Only offer them medications with diphenhydramine and no other active ingredients. Decongestants and alcohol can be toxic for your dog. Second, dogs should never be given time-released drug capsules. Your dog’s stomach works differently from yours, and a capsule that works well for humans may overdose your dog.
What Is Benadryl Used for With Dogs?
Benadryl is often prescribed to treat some of the common problems due to environmental allergies, allergic reactions to stings, and insect bites. Benadryl for dogs is also used as a precaution against reactions from vaccinations. Additionally, Benadryl is effective in preventing motion sickness in dogs, and also acts as a mild sedative.
Diphenhydramine, which is one of the ingredients of Benadryl, is a first-generation antihistamine and is known as highly effective but can also enhance the risks of adverse effects when it is compared to some of the milder second-generation antihistamines, which are available on the market.
Veterinarians, despite not being approved by the FDA, consider Benadryl safe for use with dogs and cats. It is widely prescribed in veterinary clinics throughout the United States.
Dogs that are suffering from mild or moderate allergies will find relief from Benadryl because it is an effective medication. Benadryl also provides relief against seasonal, environmental, and food allergies apart from allergic reactions caused by snake bites. It is in most cases used as a medication to deal with itchiness in the dog which may be caused by skin allergies.
Benadryl for dogs has the potential to reduce other symptoms of allergies which include the following:
Anxious dogs can easily be calmed when Benadryl is administered because of the drowsiness it causes. The veterinary manual issued by Merck mentions that diphenhydramine has the potential to relieve symptoms of mild or moderate anxiety which is generally associated with pets during travel and may also help to relieve symptoms of motion sickness during rides in vehicles and aircraft.
Veterinarians also prescribe diphenhydramine as a form of treatment for heartworms because it can help to prevent allergic reactions associated with treatment therapies for heartworm. A pet emergency kit will not be complete without adding Benadryl and pet owners who do not have an emergency kit must consider having one without delays. Infographic: Top tips when using Benadryl with Dogs
When dog Benadryl is used as prescribed by the veterinarian it is an effective and safe medication for dogs. However, pet owners are advised to observe their dogs closely after Benadryl is administered to ensure that the dog does not suffer from any adverse reactions. Pet owners who are not certain about the reactions or have further questions should not hesitate to contact their veterinarian for advice.
Benadryl should not be used without advice from a veterinarian, especially if a dog has any of the following conditions:
What Does Benadryl Treat in Dogs?
Benadryl is a great medication for use in dogs with mild-to-moderate allergies. Seasonal allergies, food allergies, environmental allergies, and allergic reactions to snake and insect bites all respond to Benadryl in most cases. Benadryl is commonly used to treat itchiness in dogs caused by skin allergies, and it also reduces many of the other symptoms of allergies, including:
One of the side effects of Benadryl is drowsiness, which helps to calm anxious dogs. The Merck Veterinary Manual states that diphenhydramine may relieve symptoms of mild-to-moderate anxiety in pets associated with travel. It also may help relieve motion sickness. Although Benadryl may sometimes relieve anxiety, it’s best to talk to your veterinarian or an animal behaviorist to determine and treat what’s causing the anxiety.
Veterinarians prescribe Benadryl for dogs with mast cell tumors to help mitigate the effects of the massive histamine release caused by mast cell degranulation. Veterinarians sometimes prescribe diphenhydramine during heartworm treatment, as it helps reduce the risk of an allergic reaction to the heartworm treatment therapy. Benadryl makes an excellent addition to your pet first aid kit.
Can I give my dog a 25 mg Benadryl capsule?
Most diphenhydramine (Benadryl) tablets are 25 mg, which would be the appropriate size for a 25-pound dog. Smaller dogs will require you to cut or divide these 25-mg pills. In this case, children’s Benadryl in the chewable tablets may be a good option. These come in dosages of 12.5 mg.
FAQ
Does Benadryl liquid gels contain xylitol?
Benadryl also provides relief against seasonal, environmental, and food allergies apart from allergic reactions caused by snake bites. It is in most cases used as a medication to deal with itchiness in the dog which may be caused by skin allergies.
What kind of Benadryl can I give my dog?