No one can see their dog in pain. When your dog gets sick it is obvious that you want to give it medicine to treat it immediately. However, medicines can be complicated and you should not make independent decisions regarding them without consulting your vet first. Over-the-counter human medication such as diphenhydramine more commonly known by the name “Benadryl,” should not be given to dogs without consulting a professional. But some dog owners despite knowing the risks well still give Benadryl to their dogs. This makes the other dog owners wonder “Can I give my dog Benadryl” So let’s find out if you can feed Benadryl to your dogs or not! Stick with us to find out.
What is Benadryl?
Benadryl is an over-the-counter medicine that most people often use to treat symptoms of allergy. The active ingredient of Benadryl, diphenhydramine, is an anti-histamine. It blocks the effect of histamine, a body chemical that leads to allergic reactions. It is effective in sneezing, runny nose, itching, and watery eyes commonly presented by hay fever, common cold, and other allergic conditions. Benadryl is very strong against hives and skin rashes and also fights car sickness. This medicine also induces sleepiness and is thus sometimes used for patients to fall asleep. But because it has a sedative effect that impairs normal functioning activities, such as driving a car or operating heavy machinery, the user is therefore advised against doing such activities after medication.
Benadryl for Dogs
Benadryl dog or diphenhydramine is an effective antihistamine, pretty much the same as in humans, for the treatment of many conditions. Vets usually prescribe it for use in cases of allergies and other concerns. However, it should always be administered under the supervision of a veterinarian to avoid danger to the dog.
What Can Benadryl Treat the Dogs?
Benadryl can be used to alleviate several conditions in dogs, including:
- Hymenoptera sting anaphylaxis or other anaphylactic reactions to foods or drugs (as part of emergency treatment)
- Itching and hives
- Paresthesia, minor edema, and erythema (swelling, redness, and tingling)
- Runny nose and watery eyes
- Motion sickness
- Moderate anxiety (during travel or stressful situations)
- Coughing and sneezing associated with allergies
How to give Benadryl to your dog
If you want to give your dog Benadryl, you should consult your veterinarian first. In most cases, the dosages we mentioned are in respect of your pet’s weight. However, it should be noted that the dosage, as suggested, varies normally to 1 mg of Benadryl per pound of your body weight, and this has to be administered 2-3 times a day.
Important Precautions
When administering Benadryl to dogs, keep the following in mind:
- Consult Your Vet: Your Vet should be consulted first if you need to give your dog Benadryl because not all dogs will have a good reaction towards it.
- Avoid Certain Formulas: The only drawback to this use of the drug is the necessity to refrain from using any Benadryl that contains decongestants or any other active ingredient because the latter is known to be toxic.
- Watch for Side Effects: It may be accompanied by side effects such as dizziness, a dry mouth, and difficulty digesting foods. At times, Benadryl may cause an elevated rate of blood pumping or breathing issues to arise.
- Special Conditions: Dogs that should not be given Benadryl include those that have eye ailments like glaucoma, heart ailments, high blood pressure, kidney diseases, seizures, and thyroid diseases, among others, without the doctor’s permission.
Benadryl can be helpful for dogs in specific situations, but it is also important to use it within safe limits and under the guidance of a professional.
How Much Benadryl Can I Give My Dog?
How much Benadryl you can give your dog depends on what your vet recommends you. However, some experts advise giving 2-4 milligrams of Benadryl per kilogram of body weight of the dog. You must always ensure not to overdose on Benadryl as it can be detrimental to your dog’s health.
Is Benadryl Safe for Dogs?
Benadryl is considered safe for dogs and it can help relieve many issues as well, however, it is strongly recommended to consult your vet first before giving beadryle to your dogs. A professional can guide you properly on the dosage, usage, and other factors. You should avoid using Benadryl if your dog has the following conditions without consulting a vet first:
- Glaucoma
- Cardiovascular disease and other cardiac complications
- Hypothyroidism
- Urination Problems
- Lung condition
- Pregnancy
- Seizure disorders
Side Effects Of Benadryl For Dogs
Benadryl works great in dealing with a number of concerns in dogs, however, some of the dogs can potentially develop side effects. Below are some of the most reported side effects coupled with advice on how to cope with them.
Common Side Effects
1. Drowsiness:
Some of the dogs may become a bit drowsy after taking Benadryl. Some owners may find that their pup looks particularly drowsy afterward, and it may be worthwhile to call the vet to discuss lowering the dosage.
2. Dry Mouth:
Sometimes dogs may develop a situation where their mouth becomes dry just like us humans. Make sure they are hydrated properly as you want to ensure they are in good shape with the water they require due to the hot weather.
3. Gastrointestinal Upset (Vomiting or Diarrhea):
If you catch symptoms of a gastrointestinal upset in your dog such as vomiting or diarrhea in your dog it is best to stop using Benadryl and discuss with your vet what alternatives you can use.
4. Increased Heart Rate:
If you notice your dog’s heartbeat increasing, keep a close eye on them. Consult your vet if it does not return to normal
5. Urinary Retention:
On rare occasions, Benadryl interferes with the ability of dogs to pee. For assistance, teach them how to take enough water and also take them more often for bathroom breaks.
6. Restlessness or Agitation:
If your dog looks nervous or agitated you might want to cut down on the dosage or maybe talk to your vet and find out what else might be done to help your pet to stop moving so much.
7. Allergic Reactions:
Occasionally a dog may suffer from an allergy and the symptoms may be similar to swelling or breathing problems. If this happens, consult the veterinarian immediately.
Conclusion
Benadryl is a wonderful medicine for humans but for dogs, you have to be a bit more careful. Consult and take advice from your vet before administering Benadryl to your dog. Always stay within the recommended guidelines and you are good to go! We hope this article was helpful to you. Keep visiting Petlyx for more useful information for your pet problems!
