Can I Give My Dog Over The Counter Zyrtec?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Yes, you can give your dog Zyrtec

. In fact, Zyrtec is one of the safest over-the-counter medications for dogs. It is an excellent first-aid choice and has wide safety margins – it is not likely to cause any issues even if given in large doses. Zyrtec is the brand name for the antihistamine cetirizine hydrochloride.

Can I give my dog OTC Zyrtec?

Can Dogs Take Zyrtec?

Yes, Zyrtec can be a safe and effective antihistamine for pups

. Vets recommend approximately 0.5 mg per pound of body weight, given once to twice daily.

What kind of Zyrtec is safe for dogs?

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.)

What over-the-counter allergy medicine is best for dogs?

The most common antihistamine for dogs is

diphenhydramine, brand name Benadryl

. Also found in ProSense Dog Itch & Allergy Solutions Tablets, diphenhydramine is safe in most dogs if given in the recommended dosage of 1 mg of diphenhydramine per pound of body weight given by mouth.

Does Zyrtec help dogs with 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

. Its use is in cats and dogs is ‘off label’ or ‘extra label’.

How long does it take for Zyrtec to work on dogs?

If you provide the proper amount, your dog will be less likely to experience those unfavorable side effects from the medication. Zyrtec will act quickly once your dog digests it, and within

1-2 hours

you should be able to see signs of improvement.

What can I give my dogs for allergies?


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.

What is the best anti itch medicine for dogs?

  • Healers Hot Spot Relief Hydrocortisone Dog & Cat Ointment. …
  • Vet’s Best Moisture Mist Conditioner for Dogs. …
  • Vetnique Labs Dermabliss Hydrocortisone Spray Anti-Itch & Allergy Relief Soothing Medicated Dog & Cat Spray. …
  • Dr. …
  • Wondercide Skin Tonic Itch + Allergy Relief Dog & Cat Spray.

Which antihistamine is best for dogs?

Also recommended as an antihistamine for dogs is

clemastine fumarate

. It is one of the most effective antihistamines for dogs that suffer from itchy skin.

Is Zyrtec the same as Apoquel?

The reason for this is Zyrtec is rather low-risk, however,

it’s not as effective as the drug Apoquel

. Zyrtec’s main issue is that it’s an antihistamine which studies have found to only help about 30% of dogs with 25% of them having adverse reactions.

Why is my dog constantly scratching and biting himself?

Parasites. Among the most common causes for compulsive dog licking, chewing, or scratching behaviors are

fleas, ticks, and mites

. Although ticks are often visible to the naked eye, fleas often go unseen until there is a large infestation, and mites are microscopic.

What home remedy can I use to stop my dog from itching?

  1. Colloidal Oatmeal Baths.
  2. Apple Cider Vinegar.
  3. Coconut Oil.
  4. Chamomile and Green Tea Soaks.
  5. Aloe Vera.
  6. Baking Soda.
  7. Diet.

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.”

Can dogs take Zyrtec and Benadryl together?

Both are antihistamines and giving them together may cause stronger side effects.

It is NOT recommended

. Give one or the other based on your dog’s weight and only under the advice of your veterinarian.

What’s the side effects of Zyrtec?

  • drowsiness,
  • fatigue,
  • tired feeling,
  • dizziness,
  • dry mouth,
  • sore throat,
  • cough,
  • nausea,

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.

How can I relieve my dogs itching from allergies?


A medicated shampoo or soothing bath containing colloidal oatmeal and aloe vera

can help relieve itchiness for your pet. Aloe contains acemannan (a glycoprotein), which provides relief from itching and inflammation.

What is a substitute for Apoquel?


Yucca and quercetin

are also great natural alternatives to Apoquel. Yucca has an effect similar to steroid drugs without the harmful side effects. Quercetin is a plant derivative that acts as a natural antihistamine and is a great option for dogs whose itching is reduced by Benadryl.

Is Apoquel the same as Benadryl?

This ingredient works to prevent and curb the inflammatory reaction, particularly for the itching sensation. The main difference between Apoquel and Benadryl, among other allergy medications for dogs, is that

it is distinctly an Immunomodulator rather than an antihistamine

.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.