My dog Bella grabbed a Zyrtec off the counter. I can't find the dosage chart, and now I'm freaking out. Did I give her too much? Is this dangerous? Do I need to call a vet immediately? What should I do right now?

Hey there! Please don't panic. Let's figure this out together. Zyrtec, or cetirizine, is an antihistamine that's generally safe for dogs at the right dose. It sounds worrisome, but we can work through this.

First, how big is Bella? The typical safe dose for dogs is about 0.5 mg per pound of body weight once daily. So, if Bella weighs around 20 pounds, up to 10 mg is generally okay. Zyrtec usually comes in 5 mg or 10 mg tablets, so let me know how much she might've had.

Here’s what to watch for:

• Drowsiness or lethargy
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Agitation or hyperactivity (less common)

If she only got a single tablet and she's acting normal, there’s a good chance she'll be just fine, but keep a close eye on her for any unusual symptoms.

When to call a vet:

• If Bella seems extremely lethargic or unresponsive
• If she has trouble breathing
• If you notice any severe gastrointestinal issues like persistent vomiting
• If she consumed significantly more than one tablet

If she’s showing mild symptoms, you can do the following at home:

• Offer her plenty of water to help flush out the system
• Keep her resting in a comfortable, safe spot for monitoring

I hope Bella feels better soon! If you're unsure or your pet’s symptoms worsen, it's best to book a call with a vet on Dial A Vet for professional advice.