Benadryl helps for allergies, but owners sometimes use it for other reasons. Giving this over the counter antihistamine to a dog can be tricky. Learn more about diphenhydramine for Fido’s sake.
This histamine-blocking medication works on animals. In fact, Benadryl is generally well-tolerated by dogs. That said, there are safer and more appropriate allergy meds for canines.
Misuse or improper dosage are concerns. Too many pet parents provide potentially harmful drugs to their dogs with deadly results. Luckily, Benadryl has a fairly good margin of safety.
Can I Give My Dog Benadryl? Answer: Yes
But Apoquel is usually more appropriate.
Benadryl works, particularly for sedation and motion sickness. But routinely giving it to a dog isn’t recommended. Serious allergies should be evaluated by a vet. If your dog has cardiovascular disease, glaucoma or elevated blood pressure Benadryl can be very harmful. For skin allergies, dry nose or cracked paws get a safer all-natural organic product designed for pets.
Another alternative to Benadryl is an anti-itch hot-spot spray that will sooth your dog’s skin.
Best Benadryl Advice
Many dogs show allergic reactions due to the slightest irritant and don’t actually require medication. Benadryl is a commonly used OTC allergy blocker but this doesn’t mean its use is routine for animals.
If your dog’s allergies are stubborn, have them checked out. You must resolve the underlying cause(s). Avoid experimenting with pills, such as Benadryl, from your own medicine cabinet.
Dosing & Similar Meds
A safe Benadryl dose will factor in breed, medical history, weight and symptoms. You can generally administer 1mg for each pound of your dog’s body up to 3 times daily.
Allergy medications kill many dogs yearly due to lack of knowledge. Thankfully, Benadryl contains Diphenhydramine which is generally non-lethal for dogs in reasonable doses.
Careful of meds containing pseudoephedrine or acetaminophen. They are potentially toxic for dogs, even deadly.
Better Sleep and Mood
Visibly shaken dogs, either from thunderstorms or some other nerve-racking experience, probably shouldn’t be given Benadryl.
It sedative and causes drowsiness, not the soothing effect you may be expecting, though it may work for motion sickness.
While not considered harmful compared to similar drugs, Benadryl can sometimes make matters worse especially when misused. Don’t treat your dog like a lab rat!
Addressing K9 Allergies
Diphenhydramine and drugs like Benadryl can’t cure your dog’s allergies, especially a recurring allergy. Knowing the reasons for your dog’s bad reactions is the solution
Maybe a certain food or from something they rubbed up against. In any case, address and eliminate the underlining problem. Treating your dog’s symptoms, rather than the actual causes, is a mistake.
If your dog has allergic dermatitis they may require Apoquel but speak with your vet about this.
Benadryl by Accident
Accidental consumption of Benadryl, often misspelled Benedryl, requires a vet’s help. Try to determine how many pills your dog consumed, as well as the time-frame. A professional will need that information.
Your dog will most likely be alright, but some testing may be warranted. Often times, pets vomit things up that don’t sit well with their stomachs which is good.
Keep your dog under close observation for worsening symptoms following a Benadryl mishap.
Conclusion on Benadryl
Benadryl, or diphenhydramine, can be given to dogs when dosed properly. But preventing exposure to allergy stimulants will reduce symptoms and is much preferred to drugs. Many swear by Benadryl for alleviating their pet’s allergies. It may do the trick, but use it on your dog with great caution and not on a regular basis.