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Zyrtec, or Cetirizine, is an antihistamine. Cetirizine helps reduce any allergen-related histamine-mediated irritation, pruritus preventing your body from sounding the allergy alarm coughing, itching, and sneezing. Since Cetirizine is a drug primarily intended for human use, and since there is no veterinarian-approved equivalent, Cetirizine for dogs and cats is considered an extra-label drug, or a drug being used outside its realm of approved use, even though it is commonly prescribed for pets by veterinarians.
Dogs or cats with hypersensitivity to antihistamines should not be given Cetirizine. Pets with renal or liver problems should be carefully monitored and have their dosages regulated based on the severity of their condition. Cetirizine has not been proven safe to use in dogs or cats that may be pregnant or nursing.
In some cases, vomiting or hypersalivation has occurred after starting on Cetirizine. In some small dogs taking higher dosages, drowsiness has been reported.