It’s springtime here in the Ozarks, and that means seasonal allergies for the entire household–including our pets. In the past, we’ve successfully managed Sasha’s allergies with Apoquel (an anti-itch medication), but that hasn’t been much help during the recent spate of strong winds and high-pollen days. That’s why my veterinarian recommended the antihistamine Cetirizine (brand name Zyrtec) as a treatment option for Sasha.
Before giving your dog antihistamines, read the label carefully. Do not use any product that contains decongestants such as pseudoephedrine; even one small dose is extremely toxic and can lead to irreparable harm or death.
My veterinarian also warned against giving Sasha flavored tablets, chewable, or oral disintegrating tablets (also called “orodispersible” tablets). These are likely to contain the sweetener xylitol, which is poisonous to your dog. As I previously posted:
*Warning: Xylitol is being marketed as wood sugar, birch sugar, and birch bark extract. This product is deadly for dogs. Call your veterinarian, emergency animal clinic, or animal poison control center if you think your dog may have ingested something containing Xylitol.
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) provides detailed information about the dangers of Xylitol for dogs. Find that here.
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Before giving Zyrtec or any other allergy medication to your pet, talk with your veterinarian and make sure antihistamines are the right choice–the safe choice–for your own dog.
