Treatment of Antihistamines Poisoning in Dogs
Once the veterinarian has made a diagnosis of antihistamine poisoning, he will immediately begin treatment. Treatment methods include:
Emesis
If your dog has already vomited, the veterinarian will not need to induce vomiting. The induction of vomiting may be conducted in order to help rid the dog of the substance, depending on the timing of the ingestion. Once emesis has occurred, the veterinarian may give the dog activated charcoal to aid in the absorption of any residual toxic substances.
Medications
Medications to suppress the central nervous system may be given, especially if the dog is having seizures. Diazepam is often the drug of choice to control any seizure activity, and there are other drugs that work as well. Medications, namely methocarbamol, guaifenesin, or pentobarbital may also be used.
Monitoring of Systems
The veterinarian will closely monitor the dog’s heart rate, arrhythmia, and respiratory rate. The monitoring of systems also is dependent upon if the animal ingested a medication that has been combined with the antihistamine.
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Causes of Antihistamines Poisoning in Dogs
When a dog consumes antihistamines, depending on the amount ingested, toxicity can occur. Poisoning due to antihistamine overdose is caused by:
Mast Cell Tumors
Dogs suffering from cancerous mast cell tumors are likely to develop frequent chronic inflammation due to excessive blood histamine levels. Your vet may recommend an antihistamine such as Claritin to help provide relief, but keep in mind it will not treat the tumor. Speak with your vet before giving Claritin to your dog, especially if they have a tumor and/or are receiving other medications.
Can I Give My Dog Claritin
If your dog has experienced an allergic reaction in the past or suffers from allergies, you may have wondered whether there are any over-the-counter medications that could help. While many over-the-counter human medications are unsafe for your dog, several antihistamines such as claritin, benadryl and zyrtec are safe to give your dog at the right dose under veterinary supervision.
Before giving your dog any medication, it’s vital to know when it is appropriate to give it, potential side effects, and the correct dose. It may surprise you to know that human and dog doses differ, and even some “safe” medications can be dangerous if your pet has a certain condition or is taking other medications.