Can I Give My Dog Allegra for Allergies?

Allegra is the brand name for fexofenadine, a type of antihistamine. Although a popular allergy remedy for humans, Allegra should not be given to dogs. There is one human over-the-counter antihistamine that has helped with dog allergies, and that is Benedryl (diphenhydramine). As a general rule, do not give any medication to your dog until you have talked with your vet.

  1. Warning

    • If a dog has been given Allegra, call a vet or pet poison control center immediately. Symptoms of ingestion vary, and include vomiting, dizziness, problems breathing and confusion. Never leave Allegra out where a dog can get ahold of it. Like small children, dogs have a tendency to swallow anything.

    Treatment

    • If a dog swallows Allegra, it needs to vomit immediately. If the dog has already vomited, you do not need to induce more. In order to induce vomiting, give one teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide for every 10 pounds that the dog weighs. Repeat every 15 minutes until the dog finally vomits. "Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook" (Debra M. Eldredge, DVM, et al., 2007) recommends walking the dog slowly to induce vomiting.

    Considerations

    • Allergy problems in dogs can range from bee sting allergies to pollen allergies. This needs treatment by a vet. For emergencies, Benedryl can help. The dosage is 2 milligrams for every pound that the dog weighs. According to "The Pill Book Guide to Medication for Your Dog and Cat" (Kate A.W. Roby, VMD, et al., 1998), common side effects include less frequent urination and drowsiness, and increased thirst due to dry mouth.

    Other Drugs

    • Another human over-the-counter drug that can be lethal to dogs is Claritin. Other antihistamines that are safe for dogs are clemastine fumarate (brand name Travist), hydroxyzine (brand name Atarax) and chlorpheniramine maleate (brand name Chlor-Trimeton). It is important that these medications do not contain caffeine, alcohol, acetaminophen or paracetamol, which can harm dogs.

    Function

    • Antihistamines like Allegra work great in people because histamines are a main cause of inflammation, itchiness and other allergy symptoms. According to the Mar Vista Animal Medical Center, histamines do not play a large role in causing allergies in dogs, so that is why only a few antihistamines can help alleviate a dog's symptoms.