Can I Give My Dog Zyrtec For Skin Allergies?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Zyrtec is an over-the-counter human allergy medication

sometimes given to dogs with atopic dermatitis or mild to moderate environmental allergies

. Vets may suggest Zyrtec as a course of action for dogs who scratch excessively, are sensitive to insect bites, or have dermatitis.

How much Zyrtec can I give my dog for itching?

Zyrtec Dosage for Dogs

For Allergy Symptoms –

0.5 mg per pound of body weight every 12 hours

. For Insect Bites/Stings – 0.5 mg per pound of body weight as first-aid.

Can I give my dog Zyrtec for itchy skin?

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’

.

Is human Zyrtec safe for dogs?

Antihistamines. 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 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).

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 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 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.

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 I give my dog Zyrtec and Apoquel?

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 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 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 much Zyrtec can I give my 20 lb 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 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.

What can you do for a dog with itchy skin?


Oatmeal is an age-old remedy for our dry, itchy skin

that happens to be safe for use on our canine friends too! In fact, most doggy hypoallergenic shampoos include oatmeal as an active ingredient to soothe and fight irritation. Start by grinding plain oatmeal into a powder to sprinkle in your dog’s warm bath.

How can I treat my dogs dermatitis at home?


Avocado Oil

is one of the natural remedies for atopic dermatitis in dogs which encourages skin fiber (referred to as collagen) production, as well as contains plant-based, natural steroids called sterolins.

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.

What do skin allergies look like in dogs?


Excessive licking

.

Face rubbing

.

Hives or targeted swelling—especially ears, eye area, flaps of ears and face

.

Itchiness—especially at armpits, ears, feet, flanks and groin

.

Is there a substitute 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.

Which is better Apoquel or Benadryl?

Not only is it safe, but it also doesn’t need a hefty dosage to be effective. Essentially your dog can use it and stop it without any withdrawal symptoms. If your furry friend has any long-standing allergies that affect them occasionally or throughout the year, then

Apoquel is by far the better option

.

Is there an over the counter Apoquel?

Apoquel is

not available over the counter

. You cannot buy Apoquel without presenting a valid prescription from your vet.

Rebecca Patel
Author
Rebecca Patel
Rebecca is a beauty and style expert with over 10 years of experience in the industry. She is a licensed esthetician and has worked with top brands in the beauty industry. Rebecca is passionate about helping people feel confident and beautiful in their own skin, and she uses her expertise to create informative and helpful content that educates readers on the latest trends and techniques in the beauty world.