Most people do not have much luck with these drugs as they are antihistamines, and as such are not very effective for these kinds of allergies in dogs. However, they tend to be very safe and very inexpensive, so I sometimes start with antihistamines if the itching is very mild and the dog does not seem miserable. Also, I have had great success with the oral pill Apoquel for some allergies as well, and this is a medication that is much safer to use long-term than steroids like prednisone. There is also an an allergy injection called Cytopoint that is very safe and works well for some dogs with seasonal allergies. Ask your veterinarian for his/her recommendation for your particular situation. Hope that helps!

Yes, you can use either one of those antihistamines. For loratidine you can give 10mg (1 tablet) for Cetirizine you can give 20mg (2 tablets). If after one dose she is not better you should have Bonnie examined by your vet.

Singulair is not used for dogs, all other over the counter anti histamines you mentioned are usually non effective in dogs at all, Benadryl and Piriton are usually the only ones that sometimes work, but as a general rule anti histamines are not as effective in dogs as they are in humans unfortunately. for severe allergies most dogs will need a course of steroids which are prescription only.

Most OTC antihistamines can be used in dogs; however you should never give any medications to your dog without the advice of your veterinarian. Allergies can be frustrating to diagnose since they can have multiple causes (inhaled, food, contact). Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Discuss food elimination trials and allergy testing and if antihistamine use is indicated, he or she can give you a proper dose, The medication may provide some relief but your task is to try to determine what your dog is allergic to and decrease or eliminate it. Monitor her for side effects including lethargy and weakness, and if you see those signs, have her seen by a vet right away. Best of luck.

Benadryl (diphenhydramine) can be used for cats. Other over the counter antihistamines for use in cats include Chlor-Trimeton® (chlorpheneramine), Claritin® (loratadine) and Zyrtec® (cetirizine). You can get doses for any of the above from your veterinarian. Legally, we are prohibited from supplying doses for medications, even OTC meds, in the absence of a physical exam and a VPCR (Veterinarian-Patient-Client Relationship).