Ebastine is a drug that is included in the large group of antihistamines. These drugs are very commonly used in human medicine and are widely used to treat allergy symptoms. That is why they are common in many home medicine cabinets and it is easy for a caregiver to decide to administer ebastine to their dog if they think that they are showing symptoms similar to theirs. But antihistamines don't work the same in people as they do in dogs.
Below, on our site, we explain what is ebastine for dogs, what uses it has in these animals, what is the dosage recommended and what possible side effects it may have.
What is ebastine for dogs?
As we say, ebastine is an antihistamine drug Specifically, it is an antihistamine of the so-called second-generation, which means that they have a more selective action and less risk of adverse side effects, such as drowsiness. The name antihistamine is due to their action, since they are drugs that control the effect of histamine in the body. This substance is related to the typical signs of allergy such as itching or ocular or nasal discharge. For this reason, it is very common for people with allergies to resort to antihistamines as soon as they experience the first symptoms of allergy, although it can have other uses such as the treatment of gastrointestinal ulcers, motion sickness, certain vertigo or migraines.
However, the success of antihistamines, which have been used and improved in human medicine for decades, is proven in people, in dogs they are not as effective. In these animals they are not usually prescribed as a first option and only the veterinarian can assess their usefulness. In conclusion, we should not give the ebastine that we have at home to our dog. Ebastine is both the active ingredient and one of the brands under which it is marketed. Other brands of ebastine are Ebastel, Alastin or Bactil
What is ebastine for dogs used for?
In dogs antihistamines can also be used in cases of allergy, but their effectiveness is considered moderate and depends on each dog. Therefore, it is possible that, if the veterinarian decides to prescribe antihistamines, we may have to try more than one to find the one that is most effective. They can be administered to relieve mild itching suffered by dogs suffering from canine atopy, since, when the pruritus is intense, they will not work. In these cases, the vet will prescribe corticosteroids.
For atopic dogs, studies have shown that the most successful antihistamines, always within their moderate efficacy, are clemastine, the combination of chlorpheniramine and hydroxyzine, and oxatomide. Ebastine is not among these antihistamines, for this reason it will not be the drug of choice.
Finally, better results have been shown to be achieved when selected antihistamines are combined with omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids.
Ebastine Dosage for Dogs
The dose is determined by the size of the dog, the number of times the drug is administered per day and the clinical picture presented by the animal, which is why the intervention of the veterinarian is essential, since only he can decide on these aspects. It is essential to bear in mind that an inadequate administration can cause serious he alth problems in the dog, therefore we should not self-medicate the animal or alter the dose indicated by the specialist.
Ebastine can be found for sale in tablet form.
Contraindications and side effects of ebastine in dogs
Starting with the contraindications of ebastine, antihistamines should be administered with care in dogs with liver problems, certain gastrointestinal disorders, glaucoma, seizures or in those bitches that are pregnant.
Regarding the side effects, in general, they are safe drugs, as long as we administer them following the dosage and administration schedule checked by the vet. In a few cases, adverse reactions occur, which are usually drowsiness and gastrointestinal problems. Less frequently, incoordination may appear. If our dog suffers any of these adverse effects, we must notify the veterinarian.
