My Westie has skin problems. Is cetirizine hydrochloride effective?

Legally, we are prohibited from providing doses, even for OTC medications, in the absence of a physical exam and VPCR ( Veterinarian-Patient-Client Relationship). A true and valid VPCR cannot be established in an online forum. Additionally, the itching and scratching may not be due to allergies, in which case the cetirizine will be ineffective. Ideally, Suki should be seen by your veterinarian to diagnose the underlying cause. In the meantime, place an e-collar (cone) on her to prevent licking or chewing. Confirm she is on a flea preventive and check her over for any stray fleas. Discuss allergy testing, food elimination trials and hydrolyzed diets with the vet.

Hi and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Cetirizine is an antihistamine that can be used to help lessen seasonal allergy symptoms. It is sometimes used in dogs with some efficacy- works for some dogs and not so well for others. Please be sure to obtain all dosing information for this drug from Barney's veterinarian. I hope this 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/ )

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly due to an underlying allergy predisposing him to fungal infections. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing his allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. A secondary infection is likely and also needs to be addressed. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

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.

You should see an improvement of symptoms within a few hours of administration. If not, you can discuss a different antihistamine, OTC or prescription, with your veterinarian. Just as in people, different antihistamines may be more effective in different dogs. Allergies can be frustrating to diagnose, so discuss allergy testing, hydrolyzed diets and food elimination trials with your veterinarian in addition to antihistamine use.

This can be caused by various reasons such as fleas, mites ,fungal infection, bacterial infection and allergies. the first 4 needs to be ruled out before we start treating for allergies. in order to do that first de-flea Shiro with a high quality flea treatment such as advantage spot on, if it doesn't help - take him to the vet in order to check for/treat the other possibilities. If everything is ruled out, then an allergy treatment can be started. Usually an hypoallergenic food is a good way to start together with anti histamines. if it doesn't help - the best solution is a medication called Apoquel which treats allergies with great success and without side effects.