My pregnant pug is scratching and has lumps. Are antihistamines safe?

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about your dog. Unless this is a life-threatening reaction, I wouldn't advise using any drugs while she is pregnant. If she develops itching, trouble breathing, pale membranes, vomiting or other signs, I would advise contacting your veterinarian or a local emergency veterinarian for advice. Drug use during pregnancy should be avoided at all costs in my opinion. Maybe trying a hypoallergenic oatmeal shampoo and leaving the lather on her for 10 minutes may help ease the situation. Good luck with her.

Pregnancy can affect the normal immunity levels and also the natural balance of the skin and demodex mange can be more common during pregnancy and nursing. I would recommend assessment by a dermatologist in order to investigate if this is present and to advise on the most appropriate management options both the relieve her discomfort and reduce the risk of the pups being severely affected at a young age. There are many medications which can be used with appropriate caution in pregnant and nursing mothers although many others must be avoided

No, I would not give this to Lol Bit. It contains diphenhydramine, which shouldn't be given to pregnant dogs. I've read the label of excel as well, and it doesn't say it's safe to give to pregnant dogs. I would speak to your vet about Lol Bit's current symptoms, and they can prescribe a safe medication for her if needed.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I hope you meant 37 days and not weeks, since a dog's pregnancy is about 60-65 days. Scratching should not harm the puppies as this is a normal behavior in dogs so the body is prepared for that movement. I would recommend making sure she isn't scratching for medical reasons that need to be addressed, like fleas. Good luck and kisses to Irie!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Short answer is yes. However, it is important to note that without treating the underlying allergy component, this will continue to occur. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing her allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

You can try to give her Benadryl tablets once a day although chances are it will not help a lot unless it is an acute allergic reaction. you should also treat her for fleas as this is the most common cause of itchiness in that area of the body

Benadryl is safe in pregnant dogs, a common dosage is 1mg per pound of body weight. Nova would need around 65mg. I would do this once, but if the hives do not respond, then I would have her checked out by a vet.