It’s simple to believe that medications that effectively treat humans can also effectively treat our pets, and in this particular instance – you’re right. Benadryl is safe for dogs of any size.
As long as you use this human medication as directed, you may administer it to your dog. Despite the possibility that your pet has dog allergies of their own, Benadryl can also reduce anxiety and motion sickness when traveling. Knowing the fundamentals is a good idea before taking action.
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It can be dangerous to succumb to the urge to treat our pets with medications from our medicine cabinets. Dog owners are advised by veterinarians not to choose how to treat their pets on their own because humans and dogs react to medications very differently. Some human medications, though, can be used with dogs as long as they are administered properly.
Diphenhydramine, also known as the brand name Benadryl, is frequently prescribed by veterinarians for dogs to treat allergies, anxiety related to travel, and motion sickness. Here are some things you should know about using Benadryl for dogs, even though you should always seek advice from your veterinarian before giving your dog a human medication.
Benadryl is the brand name for the active ingredient diphenhydramine HCl. Diphenhydramine is a first-generation ethanolamine-derivative antihistamine, which is the scientific way of classifying antihistamines that can cross the blood-brain barrier – making them very effective but also increasing risks of adverse side effects. While Benadryl is not yet FDA-approved for veterinary use, it is considered safe for use in dogs and cats and is commonly used in veterinary practices across the U.S.
Diphenhydramine works by obstructing the body’s histamine receptors. This reduces a number of allergy symptoms like itchiness, sneezing, and hives. Although the body continues to produce histamines, the receptor antagonist prevents the histamines from being sensed by the receptors.
What Does Benadryl Treat in Dogs?
Use of Benadryl is highly recommended for canines with mild to moderate allergies. Benadryl typically alleviates symptoms of seasonal allergies, food allergies, environmental allergies, and allergic reactions to snake and insect bites. Benadryl is frequently used to treat itching in dogs brought on by skin allergies, and it also lessens many other allergy symptoms, such as:
Drowsiness, one of Benadryl’s side effects, aids in calming anxious dogs. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, diphenhydramine may help pets who are experiencing mild-to-moderate travel-related anxiety symptoms. It also may help relieve motion sickness. Although Benadryl may occasionally help with anxiety, it’s best to speak with your veterinarian or an animal behaviorist to identify the cause of the anxiety and treat it.
For dogs with mast cell tumors, veterinarians prescribe Benadryl to lessen the effects of the significant histamine release brought on by mast cell degranulation. Diphenhydramine is occasionally prescribed by veterinarians for use during heartworm treatment because it lowers the possibility of an allergic reaction to the medication. A great addition to your pet’s first aid kit is Benadryl.
Can you give your dog Benadryl for a cough?
Generally speaking, Benadryl is ineffective for treating coughs. The best advice is to visit your veterinarian so they can identify the underlying cause of the cough and treat it.
FAQ
What type of Benadryl is safe for dogs?
Benadryl Tablets The majority of diphenhydramine (Benadryl) tablets are 25 mg, which is the right dosage for a dog weighing 25 pounds. You’ll need to cut or divide these 25-mg pills in half for smaller dogs. Children’s Benadryl in the form of chewable tablets might be a good choice in this situation.
Does Benadryl help with hotspots on dogs?
Benadryl can be used to treat the allergic reaction that may be the cause of the hot spot and can help with hot spots on dogs. However, before giving them any human medication, be sure to speak with your veterinarian.
Is Benadryl for humans the same as Benadryl for dogs?
Dogs also experience the same clinical effects that Benadryl does in humans. Benadryl for dogs can be used to treat skin allergies, food allergies, and seasonal allergies while keeping in mind pet safety and your veterinarian’s recommendations.