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.
How much cetirizine can I give my dog?
Cetirizine (Zyrtec) ¼ – ½ mg per pound (one 10mg tab per 30-40 lbs) twice daily.
Can I give my dog cetirizine everyday?
Cetirizine (Zyrtec): ¼ – ½ mg per pound (one 10mg tab per 30-40 lbs) twice daily. Loratadine (Claritin): ¼ 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.
Does cetirizine make dogs sleepy?
Some of the most common side effects include lethargy, vomiting, and salivating more than usual. As ever, if you notice signs of an allergic reaction, including hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing when administering any kind of medication to your dog, make sure to contact your veterinarian immediately.
Which antihistamine is best for dogs?
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.
What allergy pills can dogs take?
- 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.
What is side effect of cetirizine?
Cetirizine is classed as a non-drowsy antihistamine, but some people still find it makes them feel quite sleepy. Common side effects include headaches, dry mouth, feeling sick, dizziness and diarrhoea. Some brands of cetirizine come as capsules. These may contain soya oil.
What can you give a dog for severe itching?
What can you give a dog for severe itching? If your pet has severe itching, it is time to get them to the vet. However, for mild cases, giving them a soothing bath, antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), and an effective next-generation flea medication can all be a good place to start.
How long does cetirizine take to work?
Response and effectiveness. Peak concentrations are reached within one hour of administration of cetirizine tablets or syrup. 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 cetirizine.
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 dogs have antihistamines for itching?
Antihistamines are usually safe but can make some dogs drowsy and others hyperactive. OTC antihistamine preparations may contain other ingredients such as decongestants that are not safe for dogs.
Can I give my dog cetirizine for sneezing?
The active ingredient in Zyrtec is cetirizine. Cetirizine is an antihistamine commonly used to treat itchy skin in dogs. It’s a popular prescription for canines because most dogs tolerate the medication very well, and it doesn’t have the effect of leaving your pet sedated and lethargic.
Which is better for dogs Benadryl or Zyrtec?
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).
What are the side effects of antihistamines in dogs?
Side effects of antihistamines in dogs include drowsiness and lethargy. Some dogs also get diarrhea or nausea. A few will become excitable and nervous when given certain antihistamine medications.
How do vets treat allergies in dogs?
When strict flea control is not possible, or in cases of severe itching, your veterinarian may prescribe antihistamines or corticosteroids (steroids) to block the acute allergic reaction and give immediate relief. If a secondary bacterial infection is present, an appropriate antibiotic will be prescribed.
What can I give my dog for allergies at home?
Apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, or aloe vera can be put on the skin to calm any itching. A relaxing oatmeal bath can relieve itching, burning, and dry skin.
Is cetirizine used for itching?
Cetirizine is also used to treat itching and redness caused by hives. However, cetirizine does not prevent hives or other allergic skin reactions. Cetirizine is in a class of medications called antihistamines. It works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms.
Is cetirizine the same as Benadryl?
Zyrtec and Benadryl are brand names for cetirizine and diphenhydramine, respectively. Zyrtec and Benadryl are both antihistamines that block histamine receptors and provide allergy relief. Both products are available in brand and generic and in various formulations to suit multiple ages and patient preferences.
How many hours does cetirizine last?
A single 10 mg oral dose of cetirizine suppresses a histamine-induced wheal within 20 to 60 minutes, and this effect can last up to 24 hours.
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.
What do vets prescribe for skin 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.
What causes a dog to itch excessively?
Allergens that cause itching can be found in pollen, dander, plants or insects, among other things. Some of the symptoms of skin allergies in dos aside from itching include excessive grooming and licking as well as sneezing, rashes and inflammation of the skin.
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.
Is cetirizine an antibiotic?
Cetirizine is an antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose, itching eyes/nose, sneezing, hives, and itching. It works by blocking a certain natural substance (histamine) that your body makes during an allergic reaction.
What is the other name for cetirizine?
Cetirizine, also commonly known as Zyrtec, is an orally active second-generation histamine H1 antagonist proven effective in the treatment of various allergic symptoms, such as sneezing, coughing, nasal congestion, hives, and other symptoms 1, 2.