Are human antihistamines safe to give to a dog for itching?

No over the counter atihistamines are safe for you to give your dog. if you would not give it to your baby without being sure don't give it to your dog...Check with a Vet.

1. There are no such things as "atihistamines."

2. Dogs are NOT human babies.

3. Diphenhydramine is dosed in dogs at 0.5 to 2 mg per pound (1 to 4 mg/kg) orally two to three times daily or 0.5 to 1 mg per pound (1 to 2 mg/kg) IM, IV or SC twice daily.

In cats, diphenhydramine is dosed at 0.25 to 0.5 mg per pound (0.5 to 1 mg/kg) PO every 12 hours but it has a bitter taste. It is also dosed at 0.5 to 1 mg per pound (1 to 2 mg/kg) IM every 12 hours.

4. Of course you should consult a vet before giving your pet any medicine. Although, most seem to be in CYA mode and would prefer that you buy a prescription from them at 150% markup.

Vet organizations have actually registered as lobbyists to insure that the prescriptions they write must be filled on premises.