Reaching into our medical cabinets to treat our dogs may be risky. Humans and dogs respond quite differently to drugs, which is why doctors urge dog owners from self-medicating their animals. Certain human drugs, on the other hand, are safe to use with dogs when administered properly. Is Benadryl one of them? Can we give Benadryl for dogs?
Veterinarians frequently prescribe diphenhydramine, more popularly known as Benadryl, for dogs to treat allergies, motion sickness, and sometimes anxiety.
Thus, we can administer Benadryl to dogs, but how much, under what circumstances, and how frequently? Numerous questions may be running through your thoughts at the moment. Continue reading to learn everything there is to know about it.
Benadryl for Dogs – What Exactly Is Benadryl?
Benadryl is a nonprescription antihistamine that is used to treat allergic effects of environmental allergens, stings or bites of insects, and some vaccination reactions.
Although it is a human medication that has not been authorized by the FDA for canines or other animals, you can safely administer it to your dog with the permission of your veterinarian.
Benadryl is the brand name for the medication used to treat allergies, not the generic name. There are several other manufacturers that manufacture comparable medicines, and there are several additional drugs sold under the Benadryl name that you should avoid.
Before administering a drug to your dog, thoroughly read the label. Diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in Benadryl, is canine safe. Cetirizine may also be present, and while it is probably safe, there is no need to subject your dog to it unless absolutely essential.
Uses of Benadryl
Benadryl is an excellent treatment for dogs suffering from mild to moderate allergies. Benadryl is effective in the majority of allergies like insect bites, food allergies, seasonal allergies, environmental allergies, etc.
Benadryl is frequently used to treat itching in dogs due to skin allergies, and it also alleviates a number of other allergy symptoms, including:
Drowsiness is one of Benadryl’s side effects, which helps calm stressed dogs. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, diphenhydramine may alleviate mild-to-moderate anxiety symptoms in dogs related with travel.
Veterinarians administer Benadryl to dogs with mast cell tumours to assist reduce the consequences of the mast cell degranulation-induced massive histamine release.
Diphenhydramine is occasionally used by veterinarians during heartworm treatment to assist lessen the chance of an adverse response to the heartworm medication. Benadryl is a wonderful first aid item to have in your pet’s first aid kit.
Benadryl for Dogs – Benadryl Dosage
According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, your dog should receive 0.9-1.8 mg of Benadryl per pound of body weight (2-4 mg/kg of body weight).
If you have a really little dog, you may need to use a lower-dosage liquid children’s formula to ensure they receive the recommended dose for their size.
Benadryl Adverse Reactions or Side Effects
All dog owners should be informed of the potential adverse effects of Benadryl for dogs. The majority of negative effects occur within the first hour of exposure, so keep a close eye on your dog during this period.
Benadryl should be used with caution if your dog has any of the following conditions:
The following are some of the most common side effects related with Benadryl use in dogs:
- Breathing rapidly
- Drowsiness
- Dryness in mouth or Hypersalivation
- Heart rate increased
- Retention of urine
Rare adverse effects include the following:
- Drastic appetite changes
- Benadryl Overdose
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
There is a possibility of overdosing on Benadryl. Overdose symptoms include central nervous system hyperexcitability, which can be lethal. Additionally, the following warning indicators should be observed:
- Agitation
- Constipation
- Pupils dilated
- Rapid heartbeats
- Seizures
Contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary facility immediately if you fear your dog has overdosed on Benadryl. Certain dogs develop an allergy to Benadryl. If your dog develops symptoms consistent with an allergic reaction, seek emergency veterinarian assistance.
Is Benadryl Advisable for Dogs?
When administered according to a veterinarian’s recommendations, Benadryl is a generally safe and effective treatment for dogs.
As with any new drug, monitor your dog regularly following administration to ensure no bad reactions occur.
If you have any further questions regarding Benadryl for dogs, please contact your veterinarian. Additionally, keep any medications out of reach of your canine companion.