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My dog ate Zyrtec pills. Is it dangerous? What should I do next?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Goldendoodle | Female | spayed | 4 months and 11 days old | 60 lbs

My 35 pound goldendoodle got into my dad's 10mg zyrtec pills this morning. He isn't sure how many she actually ate but believes it was between 1-5. What should we do?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on September 16th, 2017

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! She is adorable! No need to be concerned. This medication has a wide therapeutic index and even if she had 5 tablets that would be well within an acceptable range. She may be a bit drowsy perhaps for the next 6-8 hours. She should be fine. Have a good weekend!

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    Answered By Amber W

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on

    If Luna only ate one or two Zyrtec pills there is unlikely to be any issue at all. Even if she ate all 5 pills she probably will not have any issues aside from some GI distress or even lethargy. But please monitor her closely today. If you want absolute peace of mind it may still be worth a call to the ASPCA Pet Poison control hotline (888) 426-4435. It's always good to keep that number on hand in emergency situations. Please also double check with your dad that the Zyrtec was just regular Zyrtec and not Zyrtec-D. Zyrtec-D contains pseudoephedrine and can be very dangerous. If Luna ate Zyrtec-D then she needs to be seen by an emergency veterinarian right away. I'm hoping for no side effects for Luna! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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