Claritin (Loratadine) is a human drug used to treat runny nose, sneezing, itching, skin rashes, and allergies. But how much Claritin for dogs is safe and effective to cure dogs’ health issues.
Veterinarians sometimes recommend the drug for pets with allergies, such as Benadryl for dogs. The Claritin is safe for dogs when given at the correct dosage.
Remember that make sure to check with your veterinarian before giving any drug to your pet. Self-medication can harm your dog, and overdose can lead your dog to severe health issues.
In the article, we provide a complete guide about the Claritin for dogs, so keep reading.
- How much Claritin is safe for dogs?
- Benefits of Claritin for dogs:
- Side effects of Claritin for dogs:
- Claritin dose for dogs by weight:
- How to givie Claritin to dogs?
- Is Claritin-D safe for dogs?
- Zyrtec vs Claritin for dogs:
- Loratadine overdose in dogs:
- Is Claritin good for dog allergies?
- Can a dog overdose on Claritin?
How much Claritin is safe for dogs?
Claritin (loratadine) is commonly used for treating dog allergies and also used for insects bite. A proper dose and recommended amount of medicine can aid your puppy’s health issues, but overdose and improper use can lead your dog to severe health issues.
Before buying the drug, check the label and active ingredients and ensure that they are suitable for dogs.
Because some product of Loratadine contains substances like pseudoephedrine which may be toxic to pets. Also, avoid the quick-dissolving Claritin, and that contain xylitol.
Buy the product that only contains loratadine as the active ingredient or cetirizine or loratadine for dogs.
You should avoid giving Claritin alongside other drugs of the same class (H1 histamine antagonists).
Benefits of Claritin for dogs:
Loratadine is a non-sedating and anti-histamine medicine, typically used to treat dogs suffering from allergies such as the runny nose and red eyes; reactions occur due to certain vaccines, insect bites, and skin itching.
It is also used to treat inflammation of the skin, known as canine atopic dermatitis.
Side effects of Claritin for dogs:

When giving properly, Claritin doesn’t have many side effects. However, in rare cases, dogs might experience some of the below problems.
- Nausea
- Vomiting & Diarrhea
- Urinary retention
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Stomach upset
- Drowsiness (on very rare occasions).
According to vets and pet experts, Claritin is not recommended for dogs suffering from hypersensitivity. The side effects often develop in such dogs who use the H1 histamine for the first time.
You may Also like to know about the side effects of cefpodoxime for dogs.
Claritin dose for dogs by weight:
Weight of dog | Dosage |
---|---|
Small dogs (1 to 14 pounds) | 5 mg of Claritin (2.5mg twice daily) |
Mid-size dogs (15 to 40 pounds) | 10 mg of Claritin (5mg twice daily) |
Above 40 pounds | 20 mg of Claritin (10mg twice daily) |
How much Claritin to give my dog? Claritin dosage for dogs depends on the weight of the body, and the severity of the allergy a pet suffers.
According to vets, the recommended size is 0.2 milligram/pound. Always follow the dosage advised by your vet and never overdose.
Generally, a Claritin tablet contains about 10 milligrams of Loratadine. So, for most puppies, break the tablet into two and feed them half.
How to givie Claritin to dogs?

- Before giving Claritin to dogs, the pet owner should take the below safety precautions to avoid complications.
- Always remember that overdosing on any drug is dangerous for humans as well as pets.
- Be sure to avoid other medications of the same class (H1 histamine antagonists) with Claritin loratadine.
- Make sure with your vet if your dog is suffering from hypersensitivity or liver disease.
- Always give the medicine is in pill form as the alcohol content in certain liquid may too high for dogs.
- Do not mix Claritin alongside other antihistamines, ketoconazole, erythromycin, cimetidine, or furanocoumarin, as it may lead your puppy to lethargy.
- Always check the label before buying the product. Only chose the product which contains cetirizine or loratadine only as an active ingredient.
- Avoid the product if it contains other elements.
Note That: If your dog develops any serious negative side effects, immediately stop administering the drug and seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.
Is Claritin-D safe for dogs?

No, Claritin-D is not safe for your dog. The reason behind this is that Claritin-D contains a huge amount of pseudoephedrine, which is toxic to dogs and can lead your pup to severe health issues.
So the best way is always to choose the Claritin, which only contains loratadine, and check with your vet before giving the medicine to your furry friend.
Zyrtec vs Claritin for dogs:
- Zyrtec is a drug brand name contain cetirizine. While Claritin is the brand name of the drug contain loratadine.
- Both drugs Zyrtec and Claritin, are second-generation antihistamines and the same class of medications.
- Both drugs are used for the same health problems includes allergies, skin itching, insect bite, etc.
Loratadine overdose in dogs:
Loratadine is from (H1 histamine antagonists) mainly used for health issues in puppies, like allergies, skin itching, runny nose, and runny eyes.
However, an overdose of loratadine leads your dogs to some sort of health issues includes stomach upset, vomiting and diarrhea, urinary retention, dry mouth, blurred vision, and Drowsiness.
Is Claritin good for dog allergies?
Yes, Claritin (loratadine) is good for several types of allergies in dogs when given the required dose in a proper way.
Claritin is a non-sedating and anti-histamine medicine, typically used to treat dogs suffering from allergies such as the runny nose and red eyes; reactions occur sue to certain vaccines, insect bites, and skin itching and inflammation known as canine atopic dermatitis.
Remember that overdosing can lead your dogs to health issues like Vomiting & Diarrhea. Urinary retention, dry mouth, and stomach upset.
Can a dog overdose on Claritin?
No, overdosing on Claritin is not safe for dogs. It can lead your pet to health issues like Drowsiness, Vomiting & Diarrhea, urinary retention, dry mouth, and stomach upset.
Before serving the drugs, take some knowledge about the Claritin dose and safety precautions.