How to treat benadryl overdose in dogs?

If your furry friend, who is usually skipping about and barking or meowing excitedly at you suddenly looks dazed and confused, with flapping ears and a rather restless expression alongside the typical symptoms of sneezing, coughing or swollen red eyes, then it could be allergic reaction time. And if you are like most pet parents out there, before heading straight to call in professional veterinary assistance, one common over-the-counter remedy that would come immediately to mind is Benadryl.

However day-saving this drug may prove for humans alike when battling allergies – hives included- remember that giving human dosages to your dog can result in dire consequences. Yes! You read right- dogs don’t respond well to this type of treatment for their allergies without proper guidance from a licensed veterinarian either.

So what should happen if by some unfortunate events our furry friends accidentally end up ingesting an overdose of Benadryl? Stay calm (as always advised).

Symptoms of Benadryl Overdose/Toxicity

Before we get into how-to treat benadryl overdose let’s first identify signs/symptoms of its toxic effects.
Hyperactivity or agitation
Depressed breathing rate (breathing less than 10 breaths per minute)
Excessive drooling
Confusion
Dilated pupils
Tremors

These symptoms can manifest anywhere between forty minutes and approximately two hours after ingestion depending on differing variables such as size/breed etcetera. It’s important not just knowing these signs but understanding the extent of toxicity also known dosage range which defines low toxicity levels versus severe poisoning cases.

Dosage Range

When it comes down to administering anything medicinal related for animals we needn’t assume any measurement conventions as everything needs precision hence why I have listed below a flexibly accurate dosages range according to your pet’s weight which can guide home-administrations.

Please note this isn’t written in stone and you could have a hyper-sensitive pooch that requires intervention with lesser dosage. A general rule of thumb is administering 1mg of Benadryl per pound of dog’s body weight:
Dogs under 30 pounds: Give about 1/2 a milligram (.5mg) for every pound that hasn’t exceeded the yearly maximum (400 mg)
Between thirty – fifty pounds: Administer one capsule (25mgs each)
Over fifty-pounds plus : Two capsules(I00 mgs). Routines shots are either available upon veterinary prescription or by Injections.

What Next after an Actual Overdose Happens?

The likelihood factor here is -there was definitely no intention on our part ever harming our furry friend using the wrong dosage as we certainly hope to never witness such mishap, but when it does happen, let’s calmly take deep breathes and consider these steps:

Step One- Calling Veterinary Emergency Contacts

After suspecting a benadryl toxicity case Call emergency veterinary clinic ASAP! A veterinarian will need some important info before advising what line-of-action needs taking further which includes:
– Time elapsed since ingestion
– Symptoms displayed
A benefit if you’re quick thinking would be wiping around lips in event they drool before arriving at the clinic so medication residue gets preserved possibly being used for analysis purposes.

Step Two-Measure Your dog’s Vital Signs.

When driving probiotics from town checking blood pressure, pulse count even respiratory rate logs sounds mundane however useful those practice notes come during emergency trauma scenarios guiding professionals make more informed decisions quicker likewise once vet reached after care proactive monitoring helps ascertain where assistance required i.e oxygen support needed or not etcetera making way for effective treatment plans hence vital signs record key.

Step Three-(Activated Charcoal)- Counteracting Toxicity.

This option proves viable if toxicity classifies as moderate. Activated charcoal in a few cases recommended by vets since it impedes drug absorption preventing ongoing toxic reactions simultaneously lowering the chances of proceeding to severe levels requiring critical care measures such as intubation or hospitalisation.

However from first-hand accounts I’ve heard this procedure being performed for dogs is quite the spectacle, owner’s transparency is required when listing breadth medication previously administered helping ensure its efficiency isn’t hampered i.e birth control pill(s), other medications etcetera mentioned upfront making vet’s job easier.

Treatment Measures

The suitable treatment purely hinges upon severity level and whether our furry friends visited a veterinary clinic not after overdose happened but understanding different options available can ease any subconscious guilt attached with feeling helpless whilst maybe intervening during emergency scenarios:

Monitoring (Moderate Overdose)

When signs/symptoms are noted early into poisoning (an hour or less) additional necessary remedies may probably be avoided. Administering activated charcoal immediately after initial dosage however effective does come with side effects hence monitoring conditions prove plausible course of action; preferable monitoring includes checking vital signs/breathing rate tracking tenaciously symptoms via visual notice which helps recognise moment-by-moment changes quickly enabling better evaluations before final healthcare steps taken further

Intravenous Fluids

Severe Symptoms
Severely ill dogs always have some form of intravenous fluids prescribed during poison control; commonly fluid therapy administered consists potassium-chloride balanced electrolytes creating an equalised pH balance equivalent to dog’s sodium content healthy water reserves – typically adjusted by veterinarian tailored specifically to diagnosed pet-related potentially life-threatening emergencies.

The After-effects that May Occur Post Medication

What Happens Next?

Here comes the punchline, you’ve managed following all pre-emptive procedures stated above, your furry friend made it through benadryl intoxication stage, and now what? Your dog may experience mild side effects for a few hours after the procedure ranging from decreased appetite to diarrhoea alongside lethargy or even general restlessness.

Thankfully these side effects vanish naturally without any extra manual intervention needed at all. If you think that post treatment schedule necessary it’s advisable contacting veterinary offices first before medicating again.

Conclusion

Accidents might happen during administering attempts of home remedies such as benadryl but with poise and measured decision making trajectories with supplementation by trained professionals factored we could potentially save our furry friend’s life in one fell swoop.

Any form of poisoning reaction requires speedy medical attention hence keeping a dedicated line of action support available proves helpful maintaining vigilance symbolising optimal perceived pet care-giving practice repertoire.

Always make sure to contact your emergency veterinary line if you suspect an overdose situation beforehand don’t presume everything will work itself out miraculously since time sensitivity still applies where toxicity matters are concerned- when handling last-resort actions anyhow always stay calm above anything else!

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