Like humans, dogs can also suffer from various allergies that can be “cured” with common remedies, such as Benadryl. Of course, you should always ask your vet about the proper dosage and other guidelines when you need to give Benadryl to your dog. Some dog owners also use this popular drug as a sedative and give it to their furry best friend at celebrations or holidays that include many fireworks.
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However, Benadryl is still a drug and your dog can have all kinds of side effects to this drug, so you must consult your veterinarian for the proper dosage and potential side effects.
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What exactly is Benadryl?
Benadryl is a popular anti-allergy medicine that you can buy in pharmacies without a special prescription and it facilitates allergic reactions to various allergens, stings, insect stings, or even allergic reactions to vaccines. This drug was made primarily for humans, and the FDA has not approved its use in animals. Veterinary practice often prescribes this drug for dogs.
We cannot stress enough how important it is that you keep an eye on the ingredient list. Some of these medications contain ingredients like pseudoephedrine or acetaminophen that are highly toxic to your dog and, in some cases, can be fatal. The dosage on how many Benadryl can you give to your dog should be always followed by a veterinarian.
When should I give my dog Benadryl?
Benadryl has many positive effects and can help with many problems in humans and dogs. Some of these problems can be headaches, inflammation, watery and red eyes, itching, and many other allergy symptoms.
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Sometimes your dog should take the medication before he is exposed to whatever is causing him allergies or stress. So if your Lab is afraid of fireworks, be sure to give him the medication at least 2 to 3 hours before they start.
This popular medicine contains a chemical called diphenhydramine that directly affects the absorption of histamine. Histamine causes allergy symptoms in humans and dogs. Diphenhydramine is one of the active ingredients in sleep medications, and if your vet gives you the blessing, it’s okay to give it to your dog for several reasons.
How much Benadryl for a dog?
“How much Benadryl can I give my dog?” is one of the 10 most searched questions about dogs on Google. As a general rule of thumb, the dosage of Benadryl for dogs is 1 milligram for every pound your dog weighs.
This, of course, happens in most cases, but it is important that you consult your vet and you will avoid potential problems. Many different factors can affect the dosage your dog prescribes, such as body weight, gender, age, and activity levels.
Benadryl also comes in tablets and an average tablet is 25 mg. This means that your 25-pound poodle should be given a pill. There may be different packages or medications, so don’t assume the tablet dose is 25mg, be sure to check.
It would also be better to go for the tablet form as the liquid version of this drug may contain alcohol which is highly toxic to canines. You can also find this medication in gel form and also ask your vet how to apply it or if it is safe for your dog.
Dogs can generally take this drug about 2-3 times a day, depending on what their vet says and that means every 8 to every 12 hours.
Symptoms of Benadryl poisoning in dogs
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Dogs have a severe reaction to this drug and it is important to know what symptoms may indicate that a reaction like this is happening. Some of the more serious symptoms are:
- High heart rate
- Your dog will be easily agitated
- You may suffer from constipation.
- Your puppy will have dilated pupils
- In extreme cases, seizures can occur.
You must be aware of these symptoms so that you can react to them and possibly save your dog’s life. Your dog may be allergic to Benadryl itself, so keep an eye on the dog the first time you give this medication.
