The Zyrtec medication comes in tablet form and is usually given orally, though there are also chewable tablets and liquid alternatives available.As with any medication, you should always talk to your vet before giving Zyrtec to your dog to make sure it is the right course of treatment for them. Some dogs may only require a single dose daily while others may need multiple doses throughout the day.Zyrtec is designed to help dogs with allergies, and it has been a huge success. However, some dog owners are still wondering: can dogs have Zyrtec? Is it safe? In this blog post, we will answer those questions and more!Zyrtec or cetirizine is an antihistamine that decreases the impact of the body’s natural chemical called histamine in humans. Histamine can produce allergy symptoms of runny nose, watery or itchy eyes, excessive itching, atopic dermatitis, and sneezing. Zyrtec or cetirizine is given to humans, both children and adults to treat these allergy symptoms or colds. Zyrtec is also given to treat swelling and itching due to chronic urticaria or hives. Zyrtec or cetirizine in veterinary medicine is known to reduce allergy symptoms like sneezing, coughing, irritated skin, swelling, and itchy skin for dogs and cats. To find out the correct dosage of Zyrtec medication for your dog it is always advised to visit your local veterinarian.Why give Zyrtec instead of other medication?Zyrtec or cetirizine is an over-the-counter prescription medication safe for dogs and can be used long-term if needed. Other medications, such as corticosteroids, can have serious side effects if given long-term.Allergy management in pets is very important because in severe cases of allergic reactions in dogs it can trigger a life-threatening health condition called anaphylactic shock. Even in non-life-threatening cases, allergic reactions need to be managed.Skin conditions in canines are quite common. When the skin’s protective barrier in a pup is damaged, their entire body becomes susceptible to ailments and infections. Most of these skin condition starts with an allergy. The most common allergy is flea allergy dermatitis which leads to scabbing and itching due to the dog’s allergic hypersensitivity to the flea’s saliva.Hypersensitivity to any indoor or environmental allergen leads to atopic dermatitis. It causes itching and can easily lead to generalized dermatitis. Hot spots, mites, and hives can all cause skin allergies in a pup. Mites or Mange is generally caused by two kinds of mites, Demodex or scabies.Zyrtec or cetirizine is an antihistamine, which means it helps to reduce the symptoms or signs of allergic reactions. It does this by blocking histamine, a chemical that is released in response to allergens. Although other medications can be great, Zyrtec for dogs is highly effective. Zyrtec is usually well-tolerated by dogs. However, not all prescriptions that have Zyrtec will be right for your pet.Does Zyrtec work for dog allergies?Yes, Zyrtec is an effective medication for dog allergies. It helps to block histamine receptors, which reduces the symptoms or signs of allergy attacks.Zyrtec or cetirizine for dogs is used off-label in veterinary medicine. This means that it is safe for the health of pups and cats, but not approved to use for pets by the FDA. Make sure that your vet has access to your pup’s medical history and knows about any other medication your pup is on. Zyrtec will be available in your local pharmacy or drug store.The correct Zyrtec dosage for your dog is calculated by the body weight of your pet. For humans, the Zyrtec dosage is labeled as once-daily, and also once-daily for dogs. For small breeds of dogs, pill cutters can be used to cut the tablet into half for the right amount of dosage. Unlike Benadryl, drowsiness in dogs when Zyrtec is administered is very rare.Some basic dosage guidelines are: Zyrtec must be given as a first aid to pets with insect stings or bites. Zyrtec must be given once in 12 hours for dogs with allergy symptoms and once in 24 hours for atopic dermatitis. Zyrtec is also available in the form of an oral syrup. Generally, liquid Zyrtec is given to small dogs and tablets to larger dog breeds. Also, avoid giving medication to pets on an empty stomach, as it could lead to stomach issues, like diarrhea or vomiting. Zyrtec syrups can either be squirted directly into the dogs’ mouths or drizzled on top of their food.To learn more about correct Zyrtec dosage always follow the instructions on the label of the medication. Generally, most dogs will start to feel relief from their allergies within 24 hours of taking Zyrtec and your pets will be free of symptoms like sneezing, itchy skin, and a runny nose. If you forget to administer the regular dosage once you can ‘double-up’ the dosage to compensate for the missed one. If Zyrtec is recommended to be administered once per day then you can administer the missed dose to your dog as soon as you remember.Can dogs take Zyrtec and Benadryl together?The short answer is no, dogs cannot take Zyrtec and Benadryl together.It is important to note that you should always check with your veterinarian for prescriptions before giving your dog any medication, even over-the-counter products like Zyrtec or Benadryl. Every dog is different, and some may have an allergic reaction to certain medications that other dogs will not.The brand name given to diphenhydramine is Benadryl, also an antihistamine used to treat allergies in dogs and humans. Like Zyrtec, Benadryl is also not FDA-approved but is considered to be safe for dogs by experts. By using these medications for years, veterinarians have determined the right dosage of Benadryl for dogs. The recommended Benadryl dosage by the Merck Veterinary Manual is 0.9-1.8 mg per lb (2-4 mg per kg).Only a few studies are available about the safety of combining two antihistamines, however, experts always recommend not to give your dog Zyrtec and Benadryl at the same time. It could cause more side effects in dogs. Although this recommendation is for humans, it applies to your dog too. If you observe no improvement with one Zyrtec tablet you should wait until the next day to administer Benadryl to your pet.Several pet owners want to know which of these allergy tablets are better, but there is no answer to it. Every dog reacts differently to either Zyrtec or Benadryl. So, it is always best to get recommendations from your vet.Why Vets Are Prescribing Zyrtec For Dogs?Vets have been prescribing Zyrtec for dogs for years because it is an effective way to control allergy symptoms.There are a few reasons why your veterinarian may recommend Zyrtec for your dog instead of other medications. Firstly, Zyrtec is an effective medication for treating allergies like excessive itching and irritated skin in dogs. Secondly, it has fewer side effects than some of the other available options. And lastly, Zyrtec is relatively affordable compared to other allergy medications.Cetirizine, the active ingredient of Zyrtec is widely used for treating itchy skin in dogs. Most dogs can tolerate this medicine and it shouldn’t make your pet lethargic or sedated. Zyrtec also contains other allergy-fighting ingredients. Some drugs that interact with Zyrtec are other antihistamines, blood pressure and heart medicines, opioids, muscle relaxants, and anti-anxiety medications.The recommended dosage of Zyrtec for dogs is 0.05 mg per lb (0.25-0.5 mg per kg) once daily. For a 50lb (22.6 kg) dog, this would be about two and a half pills. It is important to follow the correct dosage instructions on the bottle, as giving your dog too much Zyrtec can have serious side effects. You can give your dog Zyrtec about two or three times per day.Why should Zyrtec-D be avoided?Zyrtec-D contains pseudoephedrine, which can be dangerous for dogs. If your dog ingests Zyrtec-D, they may experience vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, and seizures.Make sure to never give your dog Zyrtec-D. The active ingredient in Zyrtec-D is the same as Zyrtec, however, the ‘D’ in Zyrtec-D stands for a compound known as ‘pseudoephedrine’. The synthetic ingredient pseudoephedrine helps activate the alpha receptor for the simulation of flight or fight response. This simulation helps with cutting up mucus for alleviating congestion that could occur at the time of an allergic reaction.Zyrtec-D is completely safe for humans but is extremely dangerous and harmful for pets. The main reason for this is the pseudoephedrine in Zyrtec-D can seriously increase blood pressure n dogs, causing seizures. Dogs react differently in Zyrtec-D because the signals, brain structures, and blood vessel structures are different from that of human beings.Pseudoephedrine will only increase blood pressure in humans only slightly not having extreme side effects, but high blood pressure in dogs will cause severe hypertension and may lead to organ failure if not treated.Pills For Pups is a safe and effective alternative to Zyrtec-D. Pills For Pups does not contain pseudoephedrine, so you don’t have to worry about your dog’s safety. In addition to being safe for dogs, Pills For Pups is also very effective. Dogs who take Pills For Pups regularly will experience fewer allergies and less itchiness.Zyrtec Side EffectsAlthough you can give your dog Zyrtec, the most common side effect of Zyrtec in dogs is drowsiness.The reason behind drowsiness is that the medication works by blocking histamine receptors, which can cause drowsiness as a side effect. However, Zyrtec is a second-generation antihistamine, so does not lead to drowsiness in pets, and when used long-term, dogs do not grow a tolerance to Zyrtec’s active ingredient.Other side effects of Zyrtec may include dry mouth, stomach upset, and diarrhea. Some more side effects of this medication are vomiting, excessive salivation, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity. If you notice any of these side effects of Zyrtec in your dog, please contact your veterinarian immediately. It is almost impossible to overdose on Zyrtec for dogs. Tests have been conducted where dogs were administered over 200 times the normal amount prescribed for a human, resulting in no lasting health damage.Avoid giving Zytec to dogs receiving other medications due to possible drug interactions, dogs sensitive or allergic to Zyrtec’s active ingredient that could cause side effects, and dogs that are prone to sleepiness after Zyrtec dosage. Zyrtec could be a strong medication for any pup, nursing females, senior, and pregnant dogs. Also, Zyrtec must be administered with caution to dogs with thyroid conditions, seizure disorders, glaucoma, prostatic enlargement, constipation, or urinating issues.Dog Allergy Home RemediesIf your dog is suffering from allergies, there are a few home remedies you can try before resorting to medication. Make sure that your dog is getting enough exercise. A tired dog is less likely to suffer from allergies. Some allergic reaction symptoms look like swelling, itchy skin, red or itchy eyes, redness and irritation of the dog’s skin, chewing their paws and legs, and frequent rubbing of their snout and face. Dogs with liver problems or kidney issues must not be given Zyrtec as it can lead to urine retention in pets. Some dogs can also face side effects, allergies, or infections from a normal Zyrtec dosage, which means that this might not be a suitable medication for them. There are many natural alternatives to Zyrtec.Natural CBD oils are a good option. It can aid with allergies in dogs in various levels, from soothing itchiness and other symptoms to adjusting the immune system to prevent overreactions. Fish oil contains fatty acids like omega-3 and the oil is made using cold water and wild-caught fish like salmons. Omega-3 in fish is packed with EPA and DHA. Omega-3 in flaxseeds also helps with reducing skin inflammation.Water is very important for dogs. It is involved with dogs’ digestion, elimination, circulation, and absorption making it the main source that transports nutrients all around the body. Make sure to use the best quality water and avoid water with too much chlorine, heavy metals, or fluoride. Make sure to protect your pet’s immune system as allergies occur due to overreaction of the dog’s immune system. So, avoid any unnecessary vaccines or drugs. You can also ease irritation by bathing your pup twice per day. Allergens will wash off the body of your pet.A shampoo shower or oatmeal bath can soothe a dog’s irritated skin. Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory properties and helps reduce redness and swelling in dogs. You can simply mix oatmeal with water and apply it to the skin of the dog. You can also fill up your bathtub with oatmeal and water. Leave your dog in the water for about 10 minutes to soothe the skin. Coconut oil has a huge quantity of lactic acid that can also soothe irritated skin. Apply a small amount of coconut oil on the coat of your pet or mix the oil in their food to help reduce irritation.
The Zyrtec medication comes in tablet form and is usually given orally, though there are also chewable tablets and liquid alternatives available.
