Allergy Medications That Are Dangerous for Pets

Laurie Anne Walden, DVM

Image by Michal Jarmoluk on Pixabay

Over-the-counter (nonprescription) allergy medications that are safe for people can be toxic to dogs and cats. Some human allergy drugs can be given to dogs and cats, but others are very dangerous for them. Always consult a veterinarian before giving your pet any medication, and store your own medications in a cabinet that your animals can’t get into.
 
Many human allergy and sinus medications are combination products that include ingredients toxic to animals. It can be very hard to tell which ones are safe and which are dangerous for pets from the brand names and product descriptions. The brand names of single-ingredient and combination products are often nearly identical. For example, Claritin (loratadine) is probably safe for most dogs, but Claritin-D (loratadine + pseudoephedrine) is toxic to dogs and cats.
 
If your veterinarian recommends an over-the-counter medication for your pet, you must read the small print on the product label. Look at the active ingredient list to be sure the product contains only the ingredient your veterinarian recommends in the amount your veterinarian recommends. Check the inactive ingredient list for potential toxins like xylitol, especially in flavored liquid or chewable products.
 
Don’t be tempted to give your pet an allergy medication that contains only “safe” ingredients without talking to your veterinarian, either. Signs of allergies in dogs and cats are not the same as in humans. A cat with a runny nose, for example, is more likely to have a viral infection than an allergy, so all an allergy medication is likely to do is annoy the cat.
 
Pseudoephedrine and Phenylephrine
Pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine are decongestants that are sold as single-ingredient products and are also included in many combination allergy and sinus products. In dogs and cats, these drugs cause hyperactivity, restlessness, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, and (in high enough doses) seizures.
 
Nasal Sprays and Eye Drops
Decongestant nasal sprays and “redness relief” eye drops contain ingredients like oxymetazoline, xylometazoline, tetrahydrozoline, and naphazoline. In dogs and cats, even small amounts of these drugs cause vomiting, agitation, incoordination, low blood pressure, and low heart rate. Exposure in animals is usually caused by chewing a bottle, and the effects can be life threatening.
 
Cough Drops
Xylitol and benzocaine are possible toxins in cough drops. Xylitol is a sweetener that is safe for humans but can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), liver failure, seizures, and death in dogs. Benzocaine is a topical anesthetic included in some cough drops and pain-relief creams. Dogs and cats that swallow benzocaine or absorb it through the skin can develop methemoglobinemia, a potentially life-threatening disorder of red blood cell function.
 
Image source: https://pixabay.com/photos/medicine-tablets-blister-pack-257349/

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