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Why is my dog losing muzzle hair and itching? Zyrtec isn't helping.

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 2 years and 6 months old | 65 lbs

My dog Chester is losing hair all around both sides of his muzzle and underneath his chin. My vet saw him and thought it may be due to allergies as he is always rolling his head and face around to itch it and itching his belly and legs. She told me to give him zyrtec daily but its not helping the itching or the hair loss. What could this be?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jenny, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 8th, 2017

If they took a skin sample to make sure it is not a form of the mange, then it may from an allergy. With facial itching you do worry about a food allergy. It may be worth changing the food to a single protein and single carb diet such as duck and potato or rabbit and potato and see if that helps. Environmental allergens can also contribute. They do make stronger medicine to help control allergies outside of an antihistamine, an example is Atopica or Apoquel. You may want to talk to your vet about adding these options

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  • Image profile

    Answered By Jenny, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    If they took a skin sample to make sure it is not a form of the mange, then it may from an allergy. With facial itching you do worry about a food allergy. It may be worth changing the food to a single protein and single carb diet such as duck and potato or rabbit and potato and see if that helps. Environmental allergens can also contribute. They do make stronger medicine to help control allergies outside of an antihistamine, an example is Atopica or Apoquel. You may want to talk to your vet about adding these options

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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