Is Levocetirizine a safe Zyrtec substitute for my dog's allergies?

Both drugs are used off-label - meaning that they are not approved for veterinary use, so it's important to only use them as recommended by your veterinarian. Xyzal has a similar drug to Zyrtec, but is different enough that a new dose would have to be calculated by your veterinarian. This drug also has a lack of safety information for use with dogs, so I would not recommend it. I hope that helps and all is well with Mo.

Most OTC antihistamines can be used in dogs, however you should **never** give any medications to your dog without the advice of your veterinarian. Legally though, we cannot direct you to medicate your pet in the absence of a physical exam and a VCPR (veterinarian-client-patient-relationship). [Allergies](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/canine-allergies) can be frustrating to diagnose since they can have multiple causes ([environmental](https://www.petcoach.co/article/food-allergies-vs-environmental-allergies-whats-the-difference), [food](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/food-allergies), [flea bites](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/flea-allergy), etc.). Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Discuss [food elimination trials](https://www.petcoach.co/article/food-trials-for-allergies-in-pets-what-to-expect) and [allergy testing](https://www.petcoach.co/article/allergy-testing-immunotherapy-in-dogs) and if antihistamine use is indicated, he or she can give you a proper dose, The medication may provide some relief but your task is to try to determine what your dog is allergic to and decrease or eliminate it.

Unfortunately, by law it is illegal for the experts at Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to recommend using any drug, including OTC drugs, without seeing the animal in person first. That's because doing so requires a veterinary client patient relationship which cannot be achieved via an internet forum. In addition, the experts cannot say for certain if a specific drug is safe for Dakota. I would give your vet a call to discuss if using an anti-histamine in addition to his prednisone is safe for him. Best of luck.

Yes, you can give cetirizine as needed. Be aware that if you use it constantly there is a chance he will become tolerant to it and will no longer work. It should also not be used in animals that have any underlying kidney or liver disease. Please review this article on the medication in regards to dosing, side effects, etc. ( https://www.petcoach.co/pet-medication/cetirizine/ )

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Yes this medication can be given to dogs. However, I would recommend you check in with your veterinarian first as they know his medical history. Keep in mind some of these drugs can interact with other drugs or diseases and be harmful to a patient which is why I recommend you check in with your veterinarian first. Best of luck!

Most OTC antihistamines can be used in dogs; however you should never give any medications to your dog without the advice of your veterinarian. Allergies can be frustrating to diagnose since they can have multiple causes (inhaled, food, contact). Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Discuss food elimination trials and allergy testing and if antihistamine use is indicated, he or she can give you a proper dose, The medication may provide some relief but your task is to try to determine what your dog is allergic to and decrease or eliminate it. Monitor her for side effects including lethargy and weakness, and if you see those signs, have her seen by a vet right away. Best of luck.

This medication is considered safe for dogs but it is not likely to help with grass allergy or food allergy, i recommend taking Harry to the vet in order to get more effective medications for his condition.