Is cetirizine 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]
Cetirizine (Zyrtec) for Dogs and Cats
Cetirizine (Zyrtec) for Dogs and Cats
Overview of Cetirizine (Zyrtec) for Dogs and Cats
- Cetirizine, commonly known by the brand name Zyrtec, is a type of anti-histamine often recommended by veterinarians for dogs with itching.
- Histamine is a chemical that is released in the body in response to inflammation or allergy. This chemical travels throughout the body searching for specific histamine receptors (targets on cells). Once attached to the receptors, histamine will cause swelling, itchiness, and other symptoms associated with an allergic response.
- There are two types of histamine receptors: H1 and H2. H1 receptors affect small blood vessels and smooth muscles. When histamine attaches to the H1 receptors, the small blood vessels dilate and fluid begins to leak out. This results in tissue swelling and itchiness. In addition, the smooth muscles lining the small airways constrict, causing tightness and some breathing difficulty. H2 receptors affect heart rate and stomach acid secretions. When histamine attaches to H2 receptors, the heart rate increases and stomach acid secretions are increased, potentially increasing the risk of developing ulcers.
- Drugs that block the effects of histamine are called antihistamines. There are a number of drugs demonstrating antihistamine effects; some are useful in allergies, others for preventing excessive stomach acid. The effects of the antihistamine depend on whether it binds with the H1 receptors or H2 receptors. There are few drugs that affect both types of receptors.
- Cetirizine is one type of antihistamine referred to as a second generation h1 receptor blocker that inhibits the action of histamine, particularly its effect on H1 receptors. This results in a reduction or prevention of swelling and itchiness. Cetirizine has little to no effect on heart rate or stomach acid secretions.
- Cetirizine is available over the counter, but should not be administered unless under the supervision and guidance of a veterinarian.
- This drug is not approved for use in animals by the Food and Drug Administration, but it is prescribed legally by veterinarians as an extra-label drug.
Brand Names and Other Names of Cetirizine
- This drug is registered for use in humans only.
- Human formulations: Zyrtec and various generic preparations
- Veterinary formulations: None
Uses of Cetirizine for Dogs and Cats
- In dogs, cetirizine is used primarily to treat allergic symptoms and itchy skin from allergic dermatitis and atopy.
- In cats, cetirizine is used to treat non-responsive chronic inflammation of the nose and sinuses (rhinosinusitis). It is also used to treat pruritus (itching) in cats.
Precautions and Side Effects
- While generally safe and effective when prescribed by a veterinarian, cetirizine can cause side effects in some animals.
- Cetirizine should not be used in animals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to the drug.
- Cetirizine may interact with other medications. Consult with your veterinarian to determine if other drugs your pet is receiving could interact with cetirizine. Such drugs include central nervous system depressants.
- The most common adverse effects of cetirizine are sedation, lethargy, vomiting, drooling (hypersalivation), and lack of appetite.
How Cetirizine Is Supplied
- Cetirizine is available in 5 mg and 10 mg tablets.
- Cetirizine is also available in 5 mg and 10 mg chewable grape flavored tablets.
- It is also available as oral syrup in the concentration of 1 mg/ml. This can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Dosing Information of Cetirizine for Dogs and Cats
- Medication should never be administered without first consulting your veterinarian. If you're concerned about costs related to medication, pet insurance may be able to help. Click here to learn more.
- Cetirizine is dosed in dogs at 0.5 mg per pound (1 mg/kg) orally once to twice daily.
- In cats, cetirizine is dosed at a total dose of 5 mg per cat once daily.
- The duration of administration depends on the condition being treated, response to the medication, and the development of any adverse effects. Be certain to complete the prescription unless specifically directed by your veterinarian. Even if your pet feels better, the entire treatment plan should be completed to prevent relapse.
