Antihistamine with steroids

Hi, I am looking for confirmation as to whether antihistamines (Piriton) are safe to combine with steroids. I am struggling to determine whether antihistamine is classed as an anti-inflamatory or not, hence unsure whether it is safe or not. My dog has chronic rhinitis and is on a long term low dose of tablet steroid supported by inhaled steroids. I would like to add in a daily (or alternate daily) antihistamine to see if this will also improve the remaining symptoms as I have read several articles suggesting it can be effective. My vet simply says not to bother as it is only effective in very rate cases and thinks it would not be worth it but has never clarified whether or not it is a safe longterm drug combination.

Hello!  It sounds as though you have sought veterinary advice on this matter already.  There is an ethical concern in my answering your question as your vet obviously knows and is responsible for the health of your dog, which I am not - and it sounds as though they have advised you not to give anti histamine.  You will appreciate that the purpose of this site is not to provide a go-to place for when you don't like the answer given to you by your responsible veterinary surgeon - after all, they are the ones responsible for any drugs that your dog is taking and further, they have actually met your dog and fully understand what is going on in their particular case. It sounds as though you have a direct question for them and I think that you ought to ask it directly and that your vet ought to answer it directly.   This is ethical, sensible and more likely to get an appropriate answer to the question in your case. Perhaps you could try: 1) what would be the advantages of giving this drug? 2) what would be the disadvantages? 3) why have I heard that it is a good idea to give it? I know that this isn't the answer you're looking for, but hopefully it gives you a good pointer as to what to do next. In general, antihistamines can be associated with side effects including excessive sleepiness and lethargy.  It is possible that a combination of the lethargy and the placebo effect is why vets in the past used to think that it may help to releive itching.  However, I do not have very current data in front of me.  Your vet will know more or else they can direct you to a skin expert who can help.