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Antihistamines safe for dogs??

20K views 21 replies 11 participants last post by  branwen  
#1 ·
So I just came home after 2 hours driving lesson and Axel has a swollen muzzle :eek: he was in his crate so there should be nothing dangerous that he could've eaten or chewed on. He doesn't seem to be bothered by it except for some momentary rubbing of nose on the floor. Is there any antihistamines that I can try giving him before I panic and take him to emergency vet? I called them and they said they can offer a consultation...which would cost me only ÂŁ140.00:eek::eek::eek: because he is happy and running about the flat I don't want to rush him there and pay such ridiculous money if it's just something a trip to Boots can sort out :confused:
Is Benadryl or something similar ok for dogs?
 
#2 ·
Chlorphenamine Maleate is commonly used on dogs (eg Piriton) the dose is: 4 - 8 mg large dog x 2 a day, 2 - 4 mg x 2 a day small ones

Ceterizine (eg Piriteze) it is not as well researched as chlorphenamine maleate but has been trialled on dogs for allergic skin disease at 1mg/kg with minimal side effects

According to the vet with whom I took the National Certificate in Canine First Aid.

Ideally you should ask the vet first, can you not do this over the phone?
 
#3 ·
Maisie takes Chlorphenamine 4mg prescribed by the vet - they are also available for humans & I know Tesco / Boots sell them (I've taken hers when I've run out - and vice versa!)

I'd ring them back and ask if it's OK for you to give those ...
 
#6 ·
Then neither can we I'm afraid...

A swelling anywhere else on the body I may be tempted to keep an eye on for a few hours and see how it goes. But definitely not on the muzzle, throat or face - vets IMO,
 
#5 ·
I can understand the ethos of that but ....

How long were you out for / could it have been something from say a walk earlier?

Do you have pet insurance that incl a pet advice / vet line? If so, I'd try giving them a ring
 
#11 ·
I give Piriton to Lucy all I did was phone the vet and he said for her weight half per day The are cheaper at the chemist than they are at the vets for the same medication my vet is ok with this may be worth trying to see if its an allergy
 
#14 ·
Could he have been stung by a wasp?

Our Staffy pup was stung last week on her leg and that was swollen for a while. That was a (dying) wasp, I think.

One of my PRTs has grass allergy in the Summer and he took 4mg of antihistamine a day from Spring to Autumn, on my vet's advice.

ÂŁ140 is outrageous for a consultation fee. I would be furious if my vet ever tried to charge so much, particularly if you're not asking for a call out.
 
#18 ·
My vet told me not to buy Piriton, it's expensive because it's branded.

He said buy Supermarket own brand or ask in the Chemist for the equivalent. Costs a quarter of the price.