Can I treat my dog's allergies with cetirizine instead of a vet?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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  Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS

  Veterinarian

  Published on April 17th, 2020

  Certirizine is used my many pet owners and some vets in the treatment of environmental allergy. It's use would be described as 'off label' as it is not specifically made for animals but the evidence would suggest it is safe. There is a fair bit of debate as to the efficacy of anti histamines in dogs, but some do seem to respond favourably so if it is working for you go ahead. If you find the skin is not settling I would consult your vet as there are other medical treatments available for allergy and there may be secondary skin infection.

  

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  Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

  Veterinarian

  Published on September 10th, 2017

  Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Cetirizine HCl is generic zyrtec, which is an antihistamine. It is not FDA approved in dogs, though a lot of Vets use it off label. This means we do not know a lot about it in animals. Cetirizine appears well tolerated in dogs and cats. Vomiting or hypersalivation after dosing have been reported in some dogs. Drowsiness has been reported in small dogs at higher dosages. Do not use pseudoephedrine (e.g., Zyrtec-D 12 Hour®). There hasn't been any liver or kidney damage reported even with overdoses. I recommend it in my allergic patients and have seen no side effects and some dogs are on it long term. I tell them that antihistamines should be used on a regular, ongoing basis in animals that respond to them. They work better if used before exposure to an allergen. Zyrtec may cause less drowsiness/sleepiness than some other antihistamines, but this can still happen. It can be given on an empty stomach, but if your animal vomits or drools, try giving with food. I hope this helps!

  

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  Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on May 30th, 2019

  Cetirizine is an antihistamine and it is a drug that dogs can take. The normal dose for a dog is 0.5mg/# so at 5.5kg his dose is 6mg. At 10mg I don't think he will have much side effects if at all. The most common adverse effects of cetirizine are sedation, lethargy, vomiting, drooling (hypersalivation), and lack of appetite. These are often self-limiting meaning they will go away on their own once the drug has been metabolized out of his body. I really would not worry too much about this. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

  

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