Benadryl For Dogs Nail Clipping

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Dogs commonly take Benadryl (diphenhydramine HCL)as an infrequent anti-anxiety treatment. It’s not meant for heavy daily use, but will greatly help ease your dog’s nerves when it’s time to trim their nails. The Merck Veterinary Manual advises that dogs take 2-4 milligrams of Benadryl per kilogram of their weight.

What do I do if my dog won’t let me cut his nails?

There are solutions to make nail trims easier. These are to desensitize your dog to it, use a different style of nail clipper, or use a Dremel instead of a clipper. If a dog is extremely aggressive and you’re afraid they may bite you, assistance from your primary vet would be the best place to start.

The standard dosage for oral Benadryl for dogs is 1 mg per pound of body weight, given 2-3 times a day. Most diphenhydramine tablets are 25 mg, which is the size used for a 25-pound dog. But the safest way to give the proper dose is to ask your veterinarian.

How much Benadryl can I give my dog to cut his nails?

If you are giving an orally, the standard or normal dosage for oral Benadryl given to dogs is 1 mg per pound of the dog’s body weight, adminstered 2-3 times daily.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy relaxes and helps your dog fall asleep. Use some lavender oil for massaging your dog to calm it down. Make sure to rub the back of its head using your hands.

Don’t forget to stroke down the base of the spine. Massaging helps stop the production of cortisol, reducing the stress on your dog.

When your dog is calm enough, you can get your clippers, nail file, or nail grinder ready.

FAQ

What can I give my dog to calm her down for nail trimming?

Use a soothing voice to keep her calm as you gently rub her paws. Then focus on the toes, giving each one a soft squeeze. Next apply gentle pressure to the nail itself. If your dog becomes scared or pulls back her paw, stop for a bit and continue only when she settles down.

How much Benadryl can I give my dog before grooming?

The Merck Veterinary Manual recommends giving your dog 0.9-1.8 mg of Benadryl per pound of weight (2-4 mg/kg of weight).

How much Benadryl can I give my dog to sedate?

The usual dosage is about 1 mg per pound, two to three times daily. Veterinarians often recommend that people start with a half dose to see how much it sedates the dog the first time.

Can I give my dog Benadryl to sedate him?

Benadryl may be a good dog sedative for car travel, as it also helps with mild car sickness. Dry mouth or an increased heart rate are fairly common side effects. Rarely, some dogs will have an atypical response and be excitable rather than sedate.