This medication will take effect quickly, in about 1 to 2 hours, and improvement of your pet's signs should follow.
As already mentioned, the main side effect of antihistamines – drowsiness is not common in dogs receiving Zyrtec. However, if a small dog is dosed with a significant Zyrtec amount, it may become sedated and lethargic. Zyrtec should be used with extra caution on dogs with: Chronic heart, kidney, and liver problems.
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®), cetirizine (Zyrtec®), and loratadine (Claritin®) are commonly used antihistamines that relieve allergy symptoms or counteract allergic reactions. Antihistamines are usually safe but can make some dogs drowsy and others hyperactive.
Zyrtec improves dog allergy symptoms such as itchy skin, runny noses, and watery eyes. Drowsiness is a common side effect of Zyrtec.
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. Clemastine (Tavist-1, Antihist-1): 0.02mg per pound (one 1.34mg tablet per 65lb dog) twice daily.
Zyrtec is active for up to 24 hours, so your dog will be free from a runny nose, itchy skin, sneezing, and other symptoms for the whole day.
Zyrtec is one of the few antihistamines that do not cause drowsiness for most dogs, though there are some exceptions. If Zyrtec makes your dog sleepy, try giving it to them before bedtime to see if that helps their energy levels during the day.
Zyrtec Dosage and Instructions. It is recommended to give your dog 0.5mg per pound of body weight. You can safely give Zyrtec to your dog up to 20 mg per day.
Correct Dosage Of Zyrtec For Dogs
Generally, one tablet a day is safe for dogs to take, but the amount can vary greatly depending on your dog's size and symptoms.
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.
Cetirizine (Zyrtec® or Reactine®) is one of the most commonly used over-the-counter antihistamines recommended by veterinarians. Claritin® can be used but is not typically recommended by veterinarians as some forms of Claritin® contain decongestants such as pseudoephedrine which is very toxic to dogs.
The dose is 5–20 mg/dog once daily. cetirizine (Zyrtec®) – also second gen. It is available as 10 mg tablets and either 1 mg/ml or 10 mg/ml oral solution. The dosage is 5–20 mg/dog once daily.
L-theanine and L-tryptophan supplements are also commonly recommended by veterinarians to help with mild to moderate anxiety, says Dr. Coates. Zylkene, a derivative of a milk protein, can aid in calming your pet naturally. It is often used effectively in senior dogs with new, age-related anxiety.
Apoquel is associated with more side effects than Zyrtec or CBD – some of them quite serious. Zyrtec and CBD alone or combined are likely safer for your dog if they successfully control your pet's itching and inflammation.
Official answer. Cetirizine can be taken at any time of the day. In most people it is non-sedating, so they take it in the morning. However, a percentage of people do find it to be sedating so if it does make you drowsy it is best to take it in the evening.
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.
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 Zyrtec.
All ZYRTEC® medicines start working at hour 1 on the first day you take it.
Most people experience at least 24 hours of relief after a single dose. Zyrtec, on the other hand, is fast acting. People who take it may feel relief in as little as one hour. Antihistamines like Zyrtec and Claritin are designed to calm the histamine reaction your body has when it's exposed to an allergen.
Cetirizine is dosed in dogs at 0.5 mg per pound (1 mg/kg) orally once to twice daily.
The dosing schedule is also much more convenient, with dogs weighing over 10 lbs getting a single 10mg tablet once daily.
The most common side effect is lethargy, dry mouth, and urinary retention. Vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of appetite are also possible.
If your dog is prescribed antihistamines you will need to try them for 2-3 weeks to see if it helps. If it doesn't, you'll need to stop giving it to your dog and try another until you find one that works, following the advice of your vet.
Benadryl Ultratabs
This well-known antihistamine is most veterinarians go-to OTC option. Dogs who take Benadryl typically don't get as sleepy as humans do and tolerate it well, but it's important to check with your veterinarian about the ideal dosage based on your dog's weight.