Using Zyrtec for dog allergies is a very safe solution to your dog’s constant itching and scratching. Zyrtec uses the active ingredient cetirizine, which works by reducing the amount of histamine in the body. It has a great track record in helping dogs with allergies, is safe for pregnant dogs, and has very few side effects.
When Your Dog Should Not Take Zyrtec
Just as with all medications, there are a few times when your dog should not take Zyrtec. While studies have shown dogs can handle large amounts of Zyrtec (as much as 220 times the recommended dose) without suffering, studies in humans have shown that Zyrtec isn’t safe for people with kidney or liver diseases. If your dog has kidney or liver issues, it’s probably best to choose a different method of treatment for your pet.
Care should also be taken to make sure you are purchasing Zyrtec, and not Zyrtec-D. Zyrtec-D includes pseudoephedrine hydrochloride which is a nasal decongestant in humans.
Dosage For Zyrtec
Using Zyrtec for dogs is a little tricky. The bottle is found labeled for human use, and doesn’t come with a dosage chart for our pups. Luckily, standard dosage for Zyrtec is relatively easy to come by. The dosage is dependent on what you are treating the dog for. Give your pet 0.25 mg/lb every 24 hours for atopic dermatitis and 0.25 mg/lb every 12 hours for allergic demartitis.
Another general rule of thumb is to give dogs weighing under 15lbs only half a tablet of 10mg Zyrtec. Dogs weighing between 15-50lbs can get one tablet, and dogs weighing more than 50lbs can get two tablets or 20mg. These doses can be given twice daily.
You’ll need to talk with your vet before giving your dog Zyrtec, both to rule out any underlying health conditions that may make Zyrtec inappropriate for your pet, and to determine which dosage to use.
Benefits of Zyrtec
Zyrtec is highly beneficial to dogs who have atopic dermatitis or allergic dermatitis. By lowering the amount of histamine in your dog’s body, it will also reduce the symptoms that go along with it. That means less itching, less watery eyes and streaming nose, and a much less miserable pooch. If your dog is miserable during the allergy season, or even just has a few itchy flea bites driving him crazy, Zyrtec is a safe and effective treatment plan.
Zyrtect does not work on motion sickness, or as a sedative like Benadryl does. If you are looking to control other problems besides allergies, Zyrtec may not be a good choice for your pet.
Alternatives to Zyrtec
Not all dogs can take Zyrtec. If you have determined that Zyrtec is not safe for your pet, then offering your pet the best CBD oil for dogs may be a better choice. CBD oil is a great alternative to Zyrtec, and also works well treating allergies. Using CBD oil for dogs has very few side effects, with dry mouth or diarrhea being the most common. If you’re concerned about how Zyrtec will affect your pet, CBD may be a good alternative. Zyrtec is a very safe allergy medication for your pet, with very little chance of overdosing. Since it is safe for so many types of dogs, including those who are pregnant, it is highly recommended for allergy problems in pets. And if that isn’t your cup of tea, you can always try a dose of some of the best CBD oil for dogs and cats!