Can I Give My Dog Zyrtec Instead Of Benadryl?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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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.

Can you give dogs Zyrtec for 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 much Zyrtec can I give my dog?

The standard Zyrtec dose for dogs is generally

0.5mg per pound of body weight, not exceeding 20 mg per day

. For example, a 20 pound dog should receive 10mg of Zyrtec for their once daily dose.

How much Zyrtec can I give my dog for itching?

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.)

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

.

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.

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.

Can I give my dog Zyrtec every day?

Zyrtec (cetirizine) or Claritin (loratadine)

can be given once to twice daily

. The adult tablets are both 10mg. Dogs under 10 pounds should get no more than 5mg, or 1⁄2 of a tablet. Those weighing 10-50 pounds should get 10mg, and heavy dogs (over 50 pounds) can take up to 20mg.

What is the best antihistamine for dog allergies?

Best allergy medicine for pet allergies
Claritin (loratadine)


10 mg orally once per day

Get coupon
Allegra (fexofenadine) 180 mg orally once per day, or 60 mg twice per day Get coupon Zyrtec (cetirizine) 5 mg and 10 mg tablets (also available as a syrup and chewable) Get coupon

Is Zyrtec toxic to dogs?

Do not give your dog Zyrtec-D because it contains pseudoephedrine, which is

highly toxic to dogs

.

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.

Can dogs have antihistamines for itching?

If your pet’s skin is damaged or inflamed, we may administer a low dose of corticosteroids.

We can also prescribe antihistamines if the allergy is seasonal

. Once the offending allergen disappears from the environment, your dog will no longer need to take the antihistamines.

Can you cut Zyrtec in half?

Do not crush or chew extended-release tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Also,

do not split the tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so

. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing.

What allergy medicine is safe 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.

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.

Is there an alternative to Apoquel for dogs?


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.

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

  1. Apple Cider Vinegar.
  2. Oatmeal Bath.
  3. Coconut Oil.
  4. Epsom Salt Bath.
  5. Calendula.
  6. Aloe Vera.
  7. Baking Soda.
  8. Proper Diet.

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.

Sophia Kim
Author
Sophia Kim
Sophia Kim is a food writer with a passion for cooking and entertaining. She has worked in various restaurants and catering companies, and has written for several food publications. Sophia's expertise in cooking and entertaining will help you create memorable meals and events.