Chlor Trimeton for Dogs

Chlor Trimeton is an example of a human medicine that is often given to dogs to help address canine health issues. Based on the drug called chlorpheniramine maleate, Chlor Trimeton is classified as an antihistamine. It is most commonly used as a way of reducing the effects of allergic reactions in pets, though there are some other potential uses of this medicine as well.

Chlor Trimeton Overview

Chlor Trimeton works in much the same way that other antihistamine drugs do. When your pet comes into contact with an offending allergen, his body reacts by producing a chemical called histamine. There are two varieties of histamine, classified as H1 or H2. When these chemicals float throughout his bloodstream, they bond to certain receptor cells located around his body. At this point, they signal the beginning of an allergic reaction, causing inflammation, swelling, itchiness, redness and other common symptoms.

Chlor Trimeton works by blocking the H2 histamine cells from attaching to the receptor cells in your pet's body. When this bonding process is reduced, the ability for the histamine chemical to bring about the allergic reaction is also reduced.

Using Chlor Trimeton for Your Pet

Chlor Trimeton is available for human use by purchasing it over the counter at a drug store or pharmacy. However, it's not a good idea to purchase medicine over the counter and then use it on your dog. You should always give Chlor Trimeton to your pet with a vet's recommendation and prescription first.

This medicine is available in tablet form, as an injectable medicine, and as a syrup that is given orally. In most cases, pet owners find that the tablet form is the best for pets, because it can easily be ground up and mixed in with food or provided along with a treat. Typically, a dose of the medicine is provided once or occasionally twice per day. The exact amount of Chlor Trimeton that you'll need to give your pet is dependent upon your dog's size and weight, and also on the nature of his allergic reaction and the severity of the reaction.

Risks and Side Effects of Chlor Trimeton

One of the major side effects of Chlor Trimeton is sedation. This is a common reaction to the drug, and is in fact so common that many vets will make use of Chlor Trimeton for this effect in addition to or even separate from the standard use of the antihistamine properties of the drug. Chlor Trimeton can interact negatively with certain other medicines in your pet's system, so it's best to tell your vet about any of these before you begin.

The most common side effects of Chlor Trimeton include:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Lethargy and sedation
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea

If your pet suffers from these or any other side effects while taking Chlor Trimeton, take him in to your vet's office for further examination and redosing immediately. He may be suffering from a reaction to the medicine itself.

 

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