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.
Some of the best oral antihistamines for dog allergies include Curist Allergy Relief (levocetirizine), fexofenadine (brand Allegra), and cetirizine (brand Zyrtec), which can help reduce your sneezing and itching.
Zyrtec (cetirizine) or Claritin (loratadine) can be given once to twice daily. The adult tablets are both 10mg. Dogs under 10 pounds should get no more than 5mg, or ½ of a tablet. Those weighing 10-50 pounds should get 10mg, and heavy dogs (over 50 pounds) can take up to 20mg.
Antihistamines are commonly used to treat dog allergies. Their histamine-blocking quality tackles airborne allergens and reduces symptoms in your pup. The safest over-the-counter options for your dog include Benadryl, Zyrtec, Claritin, and Allegra.
Cetirizine (Zyrtec®, Reactine®) is an antihistamine used to treat and prevent pruritus (itching) associated with atopic dermatitis, urticaria (hives), and insect bite reactions in cats and dogs. Its use is in cats and dogs is 'off-label'. Many drugs are commonly prescribed for off-label use in veterinary medicine.
You can safely give Zyrtec to your dog up to 20 mg per day.
Here's the recommended Zyrtec dosage for dogs based on their weight: Less than 10 pounds: 2.5 milligrams (half of a 5-milligram pill or a quarter of a 10-milligram pill) 10–50 pounds: One 10-milligram tablet. 50+ pounds: Up to two 10-milligram tablets.
The recommended dose for Claritin is 0.2 milligrams per pound of body weight every 12-24 hours. This is only a general recommendation, and as with all medication, you should consult with your veterinarian and have them give you the appropriate dose for your individual dog.
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.
Outside of any notable health condition, Claritin is usually okay to give your dog until the symptoms subside—as long as you do it as directed by your veterinarian.
Zyrtec is a brand name for the drug cetirizine. Claritin is the brand name for loratidine. Zyretc and Claritin are in the same class of medications. Both are second-generation antihistamines, and they generally work the same way in the body.
ANTI-histamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl®), cetirizine (Zyrtec®), and hydroxyzine, are commonly taken by humans to treat allergy symptoms and can be used for dogs as well.
Claritin® is here to help provide fast and effective non-drowsy symptom relief of pet allergies (including dog and cat allergies), dust and mould allergies.
DO NOT USE ALLEGRA D IN PETS. Fexofenadine is also available an oral suspension that contains xylitol (NOTE: Xylitol may be toxic in dogs). The human oral suspension is not recommended for use in pets.
Antihistamines with the active ingredients of diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine, cetirizine, clemastine or loratadine are usually safe for most healthy adult dogs. Hydroxyzine is another dog-safe antihistamine and one of the most effective available, but it's only available on prescription.
Telfast®- (active ingredient fexofenadine ) these are available in 60 to 180 mg tabs. But note that while not likely to overdose, the dosage for most dogs is only 5-10 mg / Kg once or twice a day.
Claritin Side Effects
Ingesting Claritin can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy in dogs. It can also cause drug interactions if your dog is taking other medications. If your canine is allergic to something he has ingested or insect bites, giving him Claritin will not help - and may even make things worse.
Loratadine is dosed in dogs at 0.1 mg per pound to 0.55 mg per pound of body weight (0.25 to 1.1 mg/kg) once daily or divided twice daily. Another way that loratadine is dosed in dogs is by the total dose. For example, most dogs will receive 5 to 10 mg (total dose) orally one to two times daily (every 12 to 24 hours).
Claritin dosage for dogs. The regular dosage of Claritin (loratadine) for dogs is 0.2 mg for each pound your dog weighs. Typically vets will recommend 5 mg every 24 hours for small to mid-size dogs, and 10 mg a day for larger dogs such as Labradors.
Pet allergy relief
ZYRTEC® starts working at hour 1 and stays strong day after day, so you can reduce your cat and dog allergy symptoms. Learn more about ZYRTEC®.
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl): 1mg per pound (one 25mg tablet for a 25lb dog) twice daily. Cetirizine (Zyrtec) ¼ - ½ mg per pound (one 10mg tab per 30-40 lbs) twice daily.
When accidentally ingested by dogs and cats, antihistamine poisoning can result in clinical signs of severe agitation, lethargy, sedation, aggression, abnormal heart rate, abnormal blood pressure, vomiting, diarrhea, inappetance, seizures, respiratory depression, and even death.