Question Author
DTCwordfan - Thanks friend for your thoughts. I assure you, with every fibre of my being, I would not under any circumstance simply choose to pop any sort of medicinal detritus into a cherished and beloved pet without first having made exhausted enquiries, and seeking consultation.
I know some people aren't aware that a large number of prescription and non-prescription medications that we, among the human variety, consume are prescribed (in appropriate dosage levels) for our pets.
This is the case in virtually all of the antihistamines discussed among contributors in this this thread. Medications such as Piriton, Cetrizine, Benadryl, AKA diphenhydramine are virtually all acceptable for canine usage - with the important proviso that the dosages are accurately adjusted to the animals weight and that all cautions are taken should there be any particular contraindications, such as heretofore known allergies, or biological challenges, such as Renal or Liver challenges.
Only one antihistamine discussed herein - Apoquel, is contraindicated for human consumption. In fact, there are some rather strong, if not ominous caveats about this rather innocuous looking tablet (frighteningly, the tablet looks far too similar to Cetrizine and therefore demands close attention and caution when placing these medications nearby!). Furthermore, anyone who administers Apoquel to their pet is admonished to immediately wash their hands after touching. Just that warning alone prompted my initial rise in concern about administering it to my beloved Four-Legged Pot Roast.
On the counter-balance there are some medications on the WHO list of essential medications which are unavailable in parts of the world. I can't tell you how many packets of Tetracycline I bought in Aquarium shops during the eighties to take to Africa for children suffering from a range of broad-spectrum bacterial infections. Sadly, Tetracycline is no longer the most viable medicine available. However, when nothing is available you do what you must when it comes to saving a child's life.
DTC, I'm quite glad you made this point as it's an extremely valid one. No one should EVER simply administer a medication for human consumption to a pet without having an informed understanding of that medication and how it interacts with your pet, as well as ensuring you've administering and appropriate dosage.
Thank you for asking this. I was pleased to be able to respond to it.
Ollie+