Is Zyrtec safe for dogs
Cetirizine for Dogs
PetMDs medications content was written and reviewed by veterinary professionals to answer your most common questions about how medications function, their side effects, and what species they are prescribed for. This content shouldnt take the place of advice by your vet.
What Is Cetirizine?
Cetirizine is an over-the-counter anti-allergy medication for humans. It is used to manage symptoms of seasonal allergies (atopy) in dogs and is sometimes used in cats for itching and in horses for eosinophilic keratitis, an inflammatory eye condition.
Cetirizine is FDA-approved for human use under the brand name Zyrtec, Zyrtec-D (the D indicating the decongestant as this product contains pseudoephedrine) and as generic cetirizine.
Cetirizine is available in a wide variety of products, including single-ingredient tablets, combination-ingredient tablets, chew tabs, gel caps, oral syrup, and orally disintegrating tablets. It is important to note that Zyrtec-D, the combination product containing pseudoephedrine, is not safe for use in dogs or cats. Some liquid formulations may contain propylene glycol, which is toxic to cats. The orally disintegrating tablets may contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
Cetirizine is currently not FDA-approved as a veterinary medication. However, it is readily utilized in the veterinary field, and veterinarians can legally prescribe certain human drugs in animals in certain circumstances. This is called extra-label or off-label use because this use isnt described on the drug label.
In certain circumstances, your vet may recommend a compounded formulation of cetirizine. Compounded medications are prescribed if theres a specific reason your pets health cant be managed by an FDA-approved drug, such as if your pet has trouble taking pills in capsule form, the dosage strength is not commercially available, or the pet is allergic to an ingredient in the FDA-approved medication. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. They are created by either a veterinarian or a licensed pharmacist on an individual basis to best suit a patients particular needs. You can learn more about compounded medications here.
Cetirizine Considerations
Cetirizine should not be used in animals that are sensitive to the medication or other medications in the same antihistamine class, such as hydroxyzine. Giving cetirizine with certain medications can result in health risks to your pet, so it is important to discuss your pets medications, including vitamins and supplements, and medical conditions with your veterinarian.
How Cetirizine Works
In response to the presence of certain allergens (foreign proteins), the immune system releases histamine, a chemical messenger that triggers allergy symptoms. As an antihistamine, cetirizine works by blocking histamine receptors, thereby preventing the release of histamine throughout the body.
Cetirizine Directions
Follow the directions on the drug label or as provided by your veterinarian.
Cetirizine can be given with or without food, but giving it with food can decrease the risk of digestive upset.
Missed a Dose?
Speak with your veterinarian about what to do if you forget to give a dose of cetirizine. Generally, they may instruct you to give it when you remember, or if it is almost time for your pets next dose, to skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosing schedule. Do not give extra or double doses.
Cetirizine Possible Side Effects
Cetirizine is generally well tolerated in animals. Side effects are uncommon and may include:
Human Side Effects
Cetirizine is a medication for humans, frequently with dosages different from those prescribed for your pet by a veterinarian. Due to possible side effects, humans should never use medicine dispensed for their pets and pets should not be given any medicine dispensed for a humans use.
If you accidentally ingest a pet medication, call your physician or the national Poison Control Center hotline at 800-222-1222.
Call Your Vet If:
Severe side effects are seen (see above)
Your pets condition worsens or does not improve with treatment
You see or suspect an overdose
You have additional questions or concerns about the use of cetirizine
Cetirizine Overdose Information
Overdoses of cetirizine are rare. Signs of a cetirizine overdose may include hyperactivity, agitation, vomiting, sleepiness, dilated pupils, diarrhea, and elevated heart rate (tachycardia).
Overdoses of cetirizine products that contain pseudoephedrine, such as Zyrtec-D may be serious.
If you suspect an overdose, immediately contact your veterinarian, seek emergency veterinary care, or call an animal poison control center. Consultation fees often apply.
Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661
ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435
Cetirizine Storage
Always confirm storage requirements by reading the prescription label.
Cetirizine should be stored at controlled temperatures from 68 to 77 F.
Keep the container tightly closed in order to protect its contents from moisture and light. Compounded medications should be stored according to the compounding pharmacys label.
Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Cetirizine for Dogs FAQs
Is cetirizine safe for dogs?
Cetirizine is considered safe for most dogs. Speak with your vet first to ensure this medication is appropriate for your dog. It is important to only use products that contain cetirizine as the sole active ingredient and avoid human combination products that contain other ingredients that may be toxic to animals.
Zyrtec-D, the combination product containing pseudoephedrine, is not safe for use in dogs or cats. Some liquid formulations of cetirizine may contain propylene glycol, which is toxic to cats. Cetirizine orally disintegrating tablets may contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
Can dogs take cetirizine for allergies?
Yes. Dogs can take antihistamines including cetirizine for relief from allergy symptoms.
How much cetirizine can you give a dog?
With any medication, the safest way to know the proper dose for your dog is to ask your veterinarian. Your veterinarian will recommend the appropriate dose for your dog depending on their individual needs, other medications they may be on, and their age, weight, and breed.
No vet writer or qualified reviewer has received any compensation from the manufacturer of the medication as part of creating this article. All content contained in this article is sourced from public sources or the manufacturer.
Featured Image:Antonio_Diaz/iStock viaGetty Images Plus
WRITTEN BY
Molly Price, DVMVeterinarian
Dr. Molly Price has practiced small animal medicine for over 20 years and is a graduate of Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine. She...
Zyrtec for Dogs
What is Zyrtec used for in dogs
Zyrtec (generic name cetirizine) is an antihistamine medication prescribed by veterinarians for the treatment of allergies in pets [1]. It is known as a second-generation antihistamine, useful for reducing allergic symptoms like itchy skin, swelling, irritation, coughing, or sneezing caused by atopic dermatitis in dogs and cats [1, 2].
It can also be administered for the treatment of allergic reactions triggered by a bee sting, external allergens like dust mites and pollen, and food allergy-induced diarrhea [10].
Some breeds including the Irish Setter, Dalmatian, Lhasa Apso, Golden Retriever, Terriers, Old English Sheepdog, and Bulldogs are more likely to suffer from allergic dermatitis [2]. These dogs may be given cetirizine pills to ease their severe itching and skin irritation. As compared to other antihistamines, such as Benadryl, dogs treated with Zyrtec exhibit a higher response rate [8].
Quick Information | |
 Zyrtec for Dogs | Generic name: Cetirizine Brand name: Zyrtec [1] Type: Second generation H1 receptor blocker [1] Active Ingredients: Cetirizine hydrochloride [3] Is it approved by FDA: No [1] Availability: Prescription medication, extra-label drug sold over the counter [1] Who can take it: Dogs, cats, humans [4] Forms: 5 mg and 10 mg tablets, flavored pills, oral syrup [1, 5] Cost: About $0.33 (per 10 mg tablet) |
Can dogs take Zyrtec: Is it safe
Scientific studies have shown that Zyrtec is moderately effective and well tolerated in dogs with allergic skin conditions [4, 7]. However, do not give your dog Zyrtec-D, a decongestant containing pseudoephedrine as one of the active ingredients since it is toxic to dogs [9].
How does Zyrtec work indogs
Histamine is an organic compound created by the dogs immune system as part of an allergic response. It recognizes and binds to H1 and H2 histamine receptors, causing small blood vessels to expand thereby triggering symptoms like swelling and itching. Zyrtec, being an H1 receptor blocker, inhibits the effect of histamine on H1 receptors and helps in preventing the allergic symptoms [1, 6].
Zyrtec (Cetirizine) dosage for dogs: How much can you give
Give Zyrtec to your dog only after consulting a licensed vet. Since the exact dosage depends on your pets weight and the severity of its symptoms, be sure to follow the drug regimen as prescribed by the veterinarian.
As tablets, Cetirizine can be given by mouth with or without food [7]. The normal dosage is 1 mg of Zyrtec per kg (0.5 mg/lb) of your dogs weight, given orally once or twice per day [1, 6]. Make sure to complete the full course of the medication unless otherwise instructed by the vet.
What to do in case of a missed dose
If you have forgotten to give a dose, give it as soon as possible. However, if it is time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose altogether. Make sure that you never give two doses at the same time.
Signs of Zyrtec overdose
Rare instances of heavy sedation or excessive drowsiness have been observed in smaller dogs with long-term use of high amounts of Zyrtec [6, 9]. If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate veterinary attention.
Side effects of Zyrtec in dogs
Dogs on Zyrtec often exhibit the following side effects:
- Hypersalivation or excessive drooling [2, 6]
- Vomiting [2, 6]
- Constipation (the dog is straining to poop with no fecal volume, discharging small amounts of mucus or hard and dry fecal material, having swelling and redness around its anal region) [2]
- Urinary retention (the dog frequently trying to urinate without success, straining to urinate, licking its urinary opening, discharging blood in urine, or showing lethargy) [2]
- Excitability [2]
Contact your vet immediately, if any of these side effects occur in your dog.
When should Zyrtec not be given to dogs
Always make sure to inform the vet about your pets medical history, as well as any medications you might already be giving it. Zyrtec is usually not recommended if:
- Your dog has been affected by kidney problems or liver diseases [6]
- It is pregnant or nursing [6]
- The dog is allergic or has intolerance to antihistamines [6]
- It is already on psychoactive drugs like Alprazolam, Ativan, and Diazepam [9]
Can I Give Zyrtec To My Dog & Zyrtec Dosage
Can I Give Zyrtec To My Dog & Zyrtec Dosage
There is nothing worse than watching your furry friend struggle with itchy skin.
Constant itching can deeply impact a pup, causing chronic irritation and secondary complications.
Humans often turn to Zyrtec to help take care of their itchy allergies, so can it work for dogs as well?
In this article we will discuss the details of Zyrtec use in our canine companions, and help you understand how to safely offer this medication to your pup.
Can You Give A Dog Zyrtec?
Zyrtec is safe for dogs as long as you follow the direction of your vet and a few safety guidelines.
Zyrtec, or Cetirizine, is a popular method of itch relief in our canine friends due to how few side effects there are, and the fact that Zyrtec does not cause drowsiness like other allergy medications.
While Zyrtec is safe for dogs, you should never give your dog Zyrtec-D.
This form of Zyrtec contains an ingredient called pseudoephedrine, which is added to the medication to combat congestion.
This can act as a stimulant for our canine friends, leading to kidney and liver complications in some cases.
This is why it is so important to examine the label closely when purchasing any over the counter meds for your pup.
Its important to note that Zyrtec is not recommended for use in some dogs.
You should always speak to your vet before giving Zyrtec to:
- Pregnant or nursing dogs
- Dogs with other medical conditions
- Dogs taking other daily medications or supplements
- Dogs under 1 year of age
- Dogs with seizure disorders
- or senior dogs
What Does Zyrtec Do For Dogs?
The active ingredient in Zyrtec is an antihistamine called Cetirizine, which aims to control symptoms like itchy eyes, itchy skin, runny noses, and even hives.
Though Benadryl is a common competitor for this impressive medication, it is free of any residual drowsiness that often comes along with other products.
To help you better understand how this antihistamine can help your pup, lets list the most common uses of Zyrtec in dogs below.
We should note that even though we are discussing the use of Zyrtec for your dog, you should never offer it to your pup without speaking to your vet first.
Zyrtec For Seasonal Allergies In Dogs
Some dogs can experience seasonal allergies due to an influx of certain plant material or pollen in their environment.
Seasonal allergies can cause many of the same symptoms as they do in humans, ranging from itchy skin to sneezing.
Zyrtec can be useful in decreasing these symptoms, and providing relief on days they seem to struggle.
Many pet owners turn to Zyrtec as a curative method for allergy symptoms, or even as a preventative method during periods they usually struggle through.
Zyrtec For Itching In Dogs
Dogs can experience itchy skin due to conditions such as flea allergies, food allergies, and seasonal allergies.
Due to Zyrtec being an antihistamine that targets the source of the allergic response, it can help to limit skin irritation and prevent further trauma due to biting and scratching.
While chronic itching should always be addressed by a professional to identify the factor, Zyrtec can help to offer some immediate relief.
Zyrtec For Insect Bites In Dogs
Zyrtec can help to limit an allergic response due to insect bites.
Similar to you and I, things like ant bites and mosquito bites can cause an allergic response that leads to skin irritation.
While Zyrtec is not an adequate treatment for severe allergic reactions, it can help to resolve localized skin itching around the bite.
Zyrtec For Hives In Dogs
Zyrtec works by blocking the naturally occurring histamine when a dog has a reaction, meaning Zyrtec can help to treat hives in some cases.
Hives often form as a response to an allergen exposure, ranging from vaccine reactions to food allergies.
While hives should always be addressed by a veterinarian, some will recommend the use of Zyrtec if your pup is displaying signs of a minor reaction.
Zyrtec Side Effects To Watch Out For
One of the reasons Zyrtec is so popular for use in dogs is due to the minimal side effects that it causes.
When dosed correctly, the side effects of Zyrtec are virtually nonexistent.
While a small number of small breed dogs have experienced some drowsiness, this is still quite rare.
The likelihood of Zyrtec side effects increase when dogs receive too large of a dose, or when given to dogs that are warned against taking the medication.
As we mentioned above, there are a few categories of canine friends that should avoid the use of Zyrtec.
Some possible side effects ofZyrtec overdose include hypersalivation, vomiting, hyperactivity, and drowsiness.
If your pup ever gets their paws on a large amount of Zyrtec, we highly suggest contacting your veterinarian for further care.
Drug Interactions For Zyrtec In Dogs
There are a few potential drug interactions to be aware of when offering your pup Zyrtec for their itchy skin.
Some of the most common drug interaction to be aware of for Zyrtec include:
- Diazepam
- Alprazolam
- Digoxin
- Phenobarbital
Its not necessarily dangerous to take these medications together, but it can result in an increased likelihood of side effects.
If your pup takes any of the following medication, you should always speak to your vet before offering any antihistamines.
What Is The Zyrtec Dosage for Dogs?
The best way to determine a safe Zyrtec dose for your dog is by speaking with your vet.
Each dose will vary based on your dogs size, as well as the current issue you are trying to treat.
While you should always speak with your vet before offering a specific dose, we can briefly discuss the general dosing guidelines for this medication.
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.
If the calculated dose for your dogs weight range exceeds 20 mg, you should always double check with your vet.
Zyrtec does have a large safety margin, but its always best to be safe.
Are There Better Options Than Zyrtec For Dogs?
Zyrtec can be a wonderful option for itchy furry friends, but there are better options available.
A step up would involve prescription allergy and itch medications from your veterinarian, as these medications target the allergy related cytokines at the source.
Medications like Apoquel and Cytopoint help to eliminate itching in dogs with severe allergies, offering a significant improvement in skin irritations and secondary infections.
While these options are more expensive than daily Zyrtec, they are more effective in the long run.
Zyrtec Alternatives For Dogs
Thankfully for our furry friends, there are a few safe over the counter antihistamine options for our dogs.
While other options can cause more drowsiness, they are typically safe for use in dogs.
Some Zyrtec alternatives include:
Just as you would with Zyrtec, we always suggest speaking with your vet before offering any of the above medications.
Final Thoughts
Zyrtec issafe over the counter option for our canine companions.
Be sure to review the dosage amount and consult your vet if you have a larger dog that would exceed the 20mg daily limit.
As with all medications, you should consult your local veterinarian for further instructions and correct dosage.
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