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.

Can I give my dog half a loratadine?

Under specific circumstances, your vet may prescribe your dog a low dose of loratadine to treat allergies. However, this decision should only be made under your vet's care and supervision. Do not attempt to give your dog loratadine without your vet's guidance.

Does loratadine work for pet allergies?

Treating Dog Allergies

Your doctor might recommend: Antihistamines, which block the effects of a chemical that triggers dog allergy symptoms; they're sold over the counter -- like cetirizine (Zyrtec), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), fexofenadine (Allegra), and loratadine (Claritin) -- or by prescription.

What is the safest antihistamine for dogs?

Both cetirizine (Zyrtec) and loratadine (Claritin) are considered safe for dogs in the right dosage. However, they are also frequently combined with other ingredients like decongestants, which can hurt your dog. Always consult with a vet before giving your dog any new medication.

What are the side effects of loratadine in dogs?

At higher doses, human patients complain of headaches, drowsiness, and dry mouth. In dogs, vomiting, lethargy, urine retention, and diarrhea have been reported.

Vet Guide | What You Should Know About Over-the-Counter Antihistamine Use in Dogs and Cats

28 related questions found

Is loratadine 10mg safe for dogs?

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.

How long does loratadine take to work in dogs?

Onset of action is within 1 hour and duration is at least 24 hours. Once-daily dosing is recommended. Generally, loratadine is as efficacious as existing antihistamines in relieving symptoms of allergic rhinitis, urticaria, and in suppressing wheal formation.

How much loratadine can a dog take?

Loratadine (Claritin): ¼ mg per pound (half of a 10mg tablet per 20 lbs) once daily. twice daily. Dogs > 60 lbs: 50mg PER POUND of combined EPA and DHA daily.

Can dogs take human antihistamines?

Antihistamines are usually safe but can make some dogs drowsy and others hyperactive. OTC antihistamine preparations may contain other ingredients such as decongestants that are not safe for dogs. Read the label carefully to ensure that the product only contains antihistamine.

What do vets prescribe for dog allergies?

Fast Acting and Safe Itch Relief For Your Pup

Apoquel starts relieving allergic dog itch within 4 hours — and controls it within 24 hours. Apoquel is given twice daily, for up to 14 days, and then once daily for maintenance therapy. Speak to your vet for the right dosage and course of treatment.

What dog breeds are worst for allergies?

The worst dog breeds for people with allergies

• Basset Hound.
• Boston Terrier.
• Bulldog.
• Doberman Pinscher.
• German Shepherd.
• Labrador Retriever.
• Pekingese.
• Pug.

How much Claritin can I give my dog?

Vets generally prescribe Claritin for dogs in a dosage 0.2 milligrams per pound of body weight. This can translate as giving a small dog around 5 milligrams of Claritin every day, or 10 milligrams for a larger dog.

Is loratadine the same as Benadryl?

Benadryl, also known by its generic name diphenhydramine, is known as a first-generation antihistamine. This group of antihistamines are among the first drugs developed to treat allergy symptoms. Claritin, also known by its generic name loratadine, is classified as a second-generation antihistamine.

How can I treat my dogs skin allergy at home?

When combined with water and blended into a thick paste, baking soda can dry out rashes on the skin, alleviate itching, and reduce redness and inflammation. All you have to do is combine 50 percent baking soda with 50 percent water and apply the paste to your dog's skin. After about 20 minutes, rinse completely.

How long does it take for Claritin to work in dogs?

It may be given with or without food. If your pet acts sick or vomits after receiving the medication, try giving it with a small amount of food. This medication will take effect quickly, in about 1 to 2 hours, and improvement of your pet's signs should follow.

What can you give a dog for severe itching?

Benadryl is commonly used to treat itchiness in dogs caused by skin allergies, and it also reduces many of the other symptoms of allergies, including: Hives.

Can dogs have allergies to pollen?

Like humans, dogs can develop pollen allergies and they can show symptoms any time of the year. Spring, summer, and fall are usually the time of year when pollen allergies cause most discomfort to allergic pets.

Can I give my dog generic allergy medicine?

Generic versions are fine, but be *very* sure that the medication you are using does not contain any other ingredients – some common “allergy medications” contain potentially harmful ingredients, like pseudoephedrine.

What can I give my dog for skin allergies?

Examples of antihistamines commonly used for dogs include Benadryl, Chlortrimeton, Atarax, Claritin, Zyrtec, and Clemastine. However, antihistamines are considered to be worth trying in most cases since the side effects associated with antihistamines is low, and they are typically inexpensive medications.

What can I do for my dogs allergies?

Treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids, or with antihistamines, will quickly block the allergic reaction in most cases. Fatty acid supplementation of the diet can improve the response to steroids and antihistamines in some cases.

What are the side effects of loratadine?

Loratadine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• headache.
• dry mouth.
• nosebleed.
• sore throat.
• mouth sores.
• difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
• nervousness.
• weakness.

Are hayfever tablets safe for dogs?

Piriton for dogs

The main active ingredient in piriton is chlorpheniramine which is generally safe for dogs, but other brands may have cetirizine hydrochloride which isn't as safe for your pet. Some brands may also include toxic substances such as caffeine, alcohol, pseudoephedrine or amphetamine.

What is loratadine 5mg?

LORATADINE (lor AT a deen) is an antihistamine. It helps to relieve sneezing, runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes. This medicine is used to treat the symptoms of allergies. It is also used to treat itchy skin rash and hives. Similar Brand Name Drugs : Alavert: Oral solution (5mg) | Claritin: Oral solution (5mg)

How much antihistamine can I give my dog UK?

In general, 1/2 a 4mg tablet or 5ml is prescribed for smaller breeds, while 1-2 tablets or 10-20ml of liquid can be given to larger dogs.