How Long Can I Give My Dog Zyrtec

Zyrtec is a common medication for allergic reactions. It can also be used to control symptoms of asthma, hay fever, and other allergies. It is a type of antihistamine that decreases the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body.

Zyrtec can be given to dogs with allergies or other conditions that cause itching and sneezing, but it should only be given at the direction of your veterinarian. Side effects in dogs are rare, but some may include vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite or hair loss.

Can I give my dog Zyrtec every day?

Never give your dog Zyrtec-D. The “D” stands for pseudoephedrine, which is used to deal with congestion in humans. However, it can have lethal consequences if given to a dog. It overstimulates their central nervous system and heart, causing canine seizures, heart failure, and potentially death.^[1]

How long should a dog take Zyrtec?

Dosage. Zyrtec comes in 5 and 10-milligram tablets and can be given either every 24 hours for atopic dermatitis or every 12 hours for allergy symptoms. The 10 mg pills are okay for dogs between 10 and 50 lbs, though 5-10 lb dogs should only take half (or a 5-mg tablet.)^[2]

How often can I give my dog Zyrtec for allergies?

Zyrtec comes in 5 and 10 milligram (mg) tablets. Only use plain Zyrtec (cetirizine) and avoid use of Zyrtec-D due to potentially serious side effects. The dose for dogs is approximately 0.5 mg per pound, or 0.5 mg/lb, 1-2 times per day, not to exceed 20 mg per dose.^[3]

Can dogs take allergy medicine everyday?

For Dogs: Allergy Meds You can give your dog Benadryl (diphenhydramine) 2-3 times daily at 1mg per pound of body weight. For instance, a 12-pound dog can receive 12mg, which is equal to one children’s Benadryl or ½ an adult dose. A 50-pound dog would need 50mg, or two adult Benadryl. Benadryl may cause drowsiness.^[4]

Will Zyrtec help my dogs itching?

Cetirizine (brand name Zyrtec®, Reactine®) is an antihistamine used to treat pruritus (itching) associated with atopic dermatitis, urticaria (hives), and insect-bite reactions in cats and dogs.^[5]

Does Zyrtec help with dog allergies?

Pet allergy relief When you can’t live without your pet, a medicine for dog and cat allergies can help control your pet allergy symptoms. ZYRTEC® starts working at hour 1 and stays strong day after day, so you can reduce your cat and dog allergy symptoms.^[6]

How long can a dog take antihistamines?

If your dog is prescribed antihistamines you will need to try them for 2-3 weeks to see if it helps. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to stop giving it to your dog and try another until you find one that works, following the advice of your vet.^[7]

How long can you take Zyrtec?

See your doctor if your mild allergy symptoms have not improved after three days of treatment with Zyrtec, or if your hives persist for more than six weeks despite taking Zyrtec. Discontinue Zyrtec once your allergy symptoms have resolved.^[8]

Which antihistamine is best for dogs?

Benadryl is a great medication for use in dogs with mild-to-moderate allergies. Seasonal allergies, food allergies, environmental allergies, and allergic reactions to snake and insect bites all respond to Benadryl in most cases.^[9]

Is Claritin or Zyrtec better for dogs?

Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is the most popular antihistamine for humans and can be effective for dogs as well. Just be aware that Benadryl has sedative properties, so your dog could get very drowsy. Other safe antihistamines for dogs include Claritin (loratadine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine).^[10]

Is Zyrtec or Apoquel better for dogs?

Zyrtec is a popular second-generation antihistamine first prescribed to people. However, more and more veterinarians have started prescribing it to dogs in pain with pruritus caused by allergic dermatitis. The reason for this is Zyrtec is rather low-risk, however, it’s not as effective as the drug Apoquel.^[11]

What’s the side effects of Zyrtec?

drowsiness, tiredness;. dizziness, feeling light-headed;. feeling hot, sweating;. numbness, tingling, burning pain;. decreased sense of taste;. headache;. upset stomach, nausea, constipation; or. dry mouth, sore throat.^[12]