Best antihistamine for itchy dogs and cats
Constant scratching can be maddening 🙁 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!
Combat Allergies and Inflammation Naturally with Dr. Jones’ Ultimate BioActive Quercetin!
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What is Cetirizine?
Cetirizine, known by its brand names Zyrtec® and Reactine®, is an antihistamine commonly used in veterinary medicine to treat pruritus (itching) associated with atopic dermatitis, urticaria (hives), and insect-bite reactions in both cats and dogs. While it’s often prescribed, it’s important to note that its use in pets is considered ‘off-label’ or ‘extra-label,’ which is quite common in veterinary medicine. In these situations, it’s essential to follow your veterinarian’s instructions closely and be mindful of any potential cautions.
How Is Cetirizine Given?
Cetirizine is administered orally, either in tablet form or as an oral syrup. You can give it with or without food, but if your pet appears sick or vomits after receiving the medication, try offering it with a small amount of food to ease digestion.
This medication takes effect quickly, typically within 1 to 2 hours, and you should notice an improvement in your pet’s symptoms soon after.
What If I Miss Giving a Dose?
If you’re administering cetirizine twice a day and miss a dose, simply give the next dose at the scheduled time. If you’re giving it once a day, offer the dose as soon as you remember, but do not double up or give extra doses. Always return to the regular schedule after the missed dose.
Potential Side Effects of Cetirizine
Cetirizine is generally well-tolerated by pets and doesn’t typically cause side effects. However, some dogs may experience vomiting or increased salivation. In higher doses, small dogs and cats might show signs of drowsiness. If you notice any severe or worsening side effects, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Since cetirizine is a short-acting medication, it should stop working within 24 hours. However, if your pet has liver or kidney disease, the effects may last longer.
Risk Factors for Cetirizine
Avoid using combination products that contain pseudoephedrine in dogs and cats, as these can be harmful. Also, cetirizine should not be used in pets with known hypersensitivity to it or hydroxyzine.
Use cetirizine with caution if your pet has:
- A seizure disorder
- Difficulty urinating or signs of constipation
- Thyroid issues, enlarged prostate, heart, kidney, or liver disease
- Glaucoma
Dosage Guidelines
For dogs and cats, the standard dosage is 5mg per 10 lbs of body weight, given once daily. The tablets typically come in 10mg, so for a 10 lb dog or cat, you would give half a tablet.
Many pet parents are finding cetirizine to be one of the most effective antihistamines for treating allergy flare-ups. It has fewer side effects than Benadryl and seems to be a much safer over-the-counter option. Additionally, it works even better when combined with essential fatty acids, such as krill oil.
As someone who has experienced allergies myself, I wish I had cetirizine on hand a few days ago! Though I used Benadryl, which helped, cetirizine would have been a better choice since it’s safer and doesn’t cause drowsiness.
Natural Alternatives for Your Itchy Pet
If you’re looking for a natural solution to your pet’s itching, I recommend our whole plant extract option. It combines all the beneficial parts of the plant, and many pet parents have seen great results with it.
Combat Allergies and Inflammation Naturally with Dr. Jones’ Ultimate BioActive Quercetin!
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Join Dr. Jones LIVE: Learn How Probiotics Can Help Your Pet Overcome Common Health Problems!
