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What Is Benadryl?
The brand name for the active component, diphenhydramine HCl, is Benadryl. First-generation ethanolamine-derivative antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, are classified by science as being able to pass the blood-brain barrier, which makes them extremely powerful but also increases the chance of negative side effects. Although Benadryl has not yet received FDA approval for use in veterinary care, it is widely utilized in American veterinary clinics and is thought to be safe for treatment in both dogs and cats.
Diphenhydramine functions by obstructing the body’s histamine receptors. This reduces a number of allergy-related symptoms, including hives, sneezing, and itching. Histamines are still produced by the body, but the receptor antagonist prevents the histamines from being recognized by the receptors.
It can be risky to give in to the urge to treat our pets with medications from our medicine cabinets. Veterinarians advise dog owners avoid giving their pets medicine on their own because humans and dogs react to drugs quite differently. However, when taken as directed, several human drugs are safe to give to dogs.
Veterinarians frequently prescribe diphenhydramine, also marketed as Benadryl, an over-the-counter human medicine, to dogs as a treatment for allergies, motion sickness, and anxiety during travel. Here’s what you should know about giving your dog human medication, such as Benadryl or diphenhydramine, however you should always see your veterinarian first.
What Is the Dog Benadryl Used For?
For dogs suffering from mild to moderate allergies, Benadryl is an excellent drug to utilize. Most allergic reactions to snake and bug bites, food allergies, seasonal allergies, and environmental allergies all react well to Benadryl. Benadryl is frequently used to treat dogs’ skin allergy-related itching. It also helps with many other allergy symptoms, such as:
- Hives
- Inflammation and swelling
- Redness
- Swollen eyes and nose
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- An allergic response
Drowsiness is one of the adverse effects of Benadryl that can help to soothe nervous pets. Pets with mild to moderate travel anxiety may find relief from symptoms with the use of diphenhydramine. Additionally, it might lessen motion sickness. While Benadryl can occasionally reduce nervousness, it’s advisable to consult your veterinarian or an animal behaviorist to identify and address the underlying cause of the fear.
Dogs with mast cell tumors are prescribed Benadryl by veterinarians to assist lessen the consequences of the large histamine release that results from mast cell degranulation. Diphenhydramine can lower the chance of an allergic reaction to heartworm treatment therapy, which is why veterinarians occasionally prescribe it. Benadryl is a great supplement to your dog’s diphenhydramine.
When to Consult Your Vet About Dog Benadryl
Discuss your dog’s symptoms with your veterinarian before grabbing for the Benadryl. Itching and red eyes, two common symptoms of allergies, can also be indicators of more serious illnesses. Giving Benadryl to your dog can occasionally make their illness worse.
Benadryl won’t help treat red, gooey eyes, which can be an indication of glaucoma or dry eye in addition to allergies. In a similar vein, allergies and other skin problems are often linked to itching. Additionally, your veterinarian may advise you on whether Benadryl will interfere with any other prescriptions your dog is on.
Adverse Reactions/Effect to Benadryl
Every owner of a dog should be informed of the potential adverse effects of administering Benadryl. Keep a close eye on your dog within the first hour of exposure since most side effects happen during this time.
See your veterinarian before giving Benadryl to your dog if it has any of the following conditions:
- Glaucoma
- Heart-related conditions
- Insufficient thyroid function
- Diseases involving seizures
- High blood pressure
- Lung allergies
The following are typical adverse effects of giving Benadryl to dogs:
- Feeling sleepy
- Mouth dryness
- Urinary retention
- Excessive Salivary
- Elevated heart rate
- Breathing quickly
Uncommon adverse effects consist of:
- The diarrhea
- Throwing up
- Reduced desire to eat
- Heightened desire to eat Being pregnant
Over dosage of Benadryl
It is feasible to take too much Benadryl. Hyperexcitability of the central nervous system is one of the potentially lethal overdose signs. Additional red flags to look out for include:
accelerated heart rate
- Dilated eyes
- Brutality
- Constipation
- Convulsions
Get in touch with your vet or an emergency veterinary facility right away if you think your dog may have overdosed on Benadryl. Benadryl allergies occur in certain dogs. As soon as your dog exhibits signs of an allergic reaction, take them to the vet.
Allergy Relief Without Benadryl
Dog Benadryl substitutes. There are other options you can try if your dog has a bad reaction to Benadryl but still need frequent allergy medication for a seasonal allergy. When used at the appropriate dosage, cetirizine (Zyrtec) and loratadine (Claritin) are regarded as safe for dogs.
Nevertheless, they are often mixed with other substances, such as decongestants, which can be harmful to your dog. Prior to giving your dog any new medication, always get advice from a veterinarian.
Dog dose for benadryl
The weight of the dog determines the appropriate dosage of diphenhydramine. To have the same beneficial effects, a tiny dog will require far less than a large dog. The recommended safe dosage is 2-4 milligrams of medication per kilogram of body weight, or 0.9 to 1.8 milligrams per pound, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual. This dosage can be given to your dog twice or three times a day, based on how they are feeling.
Although it’s preferable to use Benadryl ointments or tablets that have been approved by veterinarians, it is occasionally feasible to utilize human-grade tablets. If this is your choice, bear the following in mind:
- First of all, never give your dog prescription drugs that include alcohol or decongestants in the mix. Offer them only diphenhydramine-containing drugs; do not include any other active ingredients. Alcohol and decongestants can be harmful to your dog.
- Second, time-released medication capsules should never be administered to dogs. The digestive systems of dogs and people differ, so a human-grade capsule can overburden your dog. Furthermore, they can take the whole dose at once rather than gradually if they bite the capsule.
- Third, children’s Benadryl rather than adult Benadryl can be a better option for tiny pets. This enables more precise dosage adjustments.
- Lastly, consult your dog’s veterinarian to ensure that the proper dosage is being used if you plan to give your dog liquid Benadryl rather than tablets. Due to differences in absorption, liquid medications may not benefit from the 2-4 milligrams per kilogram recommendation.
