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If your pet has mild seasonal allergies without a skin infection, over-the-counter antihistamines might be an option for allergy relief. Benadryl (diphenhydramine), Zyrtec (cetirizine), and Claritin (loratadine) are commonly used allergy medicine for cats and dogs.
What can I do for my cat with allergies?
How Are Cat Allergies Treated? Use veterinarian approved flea and tick control. Use dust-free cat litter. Bathe your cat to relieve itching. Keep your home clean of dirt and dust. Wash your cat’s bedding regularly. Provide your cat with a healthy diet. Avoid smoking around your pets.
How much benadryl do you give a cat for allergies?
Benadryl Dosage for Cats Typically, cats take 1 mg of Benadryl for each pound of body weight two to three times a day. This means a 12.5-pound cat will take 12.5mg (or half of a 25 mg Benadryl tablet) up to three times a day, depending on your veterinarian’s recommendation.
What over the counter medicine is good for cat allergies?
Over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine tablets include fexofenadine (Allegra Allergy), loratadine (Claritin, Alavert) and cetirizine (Zyrtec Allergy); OTC antihistamine syrups are available for children. Prescription antihistamine tablets, such as levocetirizine (Xyzal) and desloratadine (Clarinex), are other options.
What is a natural remedy for cat allergies?
Try some vitamin C or local honey, or visit your nearest health food store and ask about one or more of the following: Probiotics. Butterbur. Bromelain. Spirulina. Stinging nettle. Quercetin.
Can you give cats Claritin?
Only use plain Claritin (loratadine). NEVER give your cat Claritin-D. This contains a decongestant with ingredients that can cause severe, adverse, sometimes fatal, reactions in animals. Purchase the 5 mg tablets for cats.
How do I give my cat Benadryl?
The easiest and most effective way to dose kitty is to give him liquid Benadryl in a syringe. But a lot of cats refuse to take it as they are not too fond of the taste and odor. If that’s the case with yours, then visit a compounding pharmacy and ask them whether they can flavor the drug with fish or chicken.
Can I crush Benadryl for my cat?
If you’re looking for another option for how to give your cat a pill, you may be tempted try crushing it into a powder form. But, as Animal Planet points out, “unless your vet recommends it, never crush or grind pills to put in food or water.
What Benadryl is safe for cats?
Benadryl Dosage for Cats If you go the route of liquid Benadryl, you will want to use the children’s liquid or liquid Benadryl from your vet. The generally accepted dose is 1mg of Benadryl per pound of your cat’s body weight every 8-12 hours.
Is there an allergy pill for cats?
Cyclosporine: A Medication that suppresses the immune system and is used to treat immune-mediated diseases, especially those involving the blood or skin. At lower doses, Cyclosporine for cats treats allergies to airborne substances and is available in capsule form.
Can you give cats Zyrtec?
For Cats: Allergy Meds You can give your cat Zyrtec (cetirizine) – 5mg (1/2 tablet) once daily (one full tablet of adult Zyrtec is 10mg). Fuzzy wants pet parents to be equipped with the tools and resources they need to keep their pets happy and healthy.
Can you give cats antihistamines?
Antihistamines are quite safe with minimal side effects. However, although rare, there are documented cases of urinary retention in cats receiving antihistamines. Caution is warranted when administering antihistamines to cats with a history of urinary tract disease.
What are signs my cat has allergies?
Common signs of cat allergies Itchy skin. Sneezing, coughing, wheezing. Itchy and runny eyes. Vomiting. Diarrhea. Swollen paws. Snoring.
Can I give my cat Benadryl for sneezing?
In pets, Benadryl is most often used to decrease or alleviate itching due to allergies. It is used in dogs and cats that are having upper respiratory symptoms such as sneezing.
Can cats have human loratadine?
Loratadine, commonly known by the brand name Claritin, is an oral antihistamine medication. Although it was designed for people with allergies, with a veterinarian’s guidance it can also be given to cats.
Is there a decongestant for cats?
Decongestants can be helpful: diphenhydramine HCl 2-4 mg/kg PO q8h, or dimenhydrinate 4 mg/cat PO q8h, or pseudoephedrine 1 mg/kg PO q8h. Nasal decongestant drops are challenging to administer, but can be very helpful: 0.05% xylometazoline (1 drop into each nostril SID for three days only to avoid rebound congestion).
Is children’s Benadryl safe for cats?
“Benadryl is just an antihistamine, and it’s relatively safe for both dogs and cats.” Benadryl is the brand name for the drug. The active ingredient is diphenhydramine, which you also can buy if you’re looking for a generic form of the medication.
How long till Benadryl kicks in for cats?
Benadryl for Cats Usage Guidelines It kicks in within 30 minutes of administration and lasts for between 8 and 12 hours.
How long does it take for Benadryl to work in cats?
This medication will take effect quickly, in about 1 to 2 hours, and improvement in clinical signs should follow.
Why is my indoor cat so itchy?
The most common causes of itching are parasites, infections, and allergies. There are many skin diseases that do not initially cause itching. However, itching may develop with these diseases due to secondary bacterial or yeast infections. The cat will excessively scratch, bite, or lick its skin.
