Can dogs take 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.
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How much Zyrtec can I give my dog for itching?

Cetirizine (Zyrtec) ¼ - ½ mg per pound (one 10mg tab per 30-40 lbs) twice daily.
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How many Zyrtec can I give my dog?

Zyrtec comes in 5 and 10 milligram (mg) tablets. Only use plain Zyrtec (cetirizine) and avoid use of Zyrtec-D due to potentially serious side effects. The dose for dogs is approximately 0.5 mg per pound, or 0.5 mg/lb, 1-2 times per day, not to exceed 20 mg per dose.
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Can I give human Zyrtec to a dog?

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.
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Which antihistamine is best for itching in dogs?

Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine that tends to be effective for treating itchy skin. It's also useful in the treatment of acute allergic reactions to bites, stings and vaccinations. Dosing depends on the individual dog and must be recommended by a veterinarian.
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Zyrtec For Dogs With Allergies



Is Benadryl 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).
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What to do for a dog that itches all the time?

How to Treat Your Dog's Itchy Skin
  1. Over-the-counter shampoos and oils. Most topical treatments only provide temporary relief and don't get to the root of the problem. ...
  2. Antihistamines. ...
  3. Prescription steroids.
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How long does it take for Zyrtec to work in dogs?

This medication will take effect quickly, in about 1 to 2 hours, and improvement of your pet's signs should follow.
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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.
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Can I give my dog 10 mg of 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.)
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Can dogs have Zyrtec daily?

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.
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Is Zyrtec or Apoquel better for dogs?

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.
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What over-the-counter allergy medicine is safe for dogs?

Other antihistamines safe for dogs
  • Cetirizine. 1 milligram per kilogram of body weight or 10 to 20 milligrams per dog, once or twice per day.
  • Clemastine. 0.1 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, two times per day.
  • Chlorpheniramine. Dogs under 20 kilograms. ...
  • Cyproheptadine. ...
  • Fexofenadine. ...
  • Hydroxyzine. ...
  • Terfenadine. ...
  • Trimeprazine.
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Can I give my dog Zyrtec in the morning and Benadryl at night?

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.
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What effect does Zyrtec have on dogs?

Zyrtec is an antihistamine medicine, which means it works by controlling the amount of histamine in the dog's body. This, in turn, lessens the degree of itchiness or swelling that the animal might be experiencing.
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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.”
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What can I give my dog orally for itchy skin?

Here are a few common supplements recommended by veterinarians.
  • Fish Oil. The Omega-3 fats found in fish oil help reduce inflammation, which can lessen the intensity of many allergies. ...
  • Coconut Oil. Coconut oil can improve many skin conditions including itchiness and dryness. ...
  • Digestive Enzymes. ...
  • Quercetin. ...
  • Yucca.
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Why is my dog constantly scratching and biting himself?

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.
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Why is my dog so itchy but has no fleas?

If your dog is still itching, but he doesn't have fleas or a food allergy, he may have some environmental allergies to things like pollen or dander. A nutrition change may not do much in the way of relief, but your veterinarian may recommend a therapeutic food to improve your dog's skin health.
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Can dogs have 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.
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Is there an over the counter equivalent to Apoquel?

Antihistamines. An antihistamine is rarely a viable alternative to Apoquel but it might help decrease the amount of oclacitinib needed to control a dog's itch. Over-the-counter medications like Benadryl, Zyrtec and Allegra are great because they're cheap and easy to get without a prescription.
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Can I buy Apoquel without a vet prescription?

Apoquel is not available over the counter. You cannot buy Apoquel without presenting a valid prescription from your vet.
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What is the generic for Apoquel?

Oclacitinib (brand name Apoquel) is a veterinary medication used in the control of atopic dermatitis and pruritus from allergic dermatitis in dogs at least 12 months of age. Chemically, it is a synthetic cyclohexylamino pyrrolopyrimidine janus kinase inhibitor that is relatively selective for JAK1.
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How much Zyrtec can I give my 90 lb dog?

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 ½ of a tablet. Those weighing 10-50 pounds should get 10mg, and heavy dogs (over 50 pounds) can take up to 20mg.
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Is there a 5 mg Zyrtec?

Drug class: Antihistamines

ZYRTEC is available as 5 mg and 10 mg tablets, 1 mg/mL syrup, and 5 mg and 10 mg chewable tablets which can be taken with or without water.
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