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My 11lb Maltese has itchy ears. Can Zyrtec help, and what's the dose?
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Maltese | Male | unneutered | 17 years old | 10 lbs
My 11 lb Maltese seems to have ear mites. This has happened in the past and was attributed to allergy issues. I remember being told that I could give him Zyrtec, but was unsure of the right dosage. Can you help?
1 Answer
Most Helpful Answer
Answered By Ann Dion, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on January 9th, 2019
Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
Ear mites won't be treated with zyrtec (which is an anti-histamine). They need a parasite treatment for this (ex. Revolution, Advantage Multi, etc.).
Allergies also don't lead to ear mites.
It could be that Corbin has a build-up of wax and itchy ears from allergies, which can be treated with Zyrtec.
The typically dose is 1mg/kg so an 11lb dog would get about 5mg. Please ensure that Cetirizine is the ONLY active ingredient.
Best of luck with Corbin!
Ear mites won't be treated with zyrtec (which is an anti-histamine). They need a parasite treatment for this (ex. Revolution, Advantage Multi, etc.).
Allergies also don't lead to ear mites.
It could be that Corbin has a build-up of wax and itchy ears from allergies, which can be treated with Zyrtec.
The typically dose is 1mg/kg so an 11lb dog would get about 5mg. Please ensure that Cetirizine is the ONLY active ingredient.
Best of luck with Corbin!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful