If you have ever suffered from allergies, you might have used Piriton, a popular antihistamine, to relieve your symptoms. But what if your dog has allergies too? Can you give them Piriton as well? And if so, how much and how often?

In this blog article, we will answer these questions and more. We will explain what Piriton is, how it works, when it can be used for dogs, what are the benefits and risks, how to give it safely and effectively, and what are the alternatives.

What is Piriton and How Does it Work?

Piriton is the brand name for a drug called chlorphenamine (or chlorpheniramine). It belongs to a class of medications called antihistamines, which block the effects of histamine, a chemical that causes inflammation and itching in allergic reactions.

Histamine is released by the immune system when it detects a foreign substance (an allergen) that it considers harmful. Histamine binds to receptors on cells and triggers a cascade of reactions that result in symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, hives, swelling, and itching.

Like other antihistamine drugs, Piriton works by blocking cellular receptors for histamine. This helps prevent the inflammation and itching associated with doggy allergic reactions. It can also be used during targeted therapy to prevent acute allergic reactions and anaphylaxis caused by insect bites, vaccines, and anesthesia.

When Can Piriton Be Used for Dogs?

Piriton can be used for dogs that suffer from various types of allergies, such as:

  • Atopic dermatitis: a chronic skin condition caused by environmental allergens such as pollen, dust mites, mold, or grass.
  • Food allergies: a hypersensitivity reaction to certain ingredients in food, such as beef, chicken, wheat, or dairy.
  • Flea allergy dermatitis: an allergic reaction to flea saliva that causes intense itching and skin lesions.
  • Contact dermatitis: an irritation of the skin caused by direct contact with an allergen such as shampoo, detergent, or plants.

Some of the symptoms that will show if your dog has allergies include:

  • Increased scratching
  • Red, itchy and inflamed skin
  • Coughing and/or sneezing
  • Incessant chewing of paws
  • Irritated skin around eye or ear
  • Swelling
  • Hair loss
  • Increased ear infections

If you notice any of these signs in your dog, you should consult your vet for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Your vet may recommend Piriton as part of the therapy, depending on the type and severity of the allergy.

Benefits and Risks of Piriton for Dogs

Piriton has some advantages over other antihistamines for dogs. For example:

  • It is widely available over-the-counter in pharmacies and online.
  • It is relatively inexpensive compared to prescription drugs.
  • It has a long history of use and safety in humans and animals.
  • It can be given as tablets or syrup, depending on your dog’s preference.

However, Piriton also has some drawbacks and risks that you should be aware of before giving it to your dog. For instance:

  • It is not licensed for use in animals. Therefore, you need a vet’s prescription and guidance to use it legally and safely for your dog.
  • It may not be effective for all dogs or all types of allergies. Some dogs may not respond well to Piriton or may need higher doses than usual to see any improvement.
  • It may cause side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or urinary retention.
  • It may interact with other medications that your dog is taking. For example, Piriton should not be given with antidepressants (such as Prozac), sedatives (such as Valium), or painkillers (such as Tramadol).
  • It may overdose if given too much or too often. This can result in serious complications such as seizures, coma, or death.

How to Give Piriton to Your Dog Safely and Effectively?

If your vet has prescribed Piriton for your dog’s allergies, you should follow their instructions carefully. Here are some general guidelines to help you give Piriton to your dog safely and effectively:

  • The required Piriton dose for dogs depends on the weight. A typical dose prescription is 0.2 mg of Piriton tablets per kg of the dog’s body weight. For example, a 10 kg dog would need 2 mg of Piriton (one tablet) per dose.
  • The frequency of Piriton administration depends on the severity of the allergy and the response of the dog. Usually, Piriton can be given once or twice a day, but some dogs may need it more often. Your vet will advise you on the best schedule for your dog.
  • Piriton can be given with or without food, depending on your dog’s preference. However, some dogs may experience stomach upset if given Piriton on an empty stomach. You can try to give Piriton with a small amount of food or water to avoid this problem.
  • Piriton should be given whole and not crushed or broken. This is because Piriton tablets have a coating that protects them from being dissolved in the stomach and ensures that they are absorbed in the intestine. Crushing or breaking Piriton tablets may reduce their effectiveness or cause irritation in the mouth or throat.
  • Piriton should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat. You should also keep Piriton out of reach of children and other pets, as they may accidentally ingest it and suffer from an overdose.

What are the Alternatives to Piriton for dogs?

Piriton is not the only option for treating dog allergies. There are other alternatives that you can consider, such as:

  • Other antihistamines: There are different types of antihistamines that may work better for your dog than Piriton. Some examples are Benadryl (diphenhydramine), Zyrtec (cetirizine), Claritin (loratadine), or Telfast (fexofenadine). However, these drugs also have their own benefits and risks, and they should only be used under vet supervision.
  • Steroids: Steroids are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs that can reduce the symptoms of severe allergies. However, they also have serious side effects such as weight gain, increased thirst and urination, liver damage, or diabetes. Steroids should only be used for short-term relief and under vet supervision.
  • Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is a treatment that involves exposing the dog to small amounts of the allergen over time, to help them build tolerance and reduce their allergic response. Immunotherapy can be given as injections or oral drops, and it can take several months or years to see results. Immunotherapy is usually recommended for dogs with chronic or severe allergies that do not respond well to other treatments.
  • Natural remedies: Natural remedies are substances that come from plants, animals, or minerals, and that may have some beneficial effects for dog allergies. Some examples are oatmeal baths, coconut oil, aloe vera, honey, or apple cider vinegar. However, natural remedies are not regulated or tested for safety or efficacy, and they may cause allergic reactions themselves. You should consult your vet before using any natural remedy for your dog.

Conclusion

Piriton is a common antihistamine that can be used for dogs with allergies. It can help relieve the inflammation and itching caused by histamine release in allergic reactions. However, 

Piriton is not licensed for use in animals, and it should only be given under vet prescription and guidance. Piriton may not be effective for all dogs or all types of allergies, and it may cause side effects or interactions with other drugs. 

You should always follow your vet’s instructions on how much and how often to give Piriton to your dog, and monitor them for any adverse reactions. You should also consider other alternatives to Piriton for dogs, such as other antihistamines, steroids, immunotherapy, or natural remedies.