I'm posting this here so that the information is available. Always consult your vet if you are uncertain or unsure about adminstiring things yourself at home. Hope this helps.
The uses of benadryl are as follows:
- Skin irritation and itching.
- Car sickness and vomiting.
- Insomnia and anxiety in dogs.
- Insect/bug/flea bites.
- Bee/wasp/hornet stings (including inside the mouth).
- Vaccination reactions (e.g., a Lyme disease shot).
- Hay fever, coughing/sneezing, and runny/stuffy nose.
- Asthma and inhalant allergies (e.g., to pollen/dust).
- Knots/lumps with fluid on the body.
- Irritation at the tailís base.
- Muscle tremors.
- Ear/eye infections.
- Bites of some snakes.
Benadryl absorbs into the system fast and often takes a quick effect, sometimes in 30 minutes. However, in some cases, it may take 7-10 days to achieve notable results.
The Safety of Benadryl for Pets
In general, Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is extremely safe for dogs, but there are a number of critical precautions:
- This medication is counter-indicated with some conditions in dogs, including: prostatic disease, glaucoma, hyperthyroidism, and cardiovascular disease.
- It may not be suitable for puppies. If you have a puppy, consult with your vet.
- For canines, only the pure medication is safe, where the only active ingredient is Diphenhydramine; the Decongestant and Colds/Sinus versions are unacceptable.
- Liquid Benadryl has high alcohol content, which is unsafe for animals.
- Children's Benadryl is alcohol/sugar free, but it contains sodium Ė this is a concern for dogs with some health concerns. - It should not be used together with painkillers and decongestants. It may interact with other medications, and may even be fatal. If your dog or cat is taking anything else Ė do ask your veterinarian. In general, it is considered safe with heartworm and flea tablets, and steroids.
- It is very important not to exceed the dosage prescribed.
Some people recommend using a tiny amount of the medication and checking the reaction first.
Dosage of Benadryl for Pets
There are 2 ways to determine the dose of Benadryl for a pet, and Iíll state both of them below:
1. Diphenhydramine is administered in the dosage of 1mg per 1 lb of the petís weight 3 times a day (every 8 hrs). Example: a 30lb dog is given 30mg of the medication 3 times a day.
2. Pets are divided into 3 weight categories; the medication is given 3 times a day, every 8 hrs:
- 30 lbs and smaller pets: 10 mg
- 30-50 pound dogs: 25 mg
- 50 lbs and larger dogs: 50 mg
As you see, the dosage depends on the petís weight, and the above are general recommendations. To find out how much Benadryl to give to your pet, you need to obtain professional advice from a veterinarian. Too small of a dose may not help, while exceeding the dose can be very dangerous. Also, the vet will help you determine the frequency of administration, such as every 4, 8, or 12 hrs. In addition, they will ask you questions to determine if itís an allergic reaction or something else. If your financial situation doesnít allow for a paid visit, you should be able to obtain free help by phone.
Side Effects of Benadryl in Pets
The most common side-effects are: mild disorientation and drowsiness. Others are: dry mouth, vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, problems breathing, agitation, fast heart beat, and urinary retention. Some side-effects can be prevented. For example, to prevent vomiting, give the med with food. To prevent the disturbance of appetite, feed your pet prior to giving the med. In case of side-effects, call a vet.
How to Give Benadryl to Pets
Here are some ideas on how to give this medication to a pet: the pill or capsule placed into chunks of meat; a liquid gel capsule dipped in a tasty treat; anal administration; shots. Most commonly, this medication is given orally, in capsules or tablets. Please contact your vet to find out more on the use of Benadryl for dogs.
Source: Benadryl for Dogs ? The FACTS