Loratadine is an antihistamine used in both humans and animals. Humans routinely use over-the-counter antihistamines. Use in animals, however, should be done only under the care of a licensed veterinarian due to the potentially lethal side effects of overdose.
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Other Names
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Loratadine is also known as Claritin. This should not be confused with Claritin-D, which combines pseudoephedrine and loratadine.
Antihistamines
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Always consult with your pet's vet before self-administering medications. Loratadine as well as other antihistamines block histamines, which cause allergic symptoms. Pollen insect bites and other common allergens contain histamines. When antihistamines block the histamines, the result is relief from allergy symptoms in both humans and dogs.
Common Uses for Loratadine in Dogs
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Do not give your pet any medications without first consulting a veterinarian. Veterinarian Wendy C. Brooks states loratadine is commonly used for snake bites, vaccination reactions, itchy skin, insect bites and blood transfusion reactions.
Side Effects
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Loratadine should not cause drowsiness in dogs. If drowsiness occurs that cannot be explained by other medications, kidney and liver function testing may be ordered.
Benefits
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Dogs benefit best from use of loratadine when the medication is administered prior to exposure to the allergen.
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