Hydroxyzine HCl Cat Medicine | Petco

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Training & Behavior
Can I give my cat my Hydroxyzine for his itching and scratching?
Hydroxyzine is not FDA approved for use in veterinary medicine, but it is frequently used "off label" to treat allergies and itching in cats and dogs. Legally, we are prohibited from recommending prescription medications in the absence of a physical exam and a VPCR (veterinarian-patient-client relationship). What you can do, is contact your vet for a dose based on Boba's body weight. Just as in people, antihistamines will affect pets in different ways. You may find it works well, just ok or not at all. Check Boba over for fleas, which are the most common cause of itching and scratching. If found, treat him topically or orally for at least 3 consecutive months but preferably year round. You will also need to treat the environment for fleas. This means vacuuming everywhere and washing all bedding. This should be followed up with a cat safe area treatment to prevent re-infestation. If there are no fleas, you will need to have Boba examined by your veterinarian to diagnose infection (bacterial or fungal), other parasites (mites) or other allergens (food, environmental, inhaled, contact). It can be very frustrating given all the potential causes for allergic reactions. Discuss allergy testing, food elimination trials and hydrolyzed diets with your vet.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Vet Q & A
Why is my cat still wheezing and swollen after Hydroxyzine?
Hydroxyzine does have bronchodilating effects. You can discuss other bronchodilators such as terbutaline, theophylline or even inhaled bronchodilators. Chest xrays can be done to check for fluid. You can also consider advanced diagnostics such as a trans tracheal wash. This procedure can collect samples for culture and pathology to diagnose infection or an inflammatory process such as asthma or bronchitis. A sensitivity panel can be done to determine the best antibiotic to use if infection is diagnosed.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellness
Cat allergies: Is Benadryl, cyproheptadine, or hydroxyzine best?
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Excellent question. They are all about the same though their efficacy is a bit different. This is because while they have the same mechanism of action, their bioavailability meaning how much is used by the body when taken is different. Benadryl appears to be the most effective out of the three in my experience and that is the one I would recommend though in theory they all should work. Good luck and have a great day!
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Training & Behavior
Is it safe to give my dog human hydroxyzine for separation anxiety?
Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! While hydroxyzine is an antihistamine commonly used for allergies and might cause mild sedation in dogs, it is unlikely to resolve Hunter’s separation anxiety. I recommend trying positive reinforcement, providing distractions, or even using calming supplements for dogs or a product known as a “thundershirt” prior to resorting to medications. You should consult with your vet regarding any medications you may want to give to Hunter to confirm that there will be no interactions with anything he is currently taking and that the dose is appropriate for his size.
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Health & Wellness
Is off-brand Zyrtec safe for cats? What ingredients to avoid?
Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. A safe dose of Cetirizine is 2.5 - 5 mg per cat, so this is likely half a tablet. Please make sure that Cetirizine is the only medical ingredient in the tablet, and there are no other additives. Pseudoephedrine is very toxic for cats, if this is present in the tablet, go to your vet right away. If you have given 10mg, that is ok, she might just be sleepy. Best of luck with Panda.
Updated on September 24th, 2025