How Often Can You Give Your Dog Zyrtec?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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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. Clemastine (Tavist-1, Antihist-1): 0.02mg per pound (one 1.34mg tablet per 65lb dog) twice daily.

How many hours apart Can I give my dog Zyrtec?

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.)

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.

Can I give my dog Zyrtec once a day?

Correct Dosage Of Zyrtec For Dogs

Generally,

one tablet a day is safe for dogs to take

, but the amount can vary greatly depending on your dog’s size and symptoms.

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’.

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

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.

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)

.

Should I give my dog Benadryl or Zyrtec?

Alternatives to Benadryl for dogs.


Both cetirizine (Zyrtec) and loratadine (Claritin) are considered safe for dogs in the right dosage

. However, they are also frequently combined with other ingredients like decongestants, which can hurt your dog. Always consult with a vet before giving your dog any new medication.

Can Zyrtec hurt dogs?

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®), cetirizine (Zyrtec®), and loratadine (Claritin®) are commonly used antihistamines that relieve allergy symptoms or counteract allergic reactions. Antihistamines are

usually safe but can make some dogs drowsy and others hyperactive

.

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.

How many 10mg Zyrtec Can I give my dog?

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.

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 dogs take allergy pills for 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.

How long does Zyrtec take to work?

The onset of effect occurs

within 20 minutes in 50% of people and within an hour in 95%

. Effects persist for at least 24 hours following a single dose of Zyrtec.

Can dogs take Zyrtec and Apoquel together?

While

it is safe to give these two medications together

I’d check in with your vet before proceeding to make sure it is safe for Izzie specifically. Also, it may not be necessary to add in an antihistamine if the Apoquel is doing it’s job.

What do vets prescribe for dog allergies?


Cytopoint injections and Apoquel (oral)

are two popular medication options that provide long-lasting skin allergy relief. They are available only by prescription from a veterinarian who can determine whether either treatment is right for your pet.

Does Zyrtec help with pet 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.

What is the difference between Zyrtec and Benadryl?

A main difference between Benadryl and Zyrtec is that

Zyrtec tends to cause less drowsiness and sedation than Benadryl

. Both Benadryl and Zyrtec are available in generic form and over-the-counter (OTC).

Can Zyrtec be taken every day?


Zyrtec (cetirizine) is safe to take every day if you have allergy symptoms on a daily basis

. If you don’t have allergy symptoms every day, you can take it as needed on days when these symptoms bother you.

What is the difference between Zyrtec and Zyrtec-D?

The main difference between Zyrtec and Zyrtec-D is that

Zyrtec-D contains the decongestant pseudoephedrine

. Also known by its brand name, Sudafed, pseudoephedrine works by shrinking blood vessels to reduce swelling and congestion in the nasal passages. Zyrtec is the brand name for cetirizine.

How can I treat my dogs skin allergy at home?

  1. Dealing With Irritants. If your pup suddenly gets itchy, it’s best to investigate any recent changes in its life. …
  2. Baking Soda for Itchy Dog. …
  3. Coconut Oil. …
  4. Apple Cider Vinegar for Dogs’ Skin. …
  5. Herbal Tea Soaks. …
  6. Colloidal Oatmeal Baths. …
  7. Aloe Vera. …
  8. Plain Unflavored Yogurt.

Is there an alternative for 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 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.
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.