Is Benadryl safe for long term use in dogs? Here’s What to Expect

Benadryl is safe for dogs at all life stages. The dosage will need to be adjusted according to your dog’s weight. It is best to consult with a veterinarian to determine a dosage for your pet and to discuss why you would like to administer Benadryl to your dog.

If you are concerned about your dog having an allergic reaction and would like to give him Benadryl it is best to consult your veterinarian for the correct dosing information. Your veterinarian may recommend a visit to the clinic to perform a physical exam on your dog to be sure that he is having an allergic reaction that Benadryl can help with and not suffering from a more serious condition.

Benadryl is safe for dogs. The active ingredient, diphenhydramine, is used in veterinary formulations. Veterinarians may recommend Benadryl to their clients whose pets have allergic reactions to vaccines or other medications. In this case, pet parents are advised to administer Benadryl at a determined dose a few hours prior to their appointment.

Dogs, like humans, experience allergies or allergic reactions. When this occurs, one method of relieving itchiness is using antihistamines. Humans use antihistamines to help with seasonal allergies, known allergic reactions, or reactions to specific exposures such as bug bites and poison ivy.

Your vet may recommend Benadryl to your dog for allergies and itchy skin. Benadryl is more effective for the prevention of allergic reactions than treating reactions after they have started. When there is a common, single trigger to your dog’s allergies it is better to give him a dose of Benadryl before he encounters the allergen rather than after the exposure. Nonetheless, Benadryl can still help with decreasing the side effects of an allergic reaction.

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:

  • Hives
  • Swelling and inflammation
  • Redness
  • Runny nose and eyes
  • Coughing
  • Sneezing
  • Anaphylactic reaction
  • 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.

    Is Benadryl safe for long term use in dogs?

    What Can Benadryl Treat In Dogs?

    Benadryl is typically recommended by veterinarians for dogs experiencing mild allergic symptoms caused by insect bites or stings, medications or vaccinations. It can be given to dogs prior to vaccination for those who typically experience a reaction. If your dog is experiencing an allergic reaction that is accompanied by facial swelling or difficulty breathing, please contact a veterinarian immediately as this can be life threatening.

    Benadryl can also be used to treat symptoms of environmental, flea or food allergies. While veterinarians generally approve of using Benadryl for dogs with mild allergies, it is important to keep in mind that Benadryl is not as effective for dogs as it is for humans, and it should not be used to treat severe allergies. Additionally, if your dog is experiencing a food allergy, it is likely due to one of the top food allergens in dogs which are beef, dairy, and chicken, and removing the offending food is key.

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