Benadryl is an antihistamine commonly prescribed to help alleviate the symptoms of allergies in dogs. It may provide relief from itching, sneezing, runny nose, and rashes caused by food allergies, pollen allergies, insect stings or bites, and other sources.
It can also help stop vomiting and reduce motion sickness in dogs before traveling or undergoing surgery. Furthermore, it may be given to prevent an adverse reaction to a blood transfusion in dogs, as well as before surgery to treat mast cell tumors causing hives.
When selecting the appropriate Benadryl dosage for your pet, it is essential to take into account their size and other medications they are taking as well as when the allergy symptoms occur. A common dose for dogs is 1 mg per pound of body weight given 2 to 3 times a day.
Give your pup medication in pill or liquid form, and it’s best to give it with food. Wrap the pill in a slice of cheese or break it up and add it to their favorite snack.
Before giving any medication to your pet, be sure to read its label carefully and consult your vet. Some forms of Benadryl are topical or can even come as a chewable tablet that can be administered through the mouth.
Remember, liquid medications aren’t absorbed the same way tablets are. You may need to give your dog Benadryl more frequently than tablets since it takes longer for their digestive tract to absorb the drug.
Symptoms of an Overdose
If your dog has taken too much Benadryl, they may experience side effects such as diarrhea, vomiting or rapid heart rate and breathing. If these signs appear, contact your vet right away to determine if emergency care is necessary.
What to Avoid When Purchasing Benadryl
When purchasing Benadryl over the counter, it is essential that you look only for diphenhydramine as an ingredient and that there are no additional components present. Some Benadryl products contain acetaminophen or other potentially hazardous ingredients which should never be given to dogs.
Be cautious when giving Benadryl to your pup if they are pregnant or have previously experienced an adverse reaction. Furthermore, keep this medication away from puppies as they may have trouble handling it.
What Are the Common Side Effects of Benadryl?
Although sedation and dry mouth are two of the most frequent side effects associated with taking Benadryl, some less-common issues may also occur. Dogs taking this medicine may experience loss of appetite or diarrhea; therefore, it’s essential to monitor them closely and get them to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
