Temaril-P For Dogs: What You Should Know

Like humans, dogs can get allergies that negatively affect their quality of life. Excessive sneezing, coughing, runny eyes, ear infections, and itchy skin are some of the most common symptoms of allergies in dogs. Unfortunately, dogs can be affected by several different types of allergies, including food and environmental allergies, which can cause inflamed and itchy skin.

Itchiness is just as uncomfortable for dogs as it is for you. Unfortunately, Fido doesn't know that scratching their skin can result in trauma and secondary infections if left untreated. If your dog suffers from itchy skin due to allergies, they might benefit from Temaril-P, a prescription medication designed to reduce inflammation and alleviate itchy skin. Keep reading to learn more about Temaril-P to help you decide if it's the right option for your pup.

• What Is Temaril-P?
• What Does Temaril-P For Dogs Treat?
• Potential Side Effects
• How To Administer Temaril-P
• Temaril-P Alternatives
• FAQs
• Final Notes

What Is Temaril-P?

Temaril-P, also known as Trimeprazine with Prednisolone, is an antipruritic (anti-itch), antitussive (cough reliever), and anti-inflammatory drug for dogs. It's similar to giving a dog Benadryl and prednisone, an anti-allergy medication, and a glucocorticoid.

As an antihistamine-glucocorticoid combination medication, it's primarily used to relieve itching.¹ However, it can also be used as a cough suppressant to alleviate the symptoms of kennel cough or bacterial infections that cause coughing.¹

Note: Temaril-P is FDA-approved for dogs but not cats or humans and requires a prescription from your vet.

What Does Temaril-P For Dogs Treat?

Trimeprazine is an antihistamine, while prednisolone is a corticosteroid (anti-inflammatory drug) used to treat allergic and inflammatory conditions. Together, they work to relieve itching in dogs regardless of the underlying cause. By reducing inflammation associated with various skin disorders and dog allergies, it effectively reduces the symptom of itching.

Temaril-P for dogs is a medication used to treat symptoms, not the underlying cause. Therefore, it won't cure your dog’s ailment. If you forget to give them a dose, their itching will return until the underlying cause is treated. However, it can be an effective management tool for conditions that aren't curable, such as allergies, and provide your dog with much needed relief.

It's also used to alleviate coughing from kennel cough and bronchitis.² However, like with itching, Temaril-P for dogs will treat the symptom of coughing but not the underlying cause. For example, if your dog has bronchitis, your vet will provide you with antibiotics and care instructions to treat it. At the same time, Temaril-P makes your dog more comfortable by reducing their coughing.

Potential Side Effects

Like many other medications used to treat the symptoms of allergies, dogs may experience mild side effects when taking Temaril-P, such as:

• Drowsiness
• Muscle tremors, rigidity
• Restlessness
• Increased appetite
• Increased thirst
• Increased urination
• Behavioral changes¹

While taking this medication, your dog may drink more water and relieve themselves more often. In addition, they may experience behavioral changes like restlessness, agitation, or anxiety. Some dogs can become aggressive taking prednisolone, so if you notice any behavioral changes in your dog after starting the medication, consult your vet as soon as possible.¹

Risk Factors

Some dogs shouldn't take Temaril-P. For example, dogs with Cushing's disease already make too much glucocorticoid, and Temaril-P contains prednisolone, a steroid.¹ In addition, dogs on Temaril-P long-term are more likely to develop Cushing's disease because it increases the amount of steroids in their bodies.¹

Diabetic and pregnant dogs shouldn't take Temaril-P because it can cause changes in insulin. Additionally, trimeprazine can cause seizures in animals with a history of them. If your dog has ever had a seizure, Temaril-P might not be the right medication for them.¹

In addition, since Temaril-P contains a steroid, it shouldn't be used in dogs with respiratory or fungal infections without an antibiotic to control the infection. Since glucocorticoids can suppress the immune system, they can worsen existing infections and potentially cause them.¹

In addition, Temaril-P may react with some medications, including:

• Deracoxib: A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain and inflammation after surgery and inflammation associated with arthritis.³
• Carprofen: Another NSAID used to treat pain and inflammation due to joint diseases like arthritis and hip dysplasia.
• Anti-diarrheals: Medication used to treat diarrhea in dogs.
• Furosemide: A diuretic used to treat edema — or swelling — by removing excess fluid from the body, making dogs urinate more frequently.⁴
• Phenobarbital: A medication used to control seizures in dogs.⁵

Tell your veterinarian about any medications, vitamins, and supplements your dog is currently taking that may affect whether they should take Temaril-P. Additionally, you should never use this medication without consulting your veterinarian. Even if your dog has a prescription, you should ensure that any new itching or coughing isn't a symptom of an underlying medical condition.

Additionally, some dogs may be allergic to Temaril-P, so monitoring your pet after giving them a new medication is crucial to ensure they won't have any adverse reactions.

If your dog consumes too much Temaril-P or you accidentally give them a second dose, contact your vet as soon as possible. Signs of overdose include excessive lethargy, difficulty walking, muscle tremors, and seizures.⁶

How To Administer Temaril-P

Temaril-P for dogs is an oral tablet that should be given with food to reduce stomach irritation.¹ When given once a day, it's usually given in the morning. However, dogs usually take two doses a day with food.¹ You should never skip doses because it can cause your dog's itchy skin or cough to return. In addition, you shouldn't stop giving Temaril-P to your dog without consulting your veterinarian.

The dosage for Temaril-P varies depending on the dog's weight. However, dogs up to 10 pounds usually receive ½ tablet twice daily, while larger dogs receive one or more tablets twice daily.⁷

If you're having difficulty getting your dog to take a pill, you can hide it in wet food, peanut butter, or pill pockets. Unfortunately, not all dogs like taking medicine, so you should always check their mouths to ensure they've actually swallowed the pill.

Temaril-P is designed to be taken for four days before reducing the dosage.⁷ However, every dog is different, and the dosage should be adjusted until the symptoms subside. You should never abruptly stop giving your dog Temaril-P because serious side effects can occur. Steroid withdrawal is possible with any medication that contains prednisolone or another corticosteroid in humans and dogs. Instead, you must slowly wean your dog off Temaril-P according to your vet's instructions.

Withdrawal symptoms include:

• Lethargy
• Weakness
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea and vomiting⁸

Consult a vet as soon as possible if you notice these signs after reducing your dog's medication.

Temaril-P Alternatives

Remember, Temaril-P is not a cure. Instead, it can help manage the symptoms of itchy skin and coughing due to various underlying health issues and allergies. However, Temaril-P isn't right for all dogs. If your dog suffers from itchy skin but can't take Temaril-P, there are alternatives, such as:

• Apoquel: Apoquel is a Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitor used to treat allergic skin disorders in dogs by targeting inflammation. Many dogs experience relief in symptoms after a single dose, and it can be used to treat skin allergies, flea allergies, food allergies, and contact allergies. In addition, it has been proven to be just as effective as steroids in reducing skin inflammation due to dermatitis.⁹
• Cytopoint: Cytopoint is a biological therapy used to treat atopic dermatitis in dogs and works by delivering antibodies that target proteins in the dog's body that cause itchiness.¹⁰ This treatment is an injection with effects lasting up to 8 weeks.¹⁰ Unfortunately, it's a higher cost than other treatment options, and some dogs may be resistant to monthly injections.
• Flea and tick preventatives: Dogs can be allergic to flea and tick saliva, resulting in itchy skin. Flea and tick preventatives like Credelio are designed to eliminate fleas and prevent infestations. Credelio lasts a full month and begins killing fleas within two to four hours of administration. Prevention is the best treatment, and giving your dog monthly flea and tick preventatives can help treat and prevent itchy skin due to fleas and ticks.
• Dietary changes: Itchy skin is often the most common and noticeable sign of food allergies in dogs. Unfortunately, diagnosing a dog with food allergies can be challenging because dogs can be allergic to everything from dust to an ingredient in their treats. However, if your vet suspects a food allergy, they'll put your dog on an elimination diet to rule out the ingredient causing the symptoms.
• Antihistamines: If Temaril-P for dogs doesn't sound appealing because it contains a steroid, you might try using just antihistamines. Benadryl and prednisolone don't interact, but your dog may not need an antihistamine-corticosteroid combination drug. Instead, taking Benadryl every day might be enough to curb their symptoms. Of course, always consult a vet before giving your dog any medicine, especially those designed for humans.

FAQs

How long does Temaril-P take to work?

Temaril-P is a fast-acting medication that usually begins to work within 1-2 hours after administration, with another dose every twelve hours for dogs for four or five days, depending on your vet's recommendations. It's important to remember that Temaril-P is not a long-term medication for dogs' allergy symptoms. Instead, it can reduce or eliminate symptoms of itchy skin and cough from various underlying issues. However, if you don't treat the underlying cause of the symptom, they can return.

For example, if your dog suffers from allergies, they may require long-term allergy medication for dogs to reduce their symptoms while making them more comfortable.

What to do if you forget a dose?

Talk to your vet about what to do if you miss a dose. You can usually give your dog the next dose at the correct time and return to the regular schedule. If your dog takes Temaril-P only once per day, you can give them their medication as soon as you remember and return to regular dosing the next day.

It's crucial to avoid giving your dog two doses at once because it can cause an overdose. Instead, if you're unsure whether you gave your dog their first dose, skip it and resume the next dose at the regular time to prevent potentially serious complications.

How long can my dog take Temaril-P?

Temaril-P is usually prescribed for a few days to a week, depending on the dog's symptoms and severity. Long-term use can increase the risk of infection, GI issues, and ulcers, so if your dog's symptoms return, consult your vet for the next steps. Never give your dog Temaril-P for an extended period of time because the steroid suppresses the immune response, which can increase your dog's risk of illness. Instead, if your dog's symptoms return, talk to your vet about other treatments for itchy skin.

After around four to five days of use, your vet will instruct you on how to wean your dog off the medication to prevent adverse reactions and steroid withdrawal.

Final Notes

Temaril-P for dogs is a powerful medication that can reduce itchy skin and coughing. A combination of an antihistamine and steroid, this medication can relieve your dog's symptoms quickly and improve their quality of life. Unfortunately, this medication isn't right for all dogs.

Try Dutch veterinary telemedicine today to talk to a vet about your dog's itchy skin and learn if Temaril-P is right for them.