Benadryl for Dogs

Benadryl for Dogs- Uses, Benefits, Dosage, Side Effects, Drug Interactions, and Overdose

 

Benadryl is an antihistamine commonly used by both humans and pets. Benadryl is the brand name and its active ingredient is known as diphenhydramine. It’s given to dogs to treat allergies and other symptoms such as loss of appetite, motion sickness, and other allergic reactions. Because it’s an antihistamine, the drug inhibits the uptake of histamine (a chemical that causes an allergic reaction through inflammation and itchiness) synapses in the brain as well as by other synapses of nerve cells around the body. This helps relieve itchiness, watery eyes, runny nose, and other allergic reactions in dogs.

 

It’s important to note that the drug does not necessarily treat the underlying problems causing these allergic reactions.

 

Dosages of the drug may vary due to a number of factors, which is why you should consult your vet before administering it to your dog.

If used correctly, Benadryl is safe to use in dogs.

 

Benadryl Uses and Benefits

 

Benadryl is used effectively treat many symptoms in dogs including;

 

Allergic reactions such as itchiness, skin rashes, runny nose, and watery eyes,

Allergic Respiratory Disease

Cough

Motion Sickness

Mild Sedation

Loss of Appetite

Vaccines Reactions

Various forms of Allergic Skin Reaction

Reactions to Blood Transfusions

Inflammatory symptoms of Mass Cell Tumors

Other allergic reactions

 

Before administering, it’s important to ensure that the drug is safe to use. This is because most drug stores have a wide range of Benadryl products as well as generic ones containing the active ingredient, diphenhydramine.

 

Some of these drug products may not be safe for use in dogs as they might contain other medications such as pseudoephedrine or acetaminophen, which can be highly toxic. To ensure that your dog is getting maximum benefits from the drug, be sure to consult with your vet who will recommend the right formulation. When purchasing, always check the label carefully to make sure that it’s the right product recommended by the vet.

How Benadryl Works

 

Histamine is a chemical released by the dog’s body to cause inflammation and allergic reactions, thereby resulting in the above-stated symptoms. It attaches to the H-1 receptors, causing the small blood vessels to widen, thus causing inflammation and itchiness. It also causes the muscles around the airways to contract, causing difficulties in breathing.

 

Diphenhydramine works to effectively block the H-1 receptors which reduces the inflammation and the allergic reactions.

 

The drug has an anti-motion property that blocks the impulses to the vomiting center in the brain.

 

Is Benadryl Safe?

 

As long as the correct dosage is administered, Benadryl is safe to use.

 

Benadryl Side Effects

 

Dogs that receive the drug may experience a number of side effects such as;

 

Sleepiness/Drowsiness

Urinary Retention

Dry Mouth

Sluggish Reactions

Diarrhea

Sedation

Loss of Appetite

Rapid Breathing

Rapid Heart Rate

Excitability

Depression

Impaired Thinking and Perception

 

 

Most of these side effects usually occur within an hour of taking the drug and the majority are usually mild. However, should the dog exhibit severe side effects such as difficulty breathing or facial swelling, you should skip the medication immediately and go straight to the vet.

 

Benadryl Dosage

 

The recommended Benadryl dosage for dogs is 1mg per pound of body weight. The dosage should be given at least 2-3 times per day, that is, 8 to 12hrs. If needed, the dosage can be doubled to 2mg per pound of body weight in the case of a snake bite.

 

It’s important to note that the dosage may vary depending on various factors such as the dog’s breed, medical history, or even age. Therefore, be sure to consult with your vet before administering. You might also want to determine the underlying cause of the symptoms to ensure that the correct amount of medication is given.

Directions for Use

 

Benadryl should be administered every 8 to 12 hours or 2 to 3 times per day. Give each dose at the same time each day. In case a dose is missed, it should be given as soon as possible. However, if the time for the next dose reaches, just skip the medication and strictly follow the normal schedule.

 

All in all, administering the drug correctly is crucial in ensuring its effectiveness in treating the said symptoms.

 

Whether you are giving the drug in the form of capsules, tablets, oral liquid, or through injections, be sure to follow your vet’s prescription.

 

Benadryl Interactions

 

It’s important to tell your vet if your dog is on any type of medication to prevent interactions.

 

Benadryl has been shown to interact with various drugs including Amitraz, Selegiline, Warfarin sodium, Epinephrine, Furazolidone, Heparin sodium or calcium, and Central Nervous System depressants.

 

Benadryl Overdose

 

Although it’s safe to use Benadryl in dogs, an overdose can cause adverse effects.

 

Overdose symptoms may include;

 

Muscle Tremors

Breathing Difficulties

Rapid or Irregular Heartbeats

Extreme Fatigue

High Temperature

Increased High Blood Pressure

Agitation

Aggression

Abnormal Behavior

Extreme Drowsiness

Increased Body Temperature

 

If you see any of these symptoms after giving the drug after an accidental overdose, contact your vet immediately. The animal may require emergency care in extreme cases.

 

Missed Dose

 

In the case of a missed dose, give it as soon as you remember. If the time for the next dose is near, skip the missed dose and continue giving as required. Refrain from giving two doses at once to replace the missed ones as this may cause serious complications

 

When Not to Use Benadryl for Dogs

 

Benadryl should not be used on dogs suffering from heart disease, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, prostatic, or kidney and liver diseases. This is because the drug might worsen the complications.

 

Also, the medication should not be given to a pregnant or lactating dog. You might want to consult with your vet who might advise otherwise under such circumstances when the benefits outweigh the risks. And as easy as it may seem to buy the drugs and administer them by yourself, it’s important to consult a vet beforehand to avoid creating more complications. Remember that wrong use of this drug, especially on dogs suffering from conditions such as kidney disease may be life-threatening.

 

Otherwise, using Benadryl in the correct way will ensure that your furry friend is back up on its feet again after the treatment.

 

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