<html>
<head>
<meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8">
</head>
<body bgcolor="#FFFFFF" text="#000000">
I used to use generic Benadryl liquid for kids with my hounds, but
my vet suggested generic Zyrtec was a better choice, and it has
been: greater reduction in allergic symptoms without drowsiness side
effects.<br>
<br>
My vet provides patients with a xerox with information about
Benadryl, Zyrtec and Claritin for use in dogs (and cats), and I
reproduce parts of it (most relevant to Basset Hounds) below:<br>
<br>
-----<br>
<b>DIphenhydramine (Benadryl)</b><br>
Available in: 12.5 mg children's tablets, 25 mg capsules, and 12.5
mg/5 ml liquid (liquid not recommended if it contains alcohol)<br>
<br>
Dosage:<br>
DOG WEIGHT IN POUNDS DOSE (TABLET = 12.5 mg,
CAPSULE = 25 mg)<br>
<br>
15-35 pounds 1 capsule 2-3
times daily<br>
35-50 pounds 1 or 2 capsules
2-3 times daily<br>
50-80 pounds 2 or 3 capsules
2-3 times daily<br>
Over 80 pounds 3 or 4 capsules
2-3 times daily<br>
<br>
CATS: NOT RECOMMENDED<br>
<br>
May cause: sedation, hyperactivity, diarrhea (rare), vomiting (rare)
or loss of apetite (rare). DISCUSS WITH YOUR VETERINARIAN IF YOUR
PET HAS: glaucoma, GI or urinary obstruction, COPD, hyperthyroidism,
seizure disorders, heart disease or high blood pressure<br>
<br>
DO NOT USE DIPHENHYDRAMINE PRODUCTS THAT CONTAIN ANY OTHER ACTIVE
INGREDIENTS (like acetominophen). These other products are
potentially toxic to your pet (especially cats).<br>
-----<br>
<b>Cetirizine (Zyrtec)</b><br>
This may be the best antihistamine for eosinophilic inflammation
(one of the primary cell types associated with allergies).<br>
Available in: 5 mg and 10 mg tablets<br>
<br>
Dosage:<br>
DOG WEIGHT IN POUNDS DOSE<br>
<br>
15-39 pounds 5 mg twice
daily, or 10 mg once daily<br>
Over 40 pounds 10 mg twice
daily <br>
<br>
CATS: 5 mg tablet: 1/2 tablet to 1 tablet, 1 or 2 times daily<br>
<br>
May cause: Hyperexcitability in dogs. NOTE: Twice daily dosing is
often needed.<br>
-----<br>
<b>Loratadine (Claritin)</b><br>
Available in: 5 mg and 10 mg tablets<br>
<br>
Dosage:<br>
DOG WEIGHT IN POUNDS DOSE<br>
<br>
15-39 pounds 5 mg twice
daily, or 10 mg once daily<br>
Over 40 pounds 10 mg twice
daily<br>
<br>
CATS: 5 mg tablet: 1/2 tablet to 1 tablet, 1 or 2 times daily<br>
-----<br>
<br>
Now, I buy generic Cetirizine (Zyrtec) in the 10 mg tablet, in a
package that contains 365 tablets, and it costs me under $20 (around
5 cents a pill). I give it twice daily, to dogs that are in the
60-pound range, and it appears to control symptoms without side
effects. So I have found this to be a very cost-effective option for
treating seasonal allergies in Basset Hounds.
<br>
</body>
</html>