How Much Zyrtec Can You Give A 20 Pound Dog?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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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 25 pound dog?

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl): 1mg per pound (one 25mg tablet for a 25lb dog) twice daily. Cetirizine (Zyrtec)

1⁄4 – 1⁄2 mg per pound

(one 10mg tab per 30-40 lbs) twice daily.

How much Zyrtec can I give my 10 lb dog?

Side effects tend to be minimal, although some pets do become drowsy. The dosing schedule is also much more convenient, with

dogs weighing over 10 lbs getting a single 10mg tablet once daily

. Dogs weighing less than 10 lbs can have half of a 10mg tablet once daily.

What can a 20 pound dog take for allergies?

Benadryl dosage for dogs.

According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, the safe dosage is 2-4 milligrams of medication per kilogram of weight, or

0.9 to 1.8 milligrams per pound

. This amount can be administered two to three times daily, depending on your dog’s symptoms.

How much Zyrtec can dogs have?

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.

Is Zyrtec or Benadryl 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).

Can you give a dog Zyrtec for itching?


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.

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

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

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 antihistamine for dog allergies?

Best allergy medicine for pet allergies
Claritin (loratadine)


10 mg orally once per day

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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

What if I give my dog too much Zyrtec?

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

.

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 can you give a dog for severe itching?

  • Coconut oil.
  • Oatmeal baths.
  • Apple cider vinegar and water mix.
  • Chamomile and green tea soak.
  • Baking soda and water paste.
  • Aloe vera gel.

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.

What can I give my dog for allergies and itching?


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 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 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 human medicine can you give a dog for allergies?

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 are signs of dog allergies?

  • Sneezing.
  • Runny nose.
  • Itchy, red or watery eyes.
  • Nasal congestion.
  • Itchy nose, roof of mouth or throat.
  • Postnasal drip.
  • Cough.
  • Facial pressure and pain.

Can you give dogs Zyrtec or Claritin?

Cetirizine (Zyrtec): 1⁄4 – 1⁄2 mg per pound (one 10mg tab per 30-40 lbs) twice daily. Loratadine (Claritin): 1⁄4 mg per pound (half of a 10mg tablet per 20 lbs) once daily. twice daily. Dogs > 60 lbs: 50mg PER POUND of combined EPA and DHA daily.

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.

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.