Do you suffer from allergies? If so, you’re not alone! Many pet parents have allergies and their doctors prescribe Atarax to ease their symptoms. Some dogs become curious about the medication their pet parents are taking; the dogs may become so curious that they eat the medication! But what happens if a dog eats Atarax?
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Has your dog eaten Atarax? Are you worried that the Atarax will make your dog sick? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your dog eats something like this.
We’ve gathered information about Atarax and whether it can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
What is Atarax?
Atarax, also called hydroxyzine or hydroxyzine HCL, is an antihistamine. That means the medication works to relieve allergy symptoms, such as itching. Atarax blocks histamine in the body that’s created during an allergic reaction. When the histamine’s blocked, the allergy symptoms start to resolve and the person taking the medicine feels better.
Atarax is sometimes prescribed by vets for dogs who are suffering from itchy allergy symptoms. The normal dose is about 1 mg for each pound of body weight. Adult humans usually take between 50 to 100 mg four times a day.
While Atarax can be used safely in humans and dogs, what happens if a dog eats too much Atarax?
Atarax & Dogs
Unfortunately, if a dog eats a dose of Atarax that’s too large, he will become sick.

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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Atarax Ingestion in Dogs
You may notice these symptoms if your dog eats Atarax:
- Sedation
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Excessive drooling
- Restlessness
- Excitement
- Lethargy
- Loss of consciousness
- Rapid heart rate
- Nervousness
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, call the vet immediately. This is an emergency.
Treatment of Atarax Ingestion in Dogs
There is no antidote for Atarax ingestion. The vet may try to induce vomiting and use activated charcoal to remove the medication from your dog’s system. They may also provide your fur baby with an IV and fluids, supplemental oxygen, and more.
The vet will also treat other symptoms as they arise. In some cases, it may be necessary for your dog to be hospitalized until he’s in stable condition.
The prognosis is best for dogs who receive prompt medical treatment after eating Atarax. In the future, it’s best to keep Atarax out of your dog’s reach. You’ll both be happier for it!
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Julie
Julie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she studied Animal science. Though contrary to the opinion of her parents she was meant to study pharmacy, but she was in love with animals especially cats. Julie currently works in an animal research institute (NGO) in California and loves spending quality time with her little cat. She has the passion for making research about animals, how they survive, their way of life among others and publishes it. Julie is also happily married with two kids.
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