My 45lb dog keeps scratching. Why isn't cetirizine helping her?

Antihistamines, like cetirizine, don't often work well in dogs. It is worth a try to use them but dogs metabolize them so quickly they just don't have the effect you would expect in most cases. Also, remember, if his scratching is not due to an allergy then that may be why it is not working. After 4 hours you should have noticed it working already.

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! While apoquel is a great drug to stop scratching and to help atopic dermatitis it doesn't do anything in the face of a skin infection. Coco should be checked to see if she now has a yeast and or bacterial skin infection. There is also the option of doing an injection for scratching called cytopoint, which lasts 30-60 days (dog dependent). I would also consider adding Omega 3 fish oils and changing her diet to a non-chicken based novel protein diet (try venison, lamb, fish). Claritin, benadryl and zyrtec can be sued in dogs, see links below: https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/dog/benadryl/ https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/dog/zyrtec/ https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/dog/claritin/ https://www.vrshealth.com/canine-products/omegadog/ https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=15235

Legally, we are prohibited from providing dosing information, even for OTC medications, in the absence of a physical exam and a patient-veterinarian-client relationship. Contact your veterinarian who can give you a dose based on Chloe's current weight.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Trace. I recommend that he sees his veterinarian if his current allergy treatment protocol is no longer working. Occasionally dogs will need oral antibiotics if the rash is severe enough. Prescription anti-itch medication can provide relief as well. Steroids are a common and inexpensive option, but can cause lots of side effects in the patient. Apoquel is a newer option that works very well with fewer side effects. Cytopoint is an anti-itch injection that is given by the veterinarian. It provides relief for 4-8 weeks. Medicated shampoo or mousse can be used for further control. In the meantime, place an E-collar on him to prevent any further self trauma. You can bath him with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner such as an oatmeal or fatty acid based formula to soothe the skin. I hope this information helps!

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/ )

Yes you are right this is probably due to an allergy, although it could also be infection or mites. First of all, in order to rule out skin parasites, I would suggest to treat with a high quality flea treatment (advocate or advantage), then ask the vet to perform a skin scrape - this might reveal an infection or a mite infestation. If all of those came back negative, the next step is to treat the allergy symptomatically and try to discover the cause of the allergy. Low dosage of steroids works best as Zyrtec (antihistaminic) may not be effective, even in case of allergies. Three main type of allergies are usually affecting pets: food allergies, flea and parasite related ones and environmental type (allergens coming from trees, pollens, dust etc etc). Once all the differentials have been ruled out, food allergy can be approached with an exclusion dietary plan. I agree with you Acana is a good option. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Yes, there is an OTC in the form of antihistamines, but legally I cannot recommend it for you to use on her, nor can I give you the dose. That's because doing so requires a veterinary client patient relationship which cannot be achieved via an internet forum. In addition, I cannot say for certain if a specific drug is safe for your dog. I would give your vet a call to get the name of the OTC option as well as the dosage.