Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 1/10/2009

Question
Hello, I have a 5 month old male bull terrier puppy. He is current on all shots and vet care. He has developed skin spots of hair loss and itch. The vet first checked for mange and all scrapings came back negative. We also did a culture for ringworm and are waiting for the results. The vet also thinks it may likely be a skin allergy either to food or the enviroment. He was sent home on an antibiotic, medicated shampoo, and directions to give zyrtec just in case it is an allergy and to cut down on the mild itch. I have a question about the dose however. I was instructed to give my 26 lb 5 month old puppy 1 pill of 10mg Zyrtec once daily, is this the right dose? It seems like alot for a small dog considering a full grown human takes 1 pill. Is this dose the right amount to be giving him? I had previously been instructed to try Benedrly but did not seem to see a difference. Now the vet wants to try the Zyrtec. The vet said to try Zyrtec first and then if that does not work to try Clairten. The dose I was given for that was 1/2 to 1 pill once a day. Are these doses right for the Zyrtec and Clairiten for a 26lb 5 month old puppy? I know not to give both at the same time, I know to start with the Zyrtec and if that does not work switch to the Clairiten but I want to make sure the dose is normal as it seems high. Thanks.

Answer
I am very surprised that your vet does not know that antihistamines are almost useless for itching in the dog. They just don't make much histamine in their skin.  Even if the skin scrapings are negative (many dogs with mange have negative scrapings) ask them to treat the puppy for mange with either an injection of ivermectin or a dipping in an insecticide called phosmet (Paramite) or amitraz (Mitaban).