Question:
Is it safe to use human antihistamines on dogs?
I have one here called Polarmine, it claims it can provide relief from skin
allergies.
Any ideas?
Answer:
I have a 10yr old lab that showed severe allergic reactions for the first
time this past summer due to the heavy rains and damp weather. Symptoms
were runny eyes, dry skin, and nearly complete hair loss. Blood and skin
tests by a canine dermatologist confirmed that he was sensitive to red
cedar and mold. As an alternative to costly monthly allergy shots and
desensitization, we used over-the-counter antihistimines, and they solved
the problem.
My vet recommended either Tavist-D or Clortrimeton. Before giving the
human antihistimines, you should consult your vet, as the dosage will vary
depending on the weight of the dog.
Is that what's wrong with your dog - a skin allergy? Are you sure it's an
allergy and not something else? And without belaboring the obvious, do you
think it's safe to give anything to your dog without consulting your vet
if you don't know exactly what the problem is and what the medication is?
And do you even have a clue how much to give him/her? Some human medications work just fine for animals albeit in reduced
dosages. Others, such as Tylenol, can kill them.
