Chlorpheniramine for Dogs

Chlorpheniramine for dogs is an antihistamine drug used to treat allergies and symptoms caused by an allergic reaction. When a dog's body comes into contact with allergens, histamines are produced. These histamines attach to the cells and cause leakage, which may lead to runny eyes, sneezing, a runny nose or skin irritation. An antihistamine drug interferes with the attachment of histamines, therefore preventing these symptoms.

Chlorpheniramine for Dogs

Chlorpheniramine for dogs can help to prevent symptoms, whether the allergens are drug-induced, inhaled from the air or contracted from direct contact with a toxin. This drug is not approved by the FDA for use in animals, but it's commonly and successfully used as an off-label drug for treating dogs with allergy symptoms. The brand name most often associated with chlorpheniramine is Chlor-Trimeton. This drug is available in liquid, tablet or capsule form, and is notorious for a very bitter taste. You may find that your dog prefers one form over another. It's also possible to experiment with mixing a dosage with food or using special pet pocket treats designed to hide a pill. Occasionally and over time, a dog may refuse this medication altogether, likely due to the taste. In this case, an alternative antihistamine may be recommended.

Side Effects of Chlorpheniramine for Dogs

Chlorpheniramine for dogs is a medication that can cause side effects, even with recommended usage. It's important to consider the side effects alongside alternative forms of treatment. This particular drug, like most antihistamines, has the likelihood to cause diarrhea, drowsiness and lack of energy. Dogs may also experience vomiting or dry mouth and urinary retention. In rare cases, a dog may lose appetite, suffer constipation or experience problems with vision. Overdose or allergic reaction to this drug may lead to serious side effects. Be sure your dog is not allergic to the ingredients of any brand name you select, and if the dog experiences extreme excitement or hyperactivity, seizures, coma or respiratory problems, discontinue its use immediately.

Other Considerations

Since chlorpheniramine for dogs is a medication, it's important to try and remove the cause for symptoms, rather than relying on the medication to relieve them. If allergies are due to a certain type of shampoo, smoke, dust, flea bites or a new choice in dog food, some trial and error may be necessary to eliminate the cause of allergies. This drug has a tendency to interact with other medications, so be sure you understand which of the drugs your dog may currently be taking are safe for use with chlorpheniramine. For example, chlorpheniramine should not be used with MAOIs, such as the Preventic tick collar. You should also avoid using this drug in combination with acetaminophen or anti-depressants. Cautionary measures should be taken if your dog is taking metoclopramide, phenohtiazines or depressant medication for the central nervous system. This drug should not be given to dogs that are pregnant, lactating, have glaucoma, prostate disease, urinary, stomach or intestinal obstruction, high blood pressure or hypothyroidism

 

Comments