N
Glam Fame Journal

What antihistamines are safe for horses?

Author

Matthew Barrera

Updated on March 27, 2026

What antihistamines are safe for horses?

Oral pyrilamine maleate and tripelennamine are found in some over the counter commercial antihistamines. These are usually granular or powdered, intended to be given mixed with feed. These products have some use in preventative maintenance for horses with low grade allergies or allergic components of disease.

How do you treat sarcoidosis in horses?

Sarcoids, the most common skin tumor of horses, are believed to be caused by the bovine papilloma virus. They can be treated with chemotherapy drugs, such as cisplatin, or removed surgically or with lasers. However, Espy says, if any trace of a growth remains, the sarcoids will return.

Can you use Apoquel in horses?

Option 4 is an oral tablet called Apoquel. This is a very new treatment option, and currently the tablets are not FDA approved for horses, only dogs (though that should change sometime in 2020). This medication will not be successful in every horse, but if it does work, it avoids the risks associated with steroids.

How much Piriton Can you give a horse?

The dose of Piriton is 20 tablets for an average 500kg horse, but this normally makes them very sleepy. Other antihistamines, such as Atarax, are less sedative, but generally antihistamines are rarely used in horses.

Can I give my horse Piriton?

These are a safe medication for horses (they do not have the same risk of laminitis as with steroid use) but have limited effectiveness. Piriton is one of the most commonly used anti-histamine. These are a very effective drug when used topically or in tablet form.

What can I give my horse for allergies?

Your veterinarian can prescribe several medications to calm an allergic response. Dexamethasone or other corticosteroids are effective for treating severe reactions. If your horse is only moderately itchy or has hives, antihistamines can be useful.

Can sarcoidosis be passed from horse to horse?

The vast majority of cases arise between the ages of 3 and 6 years of age although growth in later years does occur. It is thought that flies may play a role in the transmission and spread of sarcoids from horse to horse. Not all types of sarcoid are easily recognised from a cursory examination thus some may be missed.

How long does a banded sarcoid take to fall off?

I used to look after a horse with sarcoids and we banded quite a few of the isolated ones. It could take anything between a few days and 3/4 weeks for it to drop off, there was no pattern to it really.

How do you stop horse allergies?

The most effective treatment for horse allergies is to avoid horses, stables, and being around clothing or other items that may have come in contact with horses. However, this isn’t always possible, especially if you work with horses for a living. Treatments include: Immunotherapy.

Can I give my horse Benadryl for hives?

Over the counter diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or comparable antihistamines can be used in an emergency for horses with severe hypersensitivity or allergy. Prolonged use is not advised. There is no literature to support the use of diphenhydramine in horses. You are using this product at your own risk.

Can you feed Piriton to horses?

Do horses suffer from hayfever?

Equine Hay Fever A common condition seen in both young and old horses is Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis. This allergy can affect up to 30% of people in many countries. The prevalence in horses is largely unknown although it appears to be a very common problem.