What is Benadryl?
Benadryl is the brand name for the active ingredient diphenhydramine HCL. Dphenhydramine is a first generation ethanolanmine-derivative antihistamine, which is the scientific way of classifying antihistamines that can cross the blood-brain barrier from those that cannot.
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.
Veterinarians use Benadryl for dogs on a regular basis to treat allergies, travel anxiety, and motion sickness. While you should always consult with your veterinarian before giving your dog a human medication, here is what you need to know about using Benadryl for dogs.
What does Benadryl Treat in Dogs?
Benadryl is a great medication for use in dogs with mild-to-moderate allergies. Seasonal allergies, food allergies, environmental allergies, and allergic reactions to snake and insect bites all respond to Benadryl in most cases. Benadryl is commonly used to treat itchiness in dogs caused by skin allergies, and it also reduces many of the other symptoms of allergies, including:
Itching
Hives
Swelling and inflammation
Redness
Runny nose and eyes
Coughing
Sneezing
Anaphylactic reaction
One of the side effects of Benadryl is drowsiness, which helps to calm anxious dog. It may also relieve motion sickness during car rides and plane rides.
Benadryl makes an excellent addition to your pet emergency kit. If you don't have already a pet emergency kit or pet travel kit, consider putting one together today for your furry friend.
Please make sure you consult your veterinarian before you give "ANY" medication to your pet.They will help you understand the side effects of benadryl and the dosage your pet needs.
Dosage of Benadryl for Dogs
Please check with you veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet. NEVER use time-release capsules for dogs, as capsules are absorbed differently in dogs than in humans and may affect your dogs dosage. If you choose to use a liquid Benadryl , it is safer to use a children's liquid formula, as most do not contain alcohol. Children's Benadryl pills or tablets can also be used to dose very small dogs. Dosage for liquid Benadryl is different than the dosage for Benadryl pills. Consult your veterinarian for the appropriate dosage, and use a syringe to increase measurement accuracy and ease of administration.
Always consult your veterinarian before giving Benadryl to pregnant or nursing dogs, since the drug is not recommended for use in these animals. If you have any further questions about Benadryl for dogs, contact your veterinarian for more information.