Due to their curiosity and energy, dogs frequently find themselves in sticky situations. There are numerous issues that can cause your dog to experience an allergic reaction, including running through some poison ivy or being stung by a bee.
Your dog doesn’t need to suffer, though. You can use diphenhydramine (Benadryl) under a veterinarian’s supervision to relieve the worst of their allergy symptoms. Here’s how Benadryl can be given to dogs safely.
Diphenhydramine, also known as Benadryl, is an antihistamine that treats allergy symptoms in both people and animals. If a dog needs to be transported over a long distance, it can also be used to lessen the motion sickness symptoms. The right dosage of Benadryl is perfectly safe for the majority of dogs. In about an hour, it will start to lessen symptoms like skin rashes.
Given that most Benadryl tablets are meant for human consumption, it’s crucial to use the appropriate dosage. Since some dogs can be quite small, they may require less Benadryl than an adult would. It’s not a good idea to rely on human dosing recommendations for Benadryl because dogs metabolize the medication differently.
Benadryl dosage for dogs. The weight of the dog determines the appropriate diphenhydramine dosage. A small dog will require a lot less than a large dog to experience the same benefits. The safe dosage is 2-4 milligrams of medication per kilogram of weight, or 0 according to the Merck Veterinary Manual. 9 to 1. 8 milligrams per pound. Depending on your dog’s symptoms, you may give this dose two to three times per day.
While it’s preferable to use Benadryl products that have been approved by veterinarians, it is occasionally possible to use human-made tablets. If you decide to go that route, bear the following in mind:
Risks of Benadryl for dogs. Most dogs can take Benadryl safely at the recommended dose, but occasionally a dog may be allergic to the drug itself. Diphenhydramine allergies share symptoms with other allergies, such as:
Keep an eye on your dog for any changes in behavior because almost all side effects of medications become apparent within the first hour of taking the substance. Additional less severe side effects of Benadryl that dogs may experience include:
Benadryl overdose. Ignoring any of these recommendations may result in a diphenhydramine overdose, which, depending on its severity, may cause symptoms like seizures, respiratory failure, or coma. Contact your veterinarian immediately and follow their instructions for emergency care if you think your dog has overdosed on Benadryl.
Alternatives to Benadryl for dogs. There are some alternatives you can use if your dog has a bad reaction to Benadryl but needs consistent allergy treatment for a seasonal allergy. When administered in the proper dosage, both loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec) are regarded as safe for dogs. Decongestants, for example, which are frequently added to them and can harm your dog, are another thing that happens. Before giving your dog any new medication, always seek advice from a veterinarian.
It’s preferable to treat acute allergic reactions with quicker-acting itching relievers like cortisone creams or injections. These treatments begin to work in minutes. However, cortisone treatments should only be used temporarily and may have unpleasant side effects for your pet.
When to call your vet. In an emergency, you should always call your vet first. Your dog may go into anaphylactic shock as a result of allergies or, very rarely, from taking Benadryl. Call the vet immediately if your dog is:
These could be symptoms of a severe allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention. Likewise, call your veterinarian right away if your dog has been bitten by a snake or stung by an unfamiliar insect to make sure it hasn’t been poisoned.
CAN I GIVE MY DOG PIRITON?
The popular antihistamine Piriton is widely available in most supermarkets and pharmacies. Chlorpheniramine, its active component, may be safe for use in dogs. Only administer Piriton to your dog if your veterinarian has cleared it as safe, and follow their dosage recommendations exactly at all times.
Benadryl is another brand of antihistamine available over the counter and it uses the active ingredient “diphenhydramine”, which is usually safe for dogs. However, some varieties of Benadryl do use other ingredients which can be harmful for your pooch and giving them too much can befatal.
Antihistamines are typically taken by humans during the hayfever season to treat runny noses and itchy eyes. Additionally, they can be used to alleviate the signs of mild allergies or even wasp or bee stings. But in what situations can you give dogs antihistamines?.
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You must test antihistamines prescribed for your dog for two to three weeks to determine whether they are effective. Following your veterinarian’s advice, you’ll need to stop giving it to your dog if it doesn’t work and try another until you find one that does.
Antihistamines can also cause a number of side effects in dogs, including drowsiness, stomach upset, hyperactivity, drooling, and an elevated heart rate.
This is only applicable generally, and depending on their individual requirements or underlying medical conditions, not all dogs should take antihistamines. Before administering any antihistamines to your dog, you must always confirm with your veterinarian that they are safe for that dog.
As long as you use the antihistamines in accordance with your veterinarian’s dosage recommendations, they are typically safe to administer to pets. Although you can purchase human antihistamines over the counter at pharmacies, your veterinarian may prescribe them. So are these still safe for your dog?.
Is It Safe to Give Your Pet an Antihistamine?
The allergy season is in full swing, and for many of us, it’s wreaking havoc on our day-to-day lives with runny noses, coughs, and scratchy throats. Antihistamines, fortunately, are a typical and easy way to treat or even prevent allergy symptoms.
Did you know that, similar to us humans, pets can also experience allergy symptoms and that they can be treated with a therapeutic dose of pet-safe antihistamines?
Some antihistamines are safe for our furry friends when used in therapeutic doses. However, an overdose of these medications can be dangerous. In regards to antihistamines, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) has all the knowledge you require to keep your pet safe and healthy.
FAQ
What human antihistamine is safe for dogs?
When administered in the proper dosage, both loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec) are regarded as safe for dogs. Decongestants, for example, which are frequently added to them and can harm your dog, are another thing that happens.
How much human antihistamine can I give my dog?
The recommended dosage of Benadryl is 2-4 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, or 0 mg, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual. 9-1. 8 milligrams (mg) of Benadryl per pound. Therefore, a straightforward and useful dosage is 1 mg of Benadryl per pound of your dog’s weight, administered two to three times daily.
Is there an over the counter antihistamine for dogs?
Most drug stores sell over-the-counter (OTC) human allergy medication, and many dogs respond well to it. Diphenhydramine (marketed under the name Benadryl) is the most popular antihistamine for dogs.
Can I give my dog a 10mg antihistamine?
Dogs over 10 lbs. receive one 10mg tablet once daily, making the dosing schedule much more convenient. Dogs under 10 lbs. can take half a 10 mg tablet once a day. Another great antihistamine for dogs is chlortrimeton, which is also the medication of choice for allergies in cats.