Hydroxyzine is a medicine that is useful for treating allergic reactions in dogs and cats. You can use this medicine if your dog is suffering from any type of allergies.

Here is complete information about Hydroxyzine that you should know such as side effects, dosage, and appropriate use.

What is Hydroxyzine?

Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine that can treat itching caused by allergies. Also, it is capable of treating nausea, vomiting, vaccine reactions, snake and insect bites. It can be used with anesthetics before any medical procedures.

A picture of Hydroxyzine product.
Image Source: DailyMed

How does Hydroxyzine work for dogs?

Histamine is a chemical released to cause itchiness and inflammation to dogs as part of an allergic reaction. Hydroxyzine has the ability to counter the effect of the Histamine. It works by blocking H-1 receptors that occur on the smooth muscles and the small blood vessels.

Hydroxyzine stops the effects of histamine in the dog’s body. Further, it depresses the activity of the central nervous system. Not to miss, it can also be used to treat anxiety disorders in your dog.

Possible Side Effects of Hydroxyzine

Some of the possible side effects of Hydroxyzine are as follows:

  • Increased Urination
  • Seizures
  • Trouble Urinating
  • Sedation
  • Dry Mouth
  • Overexcitablity
  • Change in Behavior

Required Doses of Hydroxyzine

The normal dose of Hydroxyzine for dogs is 1 mg per pound to be given 2 to 3 times a day. The medication should be oral and you should follow a procedure should until your vet advises that dosage should stop. You should stop providing the medicine even if your dog is recovering well.

You should give Hydroxyzine to your dog as per the prescription and supervision of your vet. Your vet can adjust the required dosage considering their needs, so be very careful to follow the recommendation strictly.

What if you miss a dose?

If you miss to provide a dose of Hydroxyzine to your dog, give the dose as soon as you remember it. Or if it is almost the time for the next dose, skip the one that you missed. However, always remember that you should never give two doses at once to your dog.

What if you overdose your dog?

If you overdose your dog with Hydroxyzine by mistake, consult your vet or emergency veterinary clinic. Some of the possible problems that arise in dogs from an overdose of hydroxyzine are as follows:

  • Slow breathing
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Seizures
  • Drowsiness
An image of a sick dog.
Image Source: Dogs- LoveToKnow

Precautions to follow while giving a Hydroxyzine to your dog

  • First of all, be sure to use Hydroxyzine as per the prescriptions and recommendation of your vet.
  • You should not give Hydroxyzine if your dog is taking any other medications. The combination of medicines can be risky for your pet.
  • You should avoid giving this medicine if your dog is suffering from glaucoma, bladder neck obstruction, cardiac arrhythmia, or heart failure. It can be life-threatening for your pet.
  • Avoid overdosing your dog.

Other Dog Related Health Problem and Medicine you might want to know:

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