Top Antihistamines for Itchy Dogs and Cats: What Works Best?
Constant scratching can be maddening, and I can personally attest to that đ
The most common reasons our pets chronically scratch is due to allergies.
Managing allergies is best done in multiple ways, such as adding in a natural antihistamine in the form of Quercetin; it’s a bioflavonoid found in apple peels, red onion etc…
We now have a Quercetin supplement which has been getting some great reviews from pet parents with itchy pets!
It’s here:
Dr Jones’ Ultimate Bioactive Quercetin for Dogs and Cats
Understanding Cetirizine: A Guide for Treating Pet Allergies
Hello, I’m Dr. Andrew Jones. Today, I want to talk about a common medication that I often recommend for our furry friends who suffer from various allergic reactionsâCetirizine, commonly known under the brand names ZyrtecÂŽ and ReactineÂŽ.
What is Cetirizine?
Cetirizine is an antihistamine that is primarily used to treat pruritus (itching) associated with conditions like atopic dermatitis, urticaria (hives), and reactions to insect bites in both cats and dogs.
Although its use in cats and dogs is considered ‘off label’ or ‘extra label’, many drugs are prescribed this way in veterinary medicine. It’s crucial to follow your veterinarianâs directions and cautions very carefully when administering these medications.
Administering Cetirizine
Cetirizine can be given orally, either as a tablet or as a syrup, and it can be administered with or without food. If your pet seems unwell or vomits after taking the medication, I recommend trying to give it with a small amount of food to ease their stomach.
This medication typically takes effect quickly, within about 1 to 2 hours, and you should notice an improvement in your pet’s symptoms shortly thereafter.
Missed Doses and Overdosing
What should you do if you miss giving your pet a dose? If your pet is on a twice-daily schedule and you miss a dose, simply give the next dose at the regular time. If the medication is given once a day, administer it as soon as you remember, and then continue with the regular schedule. Remember, never give your pet two doses at once or increase the dose.
Potential Side Effects
Cetirizine is generally well-tolerated, but like any medication, it can have side effects. Some dogs may experience vomiting or increased salivation, and in high doses, sleepiness has been observed, particularly in small dogs and cats. Any severe or worsening side effects should be reported to your veterinarian.
This medication is short-acting and typically stops working within 24 hours, although this may vary in pets with liver or kidney disease.
Cautions and Contraindications
There are a few important precautions to keep in mind:
- Do not use the combination product containing pseudoephedrine in dogs and cats.
- Avoid using cetirizine in pets that are hypersensitive to it or to hydroxyzine.
- Use with caution in pets with seizure disorders, difficulty urinating, constipation, thyroid problems, prostatic enlargement, or those with heart, kidney, or liver disease, and in pets with glaucoma.
Dosage Guidelines
The standard dosage for dogs and cats is 5mg per 10lbs of body weight, given once daily. Typically, the tablets are 10mg each, so a 10lb dog or cat would receive half a tablet.
Many pet parents find cetirizine to be the most effective antihistamine, especially during allergy flare-ups. It has fewer side effects compared to Benadryl, making it a safer over-the-counter antihistamine. It also appears to be more effective when combined with essential fatty acids, like our Krill oil supplement.
Cetirizine has been a valuable addition to my toolkit for managing pet allergies safely and effectively. Just the other day, I wished I had some on handâthough I did manage with Benadryl, which helped. Remember, Cetirizine is safer and doesn’t cause drowsiness.
P.S. For natural relief, consider trying Dr. Jones’ Ultimate Bioactive Quercetin for Dogs and Cats. It’s a whole plant extract that combines all parts of the plant for maximum benefit, and many pet parents swear by it!
Thank you for entrusting your pet’s health to my care.
Yayy for the discount! Congratulations on your new store!
Is this safe for ckd, hyperthyroid and high bp (on meds) cats? Weâre going through a very itchy phase and trying to figure what the cause is. Thank you!
Yes, it is safe
Hi! What can I give my pet Ollie for atopic dermatitis?
Dr. Jones suggests for Atopic Dermatitis is giving them Probiotics and the best recommendation is the Ultimate Probiotic Formula that can be found here:
https://shop.veterinarysecrets.com/supplements/ultimate-probiotic-formula.html
i am following you on your website and utube and are trying the get away from apequel for my
27 lb dog. i am trying this allergy season the reactine but some days it just does not last for the 2nd dose and have purchased Quercetin in hopes to replace the reactine. but can i give quercetin in between the reactine
Yes you can as there are no interactions found.
How often can I add quercitin only twice a day ? We have a chronic environmental allergy right now. What other natural can I add. Licroice root ?? I donât want to have to cave in With the apequel but the dog is most uncomfortable and itching. I am still giving him reactine twice a day ? Need suggestions quickly
Our Quercetin is already enough and dosage recommendations (regular strength):
Dogs and cats up to 15lbs: 1 capsule daily
Dogs 15 – 30lbs: 2 capsules daily
Dogs 30 – 50lbs: 3 capsules daily
Dogs over 50lbs: 4 capsules daily
My 3 year old ShihTzu is really suffering from itchiness on his sides, back, feet, almost everywhere. Last year it started in August and we could not overcome it until February.
It started up again this august and I want to help my pup. He gets vitamins, and Colostrumadded to his raw wet food daily. I just started the natural Quercitin you sell. Missed out on the discount:(
Now I heard you say you have a diffeproduct for dogs who bite and lick their paws.
How is this new product different? He is licking, scratching and biting so badly:(
He does NOT get jabs.
Yes, it is the Herbals: Licorice Root Extract, known for its powerful anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Perfect for pets suffering from allergies, this herbal remedy helps alleviate symptoms like itching, redness, and skin irritation. Give it a try:
https://shop.veterinarysecrets.com/supplements/licorice-root-extract.html
Hi, I’ve tried the quercetin but each time for my 16.8 pd schnoodle, he has diarrhea and doesn’t want to eat. What else can I try? He’s been scratching for weeks and now has a spot that looks much like ringworm but is smaller than a dime inside the groin. If I take him back to the vet, they’ll restart Apoquel! Thanks for your help!
For your question about your dog reacting to Dr. Jones’ Ultimate BioActive Quercetin, what you are describing is not uncommon for some dogs when first starting on concentrated supplements – Dr. Jones refers to this as going through a ‘nutritional boost’. It results in a GI reaction, with diarrhea most common, and/or gas or vomiting.
Dr. Jones’ advice in this case is to back off the supplement for a few days, until their systems return to normal, then slowly re-introduce the supplement. Start with just a sprinkle on their food (or mixed with a treat, depending on how you give it), and see how they do. If all is OK, continue for a few days as this level, then slowly increase the dose until they are at their full recommended dose. Most (by far) will be fine within 10 days on this schedule.