Is it ok to give dogs benadryl?

If you’re a dog owner and your furry friend is allergic to something, or if they have anxiety issues, perhaps you’ve considered giving them benadryl. But wait…is it really safe to give dogs this kind of medication? Can’t we just let them suffer in silence like we do when our significant others ask us how their outfit looks? In this article, we’ll explore whether giving dogs benadryl is appropriate, the risks involved in such an act and some alternative methods that might be worth checking out.

What is Benadryl for Dogs?

Benadryl contains diphenhydramine hydrochloride as its active ingredient – fancy medical terminology for “stuff that makes allergies less bad”. It can also help relieve itching associated with bites/stings, rashes, hives that develop from allergies. For humans and animals alike who are experiencing mild allergy symptoms, Benadryl certainly seems like a gift from the gods/Goddess Beyonce.

Can You Give Your Dog Over-The-Counter (OTC) Benadryl?

Yes! OTC human medications such as benadryll can be used safely on certain animals so long as the right dose is given at the right time. However before administering anything new to your furry little babydoll puppo bear/nugget barking angel ((SORRY NOT SORRY)), please speak with your veterinarian first because not all drugs play nicely with different breeds/types/sizes/ages/genders/species?

How Much Benadry Should I Use on My Doggo?

(BONUS: Cute picture here of puppy wearing happy smiley face bandaids) The correct dosage primarily depends upon your dog’s body weight & their tolerance/sensitivity/response/etc/you get where I’m going here Be sure to read up side-effect possibilities/talk with vet/cross your fingers & hope for the best. Here’s a chart to get you started:

Dog Weight Range Benadryl Dosage
10 lbs or less 5 mg
11-25 lbs 10 mg
26-50 lbs 25 mg
Over 50 lbs Contact Your Vet

Benefits of Giving A Puppy Benadryl

Canine allergies often show up in different ways: hair loss, skin irritations, swelling…just like when you eat too much road food and thought purchasing that denim romper from Forever21 was actually a good idea. The most common allergens being fleas, foooods grasses trees dust/pollen – making dogs feel uncomfortable/sleepy/grinchy™️ even after proper diet/exercise/love/treat/time spent together/etc
Here are some benefits to giving benadryl to puppies:

  • It relieves anxiety (read: barking in middle of night)
  • Antihistamine action can alleviate itching and pain associated with inflammation
  • Acts quickly which reduces symptoms more effectively than home remedies turned-viral-trend aka mixing coconut oil + turmeric on breezy summertime walk

Risks Of Using Benadry On Puppies

Of course, there is always the risk involved despite what made-for-tv movies/shows airing three times each week suggest. With any medication, be aware certain things could happen such as

Is Benadry Safe For All Dogs To Take?

Gentle reminder it is imperative I mention again that before using this medication on your dog(s), you need to consult their veterinarian first! Given how different breeds/shapes/sizes/intolerances/reactions/eating habits can be among dogs it’s never guaranteed that every puppy will have the same gorgeous experience. Here are some specific risks to keep in mind though:

  • Mild lethargy/sleepiness in reactions
  • Allergy-induced breathing difficulties (hola near future vet bills!)
  • Excessive drooling/panting/crying vocals/panic attacks/anything remotely dramatic if your puppy is allergic/bad reaction to Benadryl

Avoid Some Conditions If Your Puppy Needs Benadril Medication

Having an open line of communication with your veterinarian helps when considering benadryl for any doggie friends who may have:

  • Heart/thyroid condition(s)
  • Eye glaucoma
  • High blood pressure (“The hypertension? They can’t handle the hypertension Joker!”)
    To avoid making their current issues worse, other drugs/treatments might be a better fit.

Alternative Solutions To Canine Allergies And Anxiety

If after consulting with your famewoof’s/king/queen/ruler-of-your-heart and you’ve all agreed that benadyrl isn’t quite right for them at this time, there are many alternative options accessible out there such as:

Changes In Diet- What You Have Been Feeding Them Could Be The Problem!

Sometimes dietary changes do make a big difference! Such may include eliminating corn/wheat/soy & even chicken flavors from their diet or beneficial components like fish oil supplements from Vetted supplement makers?

Homeopathy For Dogs Suffering From Allergies & Anxiety

A lot of pet owners prefer avoiding pharmaceutical solutions where they can – so turning towards natural remedies could just be what you and your pup need! Holly Bodein says: “I used homeopathy to treat one Lab’s anxiety … I was using conventional approaches before that without much success.” There several different types including herbalism/acupuncture/chiropractic/tinctures/etc) Rather than risk aggravating severe allergies/anxiety by giving harsh chemicals, holistic therapies can help manage/counter it safely.

Dog Training & Desensitizing for Anxiety & Stress in Your Canine

If you’re not sure what is causing your dog’s anxiety, consider getting them certified/counseling from a qualified animal specialist (there are many available courses/training programs out there today). Here are some potential methods:

  • Counter-conditioning: teaching puppies to have more positive associations with things that they respond poorly to.
  • Systematic desensitization – helping dogs acclimate to scaries by comfortable exposure. For example if afraid of loud noises like thunderstorms try playing sounds go off louder gradually over time.

Conclusion

So again I reiterate, before doing anything important (like choosing the perfect name for your Dalmatian/Pug/Schnauzer/etc ), check with your veterinarian first! Just like humans it’s always best practice finding trusted advices prior anything who knows? You might discover something better that wasn’t originally considered when brainstorming remedies/options etc. Nonetheless everyone deserves comfort and happiness whether you’re human/animal…just no foot massages please SPCAs will thank us later 😇

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