Table 3: Oral Antihistamine Doses for Dogs

Download PDF of Table 3

Drug Name	Dose
Hydroxyzine	2 mg/kg q 12 hr¹
Cetirizine	1–2 mg/kg q 24 hr¹
Chlorpheniramine	0.4 mg/kg q 12 hr²
Cyproheptadine	0.3–2 mg/kg q 12 hr²
Clemastine	0.05–1 mg/kg q 12 hr²
Loratadine	1 mg/kg q 12 hr²
Fexofenadine	5–15 mg/kg q 24 hr³
Amitriptyline	1–2 mg/kg q 12 hr²
Diphenhydramine	2–3 mg/kg q 12 hr² Questionable efficacy if given orally⁴

Bizikova P, Papich MG, Olivry T. Hydroxyzine and cetirizine pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics after oral and intravenous administration of hydroxyzine to healthy dogs. Vet Dermatol. 2008;19:348–57.
Miller WH, Griffin GE, Campbell KL. Muller & Kirk’s Small Animal Dermatology. 7th ed. St. Louis:Elsevier;2013.
Plevnik A, Kobal S, Domanjko-Petric A, et al. The efficacy of antihistamine fexofenadine versus methylprednisolone in the treatment of atopic dermatitis in dogs. Slov Vet Res. 2009;46:5–12.
Banovic F, Denley T, Blubaugh A, et al. Effect of diphenhydramine and cetirizine on immediate and late-phase cutaneous allergic reactions in healthy dogs: a randomized, double-blinded crossover study. Vet Dermatol. 2020;31:256–e58.

Home

Guidelines Contributors

Introduction

Figure 1: Diagnosing Allergic Skin Disease in the Canine Patient

Table 1: Antipruritic and Anti-inflammatory Medications for Dogs

Table 2: Acute Flare and Long-term Management Therapies in Dogs

Table 3: Oral Antihistamine Doses for Dogs

Figure 4: Assessing Diet Trial Results

Table 4: Antimicrobials for Skin Infections in Dogs

Table 5: Oral Antifungal Medication Doses for Dogs

Figure 5: Clinical Presentation of the Feline Patient

Figure 6: Diagnosing Allergic Skin Disease in the Feline Patient

Table 6: Antipruritic and Anti-inflammatory Medications for Cats

Table 7: Acute Flare and Long-term Management Therapies in Cats

Table 8: Oral Antihistamine Doses for Cats

Reformulated Topical Medications for Management of Allergic Otitis Externa

Figure 7: Flowchart of Technician Utilization for Allergic Skin Diseases

Figure 8: Client Communication Flow Chart for Treatment Plans

10 Key Messaging Points When Talking to Clients

Resource Center

Developing the Guidelines

The 2023 AAHA Management of Allergic Skin Diseases in Dogs and Cats Guidelines are generously supported by Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Merck Animal Health, and Zoetis.