Why is my dog tired and stretching her neck after allergy medicine?

Typically allergy pills will make your pet a little lethargic, that is a normal side effect. And if he just got 1 pill there shouldn’t be any toxicity concerns. If you want to make absolutely sure then repost with your pets exact medication name and we can verify that things will be ok with Angel. Thanks for visiting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Take care!

Hello. If the Cetirizine seems to be helping, then continue as needed. This is very much an allergic reaction & you might want to consider switching her diet to one that addresses sensitive skin & stomach issues ( Science Diet makes one ). I would also start a good fish oil supplement as high levels of omega 3 fatty acids can decrease the body's sensitivity to allergens. I really like these products: Nordic Naturals & Bayer's Snip Tips. They are available in some of the better pet retailers & on line. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

I'm sorry to hear about Popcorn! It would be helpful to know when he went to the vet and what injections were given. His original symptoms could indicate an allergy, and if you were at the vet recently it's possible that one of the injections could cause drowsiness as a normal side effect, if an antihistamine such as diphenhydramine was given in addition to the Cetirizine (which is an antihistamine). In that case I wouldn't be as worried. If you're still giving Cetirizine, I would recommend discontinuing and seeing if he perks up in the next 24 hours - if so, the drowsiness may have been a side effect of the medication. However, if the lethargy continues even off meds (or if he is not currently on any meds and the vet visit was more than 24 hours ago) and he's still acting lethargic, I would encourage you to take him back to the vet, as lethargy could indicate that his original rash is getting worse and he needs a change in his treatment. Hope this helps.

Poor Macy! It sounds like your vet is doing everything I would do. I would definitely make sure she is staying on the steroids and the benadryl until the hives are gone. Also, make sure she isn't going outside unattended and getting into something over and over again causing additional reactions. Some allergic reactions take a few days and even a week to completely heal. I agree that she also needs the antibiotics. I am not surprised she is lethargic because the benadryl can make them sleepy, but I am glad she is eating still. I hope she starts to feel better soon.

Her behavior could be from the Benadryl but I doubt it as you gave an extremely low dose of it (I'm assuming you gave 1 tablet at 25mg - not 0.25mg). Benadryl is metabolized very quickly by dogs so they need a very high dose. The dose is 1mg per pound of body weight so she would have needed around 65 mg (so you would have to give 2 or 3 of the 25mg tablets for it to help much). You can refer to this information sheet about using Benadryl in dogs. ( https://www.petplace.com/article/drug-library/drug-library/library/diphenhydramine-benadryl-for-dogs-and-cats/ ) If you are worried about her behavior you should take her to the vet for an exam.

Hello. No, these medications generally do not cause a lack of energy. I wonder if she just knows she needs to rest to get over her infection. As long as she seems to be healing, keep her on her medications & perhaps discuss this with your veterinarian on Monday. I hope Chicken Noodle ( great name ) is feeling better soon & thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

It sounds as though she may have some [environmental allergies](https://www.petcoach.co/article/food-allergies-vs-environmental-allergies-whats-the-difference/). [Allergies](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/canine-allergies/) can stimulate the release of histamines which can increase gastric acid production the stomach which may explain the vomiting. If she is lethargic, anorexic, or shaking, I would bring her in for a physical exam. You can discuss allergy testing, hydrolyzed diets and antihistamine use with your veterinarian during the exam.