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PetDosageChart

Antihistamine (second-generation) · For Dogs

How much Claritin (Loratadine) can I give my dog?

Standard Claritin dose for dogs is 0.5 mg per kg (0.23 mg per lb), given once daily. Use the calculator below for your dog's exact weight, or jump to the weight-by-weight chart.

Onset
1-3 hours
Duration
24 hours
Class
Antihistamine (second-generation)

Calculator estimate from Plumb’s Veterinary Drug Handbook. Not yet vet-reviewed — see our methodology .

This dosage information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet. Dosages may vary based on your pet's health conditions, other medications, and individual factors.

Content reviewed by licensed veterinarians. Sourced from Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook and the Merck Veterinary Manual.

Dosage Calculator · 01

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By Weight

Claritin dose by dog weight

Pick your dog's weight to jump to a dedicated page with the dose, frequency, safety notes, and FAQ for that size.

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Dosage Chart · 02

Claritin dosage for dogs by weight

Scroll sideways to see full table

Weight Low Dose Standard Max Safe Frequency
5 lbs (2.3 kg) 0.5mg 1mg 2.5mg once daily
10 lbs (4.5 kg) 1mg 2.5mg 4.5mg (5mg tablet) once daily
15 lbs (6.8 kg) 1.5mg 3.5mg 7mg once daily
20 lbs (9.1 kg) 2.5mg 4.5mg (5mg tablet) 9mg (2 × 5mg) once daily
25 lbs (11.3 kg) 3mg 5.5mg (5mg tablet) 11.5mg once daily
30 lbs (13.6 kg) 3.5mg 7mg 13.5mg once daily
40 lbs (18.1 kg) 4.5mg (5mg tablet) 9mg (2 × 5mg) 18mg once daily
50 lbs (22.7 kg) 5.5mg (5mg tablet) 11.5mg 22.5mg once daily
60 lbs (27.2 kg) 7mg 13.5mg 27mg once daily
70 lbs (31.7 kg) 8mg 16mg (3 × 5mg) 31.5mg once daily
80 lbs (36.3 kg) 9mg (2 × 5mg) 18mg 36.5mg once daily
90 lbs (40.8 kg) 10mg (2 × 5mg) 20.5mg (4 × 5mg) 41mg (8 × 5mg) once daily
100 lbs (45.4 kg) 11.5mg 22.5mg 45.5mg (9 × 5mg) once daily
120 lbs (54.4 kg) 13.5mg 27mg 54.5mg (11 × 5mg) once daily
150 lbs (68 kg) 17mg 34mg (7 × 5mg) 68mg once daily

Common Uses · 03

What is Claritin (Loratadine) used for in dogs?

allergies itching atopic dermatitis mast cell tumors (adjunct)

Administration · 04

How to give Claritin to your dog

Use plain loratadine (Claritin) only — do NOT use Claritin-D, which contains pseudoephedrine, a decongestant toxic to dogs. Can be given with or without food. Claritin causes less drowsiness than first-generation antihistamines like Benadryl.

Available Forms

tablet, liquid

Give with Food?

No — can be given without food

Side Effects · 05

Side effects of Claritin in dogs

Common side effects

mild sedation
dry mouth
urinary retention

Serious side effects — call your vet

  • excessive sedation
  • rapid heartbeat
  • hypersensitivity reaction

Emergency · 06

When to call the vet

Call your vet immediately if your dog shows any of these signs:

  • Allergic symptoms worsen or do not improve
  • Excessive drowsiness or lethargy
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Difficulty urinating
  • Vomiting or diarrhea

For Cats

Looking for Claritin dosage for cats?

View the Claritin dosage chart and calculator for cats.

Related · 08

Related medications for dogs

Sources · 09

Sources & references

The dosage information on this page is compiled from the following veterinary and pharmaceutical references:

  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — the standard veterinary pharmacology reference used by veterinarians worldwide.
  • Merck Veterinary Manual — a trusted, peer-reviewed resource for veterinary professionals and pet owners.
  • DailyMed (FDA Drug Labels) — official FDA-approved drug labeling and prescribing information for Loratadine.

Read more about our methodology and how we calculate dosages.

Transparency · 11

How this page was made

Sourced from Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, the reference used in US vet schools. Every dose, frequency, and tablet count on this page is generated from that data, then checked against the published references below.

Sources cited
  • Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
  • Merck Veterinary Manual
Calculator formula
Doses scale linearly from a standard basis of 0.5 mg per kg (0.23 mg per lb) of body weight, given once daily. The calculator multiplies that basis by your dog's weight and rounds to the closest available tablet size.
Last-reviewed status
Automated from Plumb’s, not yet vet-reviewed.

More on our methodology and editorial process — how we source, calculate, and review dogs dosage data.

Frequently Asked · 07

Questions about this medication

Can I give my dog Claritin?
Yes, plain Claritin (loratadine) is generally considered safe for dogs for allergy relief. However, you must never use Claritin-D, which contains pseudoephedrine — this decongestant is toxic to dogs. Always consult your veterinarian for the correct dose.
How much Claritin can I give my dog?
The typical dose is 0.5 mg per kilogram of body weight, given once daily. Small dogs (under 15 lbs) usually get half of a 5 mg tablet, medium dogs get one 5 mg tablet, and large dogs get one 10 mg tablet daily.
Is Claritin better than Benadryl for dogs?
Claritin and Benadryl work differently. Claritin (second-generation) causes less drowsiness and lasts 24 hours, requiring only once-daily dosing. Benadryl (first-generation) works faster but causes more sedation and needs to be given 2-3 times daily. Your vet can recommend which is better for your dog's situation.
How long does it take Claritin to work in dogs?
Claritin typically starts working within 1-3 hours. For best results with chronic allergies, give it consistently once daily. Some dogs may need several days of consistent dosing to see full benefit.

Safety · 10

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