What type benadryl for dogs

Benadryl is a brand name for an antihistamine diphenhydramine HCl that can help alleviate symptoms of allergic reactions and even anxiety. Histamine is a substance released by mast cells a type of immune cell and is responsible for inflammation and other allergy symptoms. Benadryl is not yet FDA-approved for veterinary use, but it is generally considered safe for use in dogs with mild-to-moderate allergies.

Symptoms of allergic reactions that can be treated with Benadryl include hives, swelling, and itching. Severe reactions, like anaphylaxis, can be life-threatening and should be treated by a veterinarian who may give an injection of diphenhydramine along with other emergency injections.

Many veterinarians approve Benadryl for home use as a regular go-to treatment. It may be suitable for:. Dogs may experience anxiety in unfamiliar or uncomfortable situations, such as during a move, going to the vet, or being left alone. Because Benadryl also causes drowsiness, pet parents have also had luck with using the medication to help calm their anxious dog.

Some dogs experience motion sickness while riding in cars which can be due to anxiety. The Merck Veterinary Manual also recommends using Benadryl to help relieve motion sickness during car rides. In some cases, the sedative effects of Benadryl can be enough to reduce car anxiety and its related symptoms. However, for dogs that continue to get an upset tummy in car rides, be sure to consult your veterinarian. Benadryl is a relatively safe and effective medication for both dogs and cats, but there is a caveat.

Seasonal allergies, food allergies, environmental allergies, and allergic reactions to snake and insect bites all respond to Benadryl in most cases. Benadryl is commonly used to treat itchiness in dogs caused by skin allergies , and it also reduces many of the other symptoms of allergies , including:. One of the side effects of Benadryl is drowsiness, which helps to calm anxious dogs. The Merck Veterinary Manual states that diphenhydramine may relieve symptoms of mild-to-moderate anxiety in pets associated with travel.

It also may help relieve motion sickness. Veterinarians prescribe Benadryl for dogs with mast cell tumors to help mitigate the effects of the massive histamine release caused by mast cell degranulation. Veterinarians sometimes prescribe diphenhydramine during heartworm treatment, as it helps reduce the risk of an allergic reaction to the heartworm treatment therapy. Benadryl makes an excellent addition to your pet first aid kit. Allergy symptoms like itching and red eyes are also signs of more serious conditions.

Red, goopy eyes could be a symptom of allergies, or it could also be a sign of glaucoma or dry eye, which Benadryl will not help treat. Similarly, itching is frequently associated with allergies and other skin conditions. Your vet will also be able to tell you whether Benadryl will interact with other medications that your dog is taking. There are side effects associated with using Benadryl for dogs that all dog owners should be aware of.

Most side effects occur within the first hour of exposure, so monitor your dog carefully during this time. If your dog has any of the following conditions, only use Benadryl after consulting your veterinarian:. Some instances in which it should not be used include:. Cardiac conditions cardiovascular disease. With any medication, the safest way to give the proper dose is to ask your veterinarian. In addition, many formulations are combined with other medications such as Tylenol, so make sure Benadryl tablets contain only diphenhydramine.

According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, the standard dose for Benadryl is milligrams per kilogram of body weight, or 0. For example, a pound dog might receive a 10 mg dose in the morning, afternoon, and evening.

Most diphenhydramine Benadryl tablets are 25 mg, which would be the appropriate size for a pound dog. Smaller dogs will require you to cut or divide these mg pills. These come in dosages of Diphenhydramine is also available in other formulations, including liquid Benadryl and some time-release forms. While drug chemistry may not be your favorite hobby, good old Benadryl may come to the rescue for your dog in a couple of situations.

Can you give a dog Benadryl? Yes, it is perfectly safe when given at the correct dosage. Yes, you can! Bug bite reactions and environmental allergies are two of the most common reasons to give Benadryl to dogs.

Benadryl can also be helpful for anxiety about events such as thunderstorms or fireworks, for motion sickness, or as part of treatment for mast cell tumors. For allergies, Benadryl is most effective if given before your dog is exposed to the thing that sparks his allergy.

Thankfully, diphenhydramine has a fairly wide safety margin in dogs.