Dog allergy tablets

If you are suffering from hay fever or allergic-type symptoms such as an itchy nose, itchy rash or bite on the skin or redness and minor swelling of the skin, then an antihistamine may help relieve these symptoms for you.

Minor allergic reactions to products (washing detergent, creams, perfume), food or plant reactions (stinging nettles) can be safely treated with over-the-counter antihistamines and should get better in hours to days. Make sure to avoid whatever caused the reaction in future.

If you find that you are getting regular allergic reactions and do not know the reason why, you should discuss with your doctor, and you may benefit from getting allergy testing.

When addressing dog allergies in the UK, antihistamines are commonly employed as a primary treatment. These medications function by obstructing the action of histamine, a substance released by the body during allergic reactions. Here's a comprehensive breakdown:

1. First-generation antihistamines: These encompass medications like diphenhydramine (commonly known as Benadryl) and chlorphenamine (marketed as Piriton). They are widely available over the counter and can effectively manage mild to moderate allergy symptoms in dogs. However, they are more prone to causing drowsiness and other side effects compared to newer-generation antihistamines.

2. Second-generation antihistamines: These are newer medications less likely to induce drowsiness and other adverse effects compared to their first-generation counterparts. Examples include cetirizine (marketed as Piriteze), loratadine (sold under the brand name Clarityn), and fexofenadine (branded as Telfast or Allegra). These medications are often preferred for long-term use or for dogs sensitive to the sedative effects of first-generation antihistamines.

3. Prescription antihistamines: In certain cases, your doctor may prescribe stronger antihistamines or combination medications to better control severe allergy symptoms in dogs.

When choosing the appropriate antihistamine for a dog allergy in the UK, several factors should be considered, including the severity of the allergy symptoms, the response to the treatment, and any pre-existing medical conditions or medications. Here are some considerations:

• Effectiveness: Certain dog's hairs and dander may respond more favourably to specific antihistamines. Determining which medication works best may require some trial and error.

• Side effects: Take into account the potential side effects of each antihistamine and whether they are acceptable based on the dog's lifestyle and activity level.

• Cost and availability: Over-the-counter antihistamines are typically more affordable and accessible than prescription medications.

• Long-term use: For people requiring long-term allergy management, second-generation antihistamines may be preferred due to their lower risk of side effects.

Older allergy tablets are more likely to cause drowsiness – this may be an advantage if symptoms are worse at night, but not if you need to operate heavy machinery or drive long distances. Those containing chlorphenamine (such as Piriton) or promethazine (such as Phenergan) are older types. They work for a shorter amount of time, typically 4 to 6 hours, so you might need to take them several times a day or just when the pollen count is higher, typically early mornings and evenings. Despite this, some people think they work better for their particular symptoms – it's a question of trial and error what works for you.

All options discussed above are available to buy over-the-counter. If they are ineffective, your doctor can prescribe fexofenadine, which is a stronger allergy tablet.