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Ask the Veterinarian/allergy relief for dogs
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Question
Can I give my cocker spaniel an antihistamine (allergy relief) to relieve her allergies. She weighs 30lbs, is 7 yrs old & has a mild heart murmur, and is current with all her vaccinations.
Thank you
I cannot tell you anything to give your dog because allergies in dogs do not manifest as they do in humans. In other words, they do not sneeze, cough etc from allergies.
Dogs will itch all over, break out in pustular dermatitis, lose hair, have bad skin, or, they can manifest it in gastro-intestinal issues, such as diarrhea, upset stomachs and more. They will scratch, bite and chew all over as well, especially from flea allergies.
Your need to get your dog to the vet and find out what kind of allergies she has, and possible do an elimination diet if it is diet related.
Here are some pages you can read about dog allergies:
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2082&aid=137
http://www.petplace.com/article-printer-friendly.aspx?id=3260
http://www.petplace.com/article-printer-friendly.aspx?id=111
I hope you find some relief for your dog soon!
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Answers by Expert:
Jana Connell RVT, CVT
Expertise
PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!
Experience
I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina.
I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.
Organizations
Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.
Education/Credentials
Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT.
Certified Veterinary Dental Technician
Have over 500 logged hours of Continuing Education Credits(that means I keep up to date!).
Awards and Honors
Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.
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