Can a Dog Take Zyrtec
Zyrtec is a medication that is used to treat allergies. There are some side effects to this drug, so it’s important to know if your dog can take it.
Zyrtec is not safe for dogs because of the potential side effects, but there are other medications that can be given to them instead.
How much Zyrtec can I give my dog?
Zyrtec Dosing & Guidelines 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.[1]
Does Zyrtec work for 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.[2]
Is Benadryl 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).[3]
What does Zyrtec do for dogs?
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.[4]
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.[5]
Does Zyrtec make dogs sleepy?
The most common side effect of using Zyrtec for dogs is drowsiness. It’s still relatively rare, but it can occur when your dog is just starting to take the medication, or if the dosage is too high. Smaller dog breeds are more susceptible to this side effect.[6]
Is Claritin or Zyrtec better for pet allergies?
Antihistamines for mild pet allergies For example, a person with mild allergies may do well with Claritin. Another person with more severe allergies may do better with Zyrtec. However, Dr. Qamar says that although Zyrtec may be more effective in some patients, “around 10% of people can become sleepy with it.”[7]
How much Zyrtec can a 60 pound dog have?
Cetirizine (Zyrtec) ¼ – ½ mg per pound (one 10mg tab per 30-40 lbs) twice daily. Loratadine (Claritin): ¼ mg per pound (half of a 10mg tablet per 20 lbs) once daily. Clemastine (Tavist-1, Antihist-1): 0.02mg per pound (one 1.34mg tablet per 65lb dog) twice daily.[8]
Can I give my dog human allergy pills?
Over-the-counter allergy meds like Claritin can be used in dogs, too, but ask with your vet for doses. And yes, just like humans, some antihistamines can cause drowsiness or hyperactivity in pets, so be sure to safeguard them from injuries.[9]
What is the best allergy medicine for dog allergies?
Your doctor might recommend: Antihistamines, which block the effects of a chemical that triggers dog allergy symptoms; they’re sold over the counter — like cetirizine (Zyrtec), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), fexofenadine (Allegra), and loratadine (Claritin) — or by prescription.[10]
What to do for a dog that itches all the time?
Over-the-counter shampoos and oils. Treatments like coconut oil and itch-relief shampoos only provide temporary relief. Antihistamines. Prescription steroids.[11]
What can I give my dog for itching?
If your pet has severe itching, it is time to get them to the vet. However, for mild cases, giving them a soothing bath, antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), and an effective next-generation flea medication can all be a good place to start.[12]
