Benadryl is also known by its generic name “Diphenhydramine“. Benadryl is used for the dogs which are suffering from any sort of allergy. It is one of the most used over-the-counter drugs which is recommended by most of the veterinarians.
You should consult your veterinarian before giving any drugs to your dog, including Benadryl. Humans and dogs react differently to the medicines, so use any drug after doctor’s recommendation. You should know some facts such as Is Benadryl safe for dogs? Benadryl dosage for dogs.
What is Benadryl?
Benadryl is the most common over-the-counter drugs which are available at any drug store and you can get it easily for your dog treatment. Benadryl is used to overcome the symptoms related to allergies such as sneezing and runny nose etc.
Remember that Benadryl is not the drug name, it is the brand name. The drug name “diphenhydramine”. So might be some drug store does not sell Benadryl, they will offer some other brand but with the same ingredient.
How Does Benadryl Work?
Benadryl is a kind of antihistamine, which is used to block the H-1 receptors and blood vessels. It is used for the treatment of a few seasonal and environmental allergies such as sneezing, itching, and hives.
Benadryl works by blocking the receptors which get histamines in the body. Still, the body produces histamine but the receptor antagonist stop the receptors getting inside the body. It is same as post-man trying to put a mail inside a mailbox which is already full, no space for the new mail.
What Does Benadryl Treat in Dogs?
Benadryl is the best medication which is used for dogs with allergies issues. Benadryl can be used for environmental allergies, seasonal allergies. It is also used for the allergic reaction to insects and snack for dogs.
Below is the list of the symptoms of allergies in dogs, against which you can use Benadryl:
- Itching
- Irritated Skin
- Hives
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Redness
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Swelling and inflammation
- Anaphylactic reaction
- Asthma
- Runny nose and eyes
- Insect or flea bites
Benadryl is also used as an adjunct therapy in some situations. Sometimes veterinarians prescribe Benadryl for the heartworm treatment. As it helps to prevent allergic reactions related to the heartworm therapy treatment.
Is Benadryl Safe For Dogs?
Benadryl is a safe and effective medication for dogs, only if it is used according to the veterinarian prescription. Before using any medicine, you should first observe your four-legged friends closely. To make sure that your dog will not suffer from any sort of reactions.
Maybe Benadryl causes any problem in puppies, so it is recommended to consult to vet before serving this drug to a puppy. Just as you have to be careful while giving any medicines to human babies.
Benadryl Dosage For Dogs
The best method is to visit a vet first and after his prescription give the Benadryl to your dog. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual 2-4mg of Benadryl is perfect per kilogram of dogs weight, two or there times a day. There are some factors on which dosage of Benadryl depends.
The average dosage in a single Benadryl tablet is 25mg, which means that one tablet should be given to a 25-pound weight dog. It will be better to check the dosage on the package of the drugs and never thought that every product has the same dosage.
Below is the table in which the use of Benadryl dosage is given according to the weight of the dog, it may help you while deciding the dosage.
[table id=5 /]
Never use capsules for dogs, as capsules are absorbed differently in dogs and humans, so there is a risk of any problem. There is also a chance that the capsule breaks inside the mouth when chewed and delivers more medication at once. And it will lead to overdosage.
Liquid Benadryl will be much better to use for the dog, as it contains sodium instead of alcohol. For small puppies, you can use the children’s Benadryl pills, which is much better than Benadryl tablets. You should consult to vet before giving Benadryl to a nursing or pregnant dogs.
Benadryl Overdose
The most common problem is that many owners give an overdose of this medication to your dog. That’s why it is highly recommended to consult your vet before giving this drug. There are few symptoms of overdose such as hyper-excitability of his central nervous system.
Some other common symptoms are given below:
- Rapid heartbeat
- Dilated pupils
- Agitation
- Constipation
- Seizures
Contact your vet or an emergency veterinary hospital quickly, if you think that you overdose the Benadryl. There are some dogs breed which have an allergy to the Benadryl. Keep an eye on the dog after giving Benadryl.
Side Effects of Benadryl
As humans face some side effects after drugs, same happens with the dogs after giving them a Benadryl. These include dry mouth and sleepiness etc.
Few most common side effects associated with the usage of Benadryl for dogs is given below:
- Sedation
- Dry mouth
- Urinary retention
- Hypersalivation
- Increased heart rate
- Rapid breathing
There are some situations or conditions of dogs in which you can’t give your dog this drug. In such situations, you need to visit the vet first and do what he prescribed you. Few of those conditions are given below:
- Angle-closure glaucoma
- Pregnancy
- Severe heart failure
- Prostatic hypertrophy
- Bladder neck obstruction
- Seizure disorders
- Hypertension
- Allergic lung diseases
Home Remedies or Alternatives To Benadryl For Dog
There are many kinds of treatments available which depends on what your dog is allergic to. If your dog suffers from the dust or pollen allergy. Then make sure to wash your dog regularly before bed and also keep your home clean.
Some dogs may suffer from food allergies, which is not easy to spot. If you think that your dog is suffering from a food allergy, consult to vet.
There are some home remedies if your dog is suffering from seasonal allergies. Apple cider, coconut oil, and aloe vera are best for such allergies. There are many other benefits of Apple cider. So by using these things you can treat your dog at home without usage of Benadryl.
Tips for Giving Benadryl to Your Dog
First, give your dog Benadryl in small amount instead of a full tablet. Observe for some time and note that is there any side effects appears or not.
The best way to avoid any side effects of Benadryl is to give the drug with the meal or treat. Break the tablets into small pieces then give it in the meat, your dog will eat it quickly.
Quick Wrap-up
Benadryl is the drug which is easily available at any pharmacy or drug store. This drug is very useful for dogs which are suffering from any sort of seasonal or environmental allergies.
Every single tablet of Benadryl contains 25 mg dosage, So you should give one tablet to a dog which has 25-pound weight. Liquid Benadryl will be much better to use for the dog because it contains sodium instead of alcohol.
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