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Hydroxyzine
Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine that can be used to treat allergic reactions in dogs, as well as a range of other pets, including cats.
Just like humans, dogs can suffer seasonal allergies – such as hay fever – and allergic reactions to medicines or food, so your vet might prescribe hydroxyzine in these situations.
In this brief guide to hydroxyzine for dogs, we’ll cover:
- What hydroxyzine is
- How hydroxyzine can help your dog
- Potential side effects to be aware of
- How to give hydroxyzine to your dog
Does your pet insurance cover the cost of hydroxyzine? If it doesn’t, you might want to consider switching to one that does – compare a range of pet insurance plans from leading providers in seconds using our online comparison tool.
How can hydroxyzine help my dog?
Hydroxyzine was actually initially developed as a type of sedative for humans to use. Researchers learned, during clinical trials, that it could also stop allergic reactions – as well as having properties as an anti-nausea and anti-anxiety medication.What is hydroxyzine used for in dogs? Well, it can help your dog in a variety of ways. The primary benefit of hydroxyzine for dogs is as an antihistamine.
Other types of antihistamine available include diphenhydramine, clemastine, loratadine and cetirizine, though all are better known under their brand names. Hydroxyzine is sold as Vistaril and Restrall, among others.
Hydroxyzine prevents histamine from binding to the receptors that instigate allergic responses. So, if your dog is showing the signs of a reaction to an allergy – sneezing, itching, watery eyes, a runny nose or a rash – hydroxyzine can help to alleviate those symptoms.
But, those are relatively mild allergic symptoms, and hydroxyzine can also be effective in treating other types of reaction and conditions.
If your dog has suffered a bee sting or an insect bite, and experienced a nasty reaction as a result, hydroxyzine can be effective in relieving the symptoms.
A vet might also prescribe hydroxyzine for a dog in the case of an allergic skin condition or atopic dermatitis – which is more commonly known as eczema – and to limit the effects of motion or travel sickness.
Besides being an antihistamine, hydroxyzine's active metabolite also suppresses neurological activity in mammals, making it an effective mild tranquilizer. This can help to manage anxiety in dogs.
Efficacy of Hydroxyzine
How effective can hydroxyzine be for dogs?
A recent study of dogs treated with hydroxyzine and chlorpheniramine for atopic dermatitis observed no adverse side effects other than mild drowsiness in the study group.
In this study, researchers scored the severity of the dogs’ dermatological symptoms before, during, and after treatment with hydroxyzine and chlorpheniramine – the data collected showed that this drug combination caused a 25% improvement in dermatological symptoms for many of the dogs.
As with most medications, hydroxyzine may not be effective in treating your dog, and your pet’s condition may not improve after administering it. Every dog responds differently to treatment, so if you fail to see an improvement, consult your vet to discuss alternatives.
Your dog might be offered a different antihistamine. Another popular type of antihistamine used to treat allergic reactions is diphenhydramine (the brand name is the well-known benadryl) and the benefits of benadryl vs hydroxyzine for dogs is a frequent discussion.
Dosage and administration of hydroxyzine for dogs
Your vet will advise on the correct dosage of hydroxyzine for your dog, which will depend on his or her weight. Smaller breeds will usually need less than larger breeds. For a dog, hydroxyzine dosage is typically calculated at 1mg per pound between one and three times, every day.
Your vet will direct you on how much to administer, and how often – don’t give your dog more than instructed. A hydroxyzine overdose in dogs may result in side effects over and above the common ones experienced, such as excessive tiredness.
Hydroxyzine might be given in the form of a tablet or capsule, or a liquid solution. Your vet will tell you whether a dosage is best given with or without food.
Maintain regular doses at the advised frequency during the day. If you miss a dose, you can give hydroxyzine to your dog as soon as you realize it’s due. But, if the time of the next scheduled dose is too close – in an hour, for example – just stick to the schedule. Don’t give two doses together to make up for a missed one.
Cost of hydroxyzine for dogs
The cost of hydroxyzine for dogs varies depending on a few factors. The size and strength of the dosage – tablets are typically available in 10mg, 25mg and 50mg – the number of tablets or capsules you buy, and the brand you’re prescribed.A single tablet costs just a few cents, so even buying a larger quantity shouldn’t prove too expensive.
Some types of treatment costs might be covered by your pet insurance. If you’re not sure what’s included in your policy, it could be a good time to review your cover. Visit our online comparison tool to review pet insurance plans from leading providers.
Possible hydroxyzine side effects in dogs
Most medication for dogs comes with the risk of potential side effects. This doesn’t necessarily mean that your dog will be negatively affected by hydroxyzine.
Some pets can be completely unaffected, while might have only minor reactions, but it’s worth being aware of hydroxyzine side effects in dogs, just in case.
Monitor any changes in your dog’s behavior, and consult your vet if you have any concerns.
Possible hydroxyzine side effects in dogs include:
- Hyperactivity
- Upset stomach
- Drowsiness
- Behavioral changes
- Sedation
- Excessive thirst
- Loss of appetite
- Balance issues
- Seizures
- Difficulty urinating
- Tremors
While it’s quite common to see a dog feeling a little more tired or drowsy than usual after starting to take hydroxyzine, if they’re extremely lethargic and seem to have no energy, that’s a serious reaction.
Seek help immediately.
Safety considerations before giving hydroxyzine to your dog
Hydroxyzine may not be the best option for every dog. The effects of hydroxyzine on certain neurotransmitters can adversely affect dogs with specific conditions.If your dog has epilepsy, anticholinergic drugs like hydroxyzine should only be prescribed if medically necessary – as they can increase the likelihood of a seizure occurring.
In dogs with congestive heart failure, these anticholinergic effects can cause irregular heartbeat and worsen cardiovascular problems.
Hydroxyzine may also exacerbate glaucoma due to its inhibitory effects on the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is responsible for pupil dilation and other eye functions.
Because this type of medicine can cause sedation, it's not recommended for service dogs as it can interfere with their ability to work.
Discuss with your vet other non-drowsy alternatives if yours is a service dog.
This medication isn’t recommended for nursing dogs either, as it can dry up the milk supply. Studies show the active metabolite of hydroxyzine does pass into human breast milk, though it's unknown if this is true for canines or if it affects nursing puppies.
Hydroxyzine should be also used cautiously in dogs with urinary or intestinal blockages, kidney disease, and impaired liver function; it can aggravate these conditions.
Using hydroxyzine with other drugs
Hydroxyzine magnifies the effects of sedatives and inhibits the effect of stimulatory medications. You should inform your vet if your dog is taking any of these medications:- Anticholinergic agents
- Nervous system depressants
- Epinephrine
- Barbiturates
- Sedatives
You should also tell your vet if your dog has experienced any allergic reactions to antihistamines in the past.
Hydroxyzine — frequently asked questions
If your dog’s just been prescribed hydroxyzine for the first time, you’ll no doubt have a few questions. Your vet is best positioned to answer these, but we’ve looked at some of the most common questions here, as a guide.What is the brand name of hydroxyzine for dogs?
The brand names of this medicine are Vistaril and Restall, though generic versions – like hydroxyzine pamoate – are also available. This drug was also sold under Atarax and several other names that are no longer manufactured.Can I give my dog other allergy medications with hydroxyzine?
Most vets advise against combining hydroxyzine with other antihistamines or tranquilizers since these can intensify sedation (make your dog sleepier and more lethargic). Discuss other medical alternatives with your vet if you feel your dog needs something different.
Is medication the only way to help my dog with allergies?
No. There are other, more natural ways to try to alleviate the symptoms of allergies in dogs. Changes in the environment can trigger allergies in dogs; dust and mold in the home can cause issues. Diet can also be a big factor – what you feed your dog could be making their allergies worse.Did you know you can buy specific dog food for skin allergies, as well as hypoallergenic food? Head over to our partners, Dog Food Advisor, for their top picks of best dog food for skin allergies.
When should I give hydroxyzine for my dog's anxiety?
If your vet prescribes this as an emergency medicine for panic attacks, administer hydroxyzine at the first signs of an impending attack or before a stressful situation. Outward signs of a panic attack include dilated pupils, trembling, fast pulse, hiding, raised hair, and behavioral changes.
Is hydroxyzine a treatment for dermatitis?
Yes. Vets often prescribe hydroxyzine for dogs with dermatitis and itchy skin.How long does hydroxyzine work for dogs?
Typically the effects of this medication last for between six and eight hours.Can I buy hydroxyzine for dogs without a prescription?
While some over-the-counter meds contain hydroxyzine (like certain types of Dramamine), it's unknown if these are safe for dogs.Do not give over-the-counter formulations of hydroxyzine unless your vet deems them safe for your pet. It’s always safer to follow the vet’s advice on any medication.
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