How Much Zyrtec Can I Give My Dog: Safe Dosage and Benefits
If your dog keeps scratching himself, sneezing or suffers from allergy-related discomfort, then your needs are quickly attended to. Well, if you are thinking of giving them Zyrtec (Cetirizine) to help with these symptoms, you’ve made the right call. So many dog owners with allergies rely on over-the-counter antihistamines such as Zyrtec for help with relief. How much Zyrtec can I give my dog?
Is it even the right choice for them? The right dosage of Zyrtec is what we will be covering in this guide as well as the benefits, and safety tips to ensure that you make an informed decision.
What is Zyrtec?
Humans commonly use Zyrtec to treat seasonal allergies, runny noses, and itchy skin because it’s an antihistamine. The main ingredient of it is Cetirizine, an ingredient that blocks the histamine that causes allergic reactions. Though created for humans, veterinarians increasingly prescribe Zyrtec for dogs as an allergy symptom reducer as well.
Can I Give My Dog Zyrtec for Allergies?
Zyrtec does help alleviate the symptoms your dog has from allergies (itching, hives, sneezing); yes. Like their humans, our dogs can be allergic to pollen, dust mites, and even, oddly, specific foodstuffs. Zyrtec might help if your dog is itching or is uncomfortable during allergy season. But, of course, always consult with your vet before treatment.
Zyrtec Dosage for Dogs
How Much Zyrtec Can I Give My Dog? The dosage of Zyrtec is based on size. A dog’s age, weight, general health, and overall health will determine what the right dose is. In general, you should give your dog 0.5 mg of Zyrtec per pound of body weight, but what your vet does is always easier! For example, a 20-pound dog would take one Zyrtec tablet (10 mg) per day.
How Much Zyrtec Can I Give My Dog?
How much is too much Zyrtec for a dog? Typical little to medium-sized dogs will take a standard safe dosage of 5-10 mg once per day, and larger dogs can take more, but under vet monitoring. Zyrtec-D (which contains pseudoephedrine and is not safe for dogs.)
Dog Allergy Relief with Zyrtec
Zyrtec relieves common allergy symptoms in dogs, such as itching, watery eyes, and sneezing. While it’s great for most dogs, be sure to watch your dog carefully in case he isn’t as responsive to this treatment.
Zyrtec for Dogs Side Effects
How Much Zyrtec Can I Give My Dog? There are side effects, as with any medication. Side effects of Zyrtec do include some drowsiness, dry mouth, and in rare cases, urine retention. If there is anything unusual going on or symptoms start to present themselves, stop administering Zyrtec and call your veterinarian.
How Much Cetirizine Can Dogs Take?
How Much Zyrtec Can I Give My Dog? Zyrtec (cetirizine) is the active ingredient and dosage depends on the dog’s weight. In general, 0.5 mg per bound is given to the dogs. That being said, it means that a 50-pound dog would need around 25mg per day of cetirizine. For small dogs, always double-check, especially with your vet, to make sure it is the exact amount you stated.
Zyrtec Antihistamine for Dogs
Zyrtec is a drug commonly recommended for dogs as it has a lower risk for side effects than other medications. Zyrtec is the preferred drug of many vets over Benadryl because they aren’t sleepy and work for longer.
Zyrtec for Itchy Dog Skin
That’s one of the reasons pet owners turn to Zyrtec to treat dogs with itchy skin. Relentless scratching can cause sores or infections as an allergic reaction. When used correctly, Zyrtec can help calm your dog’s skin irritation and reduce itching in and around your dog’s mouth.
Veterinarian-Approved Zyrtec Dosage for Dogs
Before giving your dog Zyrtec, consult a veterinarian to get approval on giving it to your dog, your dog’s size, breed, and health conditions will determine the dosage. Always never guess the dosage yourself and don’t over or under-dose your pet.
When Not to Give Zyrtec to Your Dog
Available in oral form, Zyrtec is contra-indicated for dogs with kidney problems, or that take other meds that may conflict. Zyrtec can be administered, but it’s best to wait and ask your vet if your dog is pregnant, nursing, or has medical issues.
Alternatives to Zyrtec for Dogs
Other antihistamines, such as Benadryl or Claritin might be better for your dog if Zyrtec isn’t the right choice. Natural remedies, such as omega-3 fatty acids or coconut oil can also help with skin health, as well as reduce allergy symptoms in the dog.
Conclusion
When used correctly, Zyrtec can be a safe and effective way for your dog’s allergies. As always, never give any medication without consulting with your veterinarian first. With the right dosage, you can help your dog recover and get back to that happy, tail-wagging self.
Can I give my dog 10 mg of Zyrtec?
Atopic dermatitis: can be given every 24 hours, allergy symptoms: can be given every 12 hours. Here’s the recommended Zyrtec dosage for dogs based on their weight: For less than 10 pounds, 2.5 milligrams (half of a 5-milligram pill or a quarter of a 10-milligram pill), 10 to 50 pounds, one 10 milligram tablet.
Is Benadryl or Zyrtec better for dogs?
A convenient dosing schedule is likely the reason why Zyrtec has now become the new first-line drug for dog allergy. This year in general our clients are having a much higher response using antihistamines than we have been with Benedryl.
What happens if my dog takes too much Zyrtec?
An overdose of cetirizine can cause signs including hyperactivity, agitation, vomiting, sleepiness, dilation of pupils, diarrhea, and or increased heart rate (tachycardia). Serious overdoses of cetirizine products that contain pseudoephedrine (e.g., Zyrtec-D) are possible.
How fast does Zyrtec work on dogs?
Zyrtec binds to histamine receptors, so the chemicals can’t do what they want. It doesn’t happen quickly, but it doesn’t take all day. According to the Zyrtec website, the medication should take about one hour to work for dogs.