10 Safe Allergy Medications For Your Dog

Dogs, like humans, are susceptible to allergies. Fortunately, there are both over-the-counter and prescription medications that can reduce allergy symptoms in dogs. Here’s an overview of safe allergy medications for your dog that you can buy over the counter, or fill at a pharmacy, using a prescription drug coupon from RxSaver.

What over-the-counter medications are safe to give dogs for their allergies?

Over-the-counter medications that are safe to give your dog for allergies are antihistamines. However, you should never give your dog an over-the-counter medication without speaking with your vet. It is also important to note that only antihistamines can be given to dogs with allergies. OTC medications such as decongestants should never be given to dogs.

The three safe over-the-counter medications that you can give dogs for allergies are:

- Benadryl

- Claritin

- Zyrtec

Is Benadryl safe to give my dog?

Benadryl is safe to give your dog, as long as you check with your veterinarian, and confirm the proper dosage for your dog. The dosage will depend upon your dog’s weight and underlying medical conditions. Benadryl can make some dogs drowsy. Make sure to observe your pet after giving them any medication, to make sure there are no side effects.

Is Zyrtec safe to give my dog?

Zyrtec is generally considered safe for dogs, as long as you have frequency and dosing instructions from your vet. Zyrtec is an antihistamine that is available over the counter. Zyrtec may cause drowsiness in dogs.

Is Claritin safe to give my dog?

Claritin and its generic loratadine are usually considered safe to give to dogs with allergies. Before giving your dog Claritin, check with your veterinarian. Your dog’s health, weight, and other medications they are taking need to be evaluated before you give your dog Claritin. Claritin may make your dog drowsy. Other dogs may experience hyperactivity after taking Claritin.

What prescriptions are available for dogs with allergies?

For dogs with chronic or severe allergies, several prescription medications, which are also used to treat humans, may be prescribed by your vet. If you have a prescription for a commonly prescribed allergy medicine, be sure to check RxSaver for a prescription drug coupon. You can use an RxSaver coupon on prescriptions from veterinarians at pharmacies.

[Clemastine fumarat][8]e may be prescribed for allergies in dogs. It is an antihistamine and may help reduce symptoms of allergies in dogs such as itchy skin.

Cyproheptadine Hydrochloride

[Cyproheptadine hydrochloride][9] is a prescription antihistamine that may be prescribed to treat allergies in dogs. Symptoms of allergies in dogs may include itching, watery eyes, or respiratory symptoms.

Dexamethasone

[Dexamethasone][10] is a prescription corticosteroid used to reduce immune responses in humans, and dogs. When prescribed to dogs it can help treat swelling and itchy skin caused by allergies.

Depo-Medrol (methylprednisolone acetate)

Depo-Medrol and its generic methylprednisolone acetate are sometimes prescribed to treat allergies in dogs. It can reduce swelling. Methylprednisolone is a corticosteroid medication.

Hydroxyzine HCL

[Hydroxyzine HCL][11] is an antihistamine that blocks the substance histamine, which a dog’s body makes during an allergic reaction. Hydroxyzine HCL is prescribed to both people and dogs for allergies.

Hydroxyzine Pamoate

[Hydroxyzine pamoate][12] is sometimes prescribed to treat itchy skin in dogs, caused by allergies. It is an antihistamine medication.

Prednisone

[Prednisone][13] is occasionally prescribed to treat allergies in dogs. It is a powerful corticosteroid that is used to treat inflammation and other immune responses, including allergies.

[1]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/clemastine-fumarate/coupons

[2]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/cyproheptadine-hydrochloride/coupons

[3]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/dexamethasone/coupons

[4]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/depo-medrol/coupons

[5]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/hydroxyzine-hcl/coupons

[6]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/hydroxyzine-pamoate/coupons

[7]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/prednisone/coupons

[8]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/clemastine-fumarate

[9]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/cyproheptadine-hydrochloride

[10]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/dexamethasone

[11]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/hydroxyzine-hcl

[12]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/hydroxyzine-pamoate

[13]: https://www.rxsaver.com/drugs/prednisone

Always Talk to Your Vet

Before giving your dog an over-the-counter allergy medicine, talk to your vet. Never give your dog a medication that has been prescribed to you. The dosing guidelines for dogs are very different than those for humans. If you notice symptoms of allergies in your dog, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to discuss possible treatment options.

Clemastine fumarate: 2.68 mg / 30 tablets

Cyproheptadine hydrochloride: 4 mg / 30 tablets

Dexamethasone: 4 mg / 30 tablets

Methylprednisolone acetate: 40 mg/ml / 4 vials

Hydroxyzine HCL: 25 mg / 30 tablets

Hydroxyzine pamoate: 25 mg / 30 capsules

Prednisone: 20 mg / 30 tablets

*Lowest online price at national pharmacy chains Costco, CVS, RiteAid, Walgreens and Walmart as of 1/26/2021. Prices vary by location and pharmacy, see RxSaver.com for actual pricing in your area.