Can you give dogs antihistamines for itching

Benadryl For Dogs

The temptation to reach into our medicine cabinets to treat our pets can be dangerous. Humans and dogs react very differently to medications, which is why veterinarians caution dog owners against making independent decisions about how to medicate their animals. However, some human medications are safe for use with dogs, as long as they are used appropriately.

Veterinarians use diphenhydramine for dogs, commonly known by the over-the-counter human medication brand name 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 human medication, here is what you need to know about using diphenhydramine or Benadryl for dogs.

What Is Benadryl?

Benadryl is the brand name for the active ingredient diphenhydramine HCl. Diphenhydramine is a first-generation ethanolamine-derivative antihistamine, which is the scientific way of classifying antihistamines that can cross the blood-brain barrier making them very effective but also increasing risks of adverse side effects. 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.

Diphenhydramine works by blocking the receptors that receive histamines in the body. This relieves many of the symptoms associated with allergies, like itching, sneezing, and hives. The body still produces histamines, but the receptor antagonist blocks the receptors from registering the histamines.

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 bites from snakes and insectsall 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:

• Hives
• Swelling and inflammation
• Redness
• Runny nose and eyes
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Anaphylactic reaction

One of the side effects of Benadryl is drowsiness, which can help to calm anxious dogs. Diphenhydramine may help relieve symptoms of mild-to-moderate travel anxiety in pets. It also may help relieve motion sickness. Although Benadryl may sometimes relieve anxiety, its best to talk to your veterinarian or an animal behaviorist to determine and treat whats causing the anxiety.

Veterinarians prescribe Benadryl for dogs with mast cell tumors to help mitigate the effects of the massive histamine release caused by mast cell degranulation. Veterinarians sometimes prescribe diphenhydramine during heartworm treatment, as it helps reduce the risk of an allergic reaction to heartworm treatment therapy. Benadryl makes an excellent addition to your diphenhydramine for dogs.

When to Ask Your Vet About Benadryl For Dogs

Before you reach for Benadryl, consult your veterinarian about your dogs symptoms. Allergy symptoms like itching and red eyes may also be signs of more serious conditions. In some cases, giving your dog Benadryl can actually worsen your dogs condition.

Red, goopy eyes could be a symptom of allergies, or it could also be a sign of glaucoma or dry eye, which Benadryl will not help treat. Similarly, itching is frequently associated with allergies and other skin conditions. Your vet will also be able to tell you whether Benadryl will interact with any other medications that your dog is taking.

Side Effects of Benadryl

There are side effects associated with using Benadryl for dogs that all owners should be aware of. Most side effects occur within the first hour of exposure, so monitor your dog carefully during this time.

If your dog has any of the following conditions, only use Benadryl after consulting your veterinarian:

Common side effects associated with using Benadryl for dogs include:

• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Urinary retention
• Hypersalivation
• Increased heart rate
• Rapid breathing

Rare side effects include:

Benadryl Overdose

Its possible to overdose on Benadryl. Signs of an overdose include hyper-excitability of the central nervous system, which can be fatal. Other warning signs to watch for are:

If you suspect your dog has overdosed on Benadryl, contact your veterinarian or emergency veterinary hospital immediately. Some dogs develop an allergic reaction to Benadryl. If your dog starts having symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek veterinary care immediately.

How Much Benadryl Can I Give My Dog?

The best way to determine the correct Benadryl dosage for dogs is to consult your veterinarian. The Merck Veterinary Manual recommends administering 2-4 milligrams of Benadryl per kilogram of body weight, two to three times a day. However, this dosage can vary depending on your dogs medical conditions.

Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer for the AKC, warns that you should always consult with a veterinarian before giving Benadryl to a puppy because young puppies can be very sensitive to certain medications. The drug is also not recommended for pregnant or nursing dogs.

Never use time-release capsules for dogs, as capsules are absorbed differently in dogs than in humans and may affect your dogs dosage. They may also break open when chewed and deliver too much medication at one time, putting your dog at risk of an overdose. Your veterinarian can prescribe diphenhydramine capsules for dogs.

Its best to avoid using liquid Benadryl if it contains sodium, which can cause other side effects. Also, avoid any form of Benadryl that contains alcohol. Your vet can prescribe diphenhydramine liquid for dogs.

Childrens Benadryl pills or tablets can be used safely if you ask your veterinarian for the appropriate dosage. Your vet can even prescribe diphenhydramine flavored chews if your dog refuses to take pills or liquids.

Is Benadryl Safe For Your Dog?

Benadryl is a relatively safe and effective medication for dogs when used according to the instructions of a veterinarian. As with any new medication, always observe your dog closely after administration to make sure there arent any adverse reactions. If you have any further questions about diphenhydramine or Benadryl for dogs, contact your veterinarian for more information. And remember to keep all medicineshuman and canineout of reach of your curious dog.

Antihistamines For Dogs: When to Use Them, Dosage Schedules, and More

If your dog is itchy or has an allergic reaction, you may be wondering if antihistamines are the right solution. In this blog post, we will discuss antihistamines for dogs and when they should be used. We will also cover dosage schedules and how antihistamines can be used with other medications. If you're looking for allergy medication for dogs, antihistamines could be a viable option. Make sure to read this post first!

When should antihistamines for dogs be used?

Antihistamines can be used to treat allergies, both seasonal and environmental, and allergic reactions. If your dog is suffering from itchiness, redness, or swelling, antihistamines may be able to help. Antihistamines work by blocking histamine receptors. Histamine is a molecule that is released by the body in response to an allergen. There have been studies that suggest the use of antihistamines for dogs with seasonal allergies is beneficial and the low cost and favorable safety profile of antihistamines make them a popular choice for many dog owners and veterinarians.

It should be noted that not all dogs will respond to antihistamines to provide relief from seasonal allergies. This is because the mediators of the allergic response in dogs are not completely related to histamines. People who suffer from allergies typically have a runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing as a result of histamine release. These are all symptoms that are not commonly seen in dogs with allergies. Dogs will typically have redness and itchiness of their skin as their main symptoms.

For type-1 hypersensitivity reactions in dogs that result in facial and ocular swelling and hives, such as a bee or wasp sting or vaccine reaction, antihistamines can be beneficial and are typically recommended by veterinarians.

Antihistamines can serve as an effective allergy medication for dogs, especially for those suffering from seasonal or environmental allergies.

Can you combine antihistamines with other medications?

Yes, antihistamines can be combined with other medications for the treatment of allergies in dogs, as long as it is not in addition to another antihistamine. If your dog is taking any other medications, it is important to let your veterinarian know before giving them antihistamines. This includes any supplements that your dog is taking as well. Your veterinarian will be able to tell you if it is safe to give your dog antihistamines and how to do so properly to avoid serious side effects.

Concurrent use of antihistamines for dogs with popular allergy medications such as Apoquel and Atopica are safe with no known interactions. Additionally, the use of antihistamines with corticosteroids (e.g. prednisone) can be beneficial as they can reduce the overall dose of corticosteroid that is required. Temaril-P or Vanectyl-P are examples of medications that combine prednisone with an antihistamine in one pill.

When considering allergy medication such as antihistamines, it's important to consult your veterinarian, especially if your dog is already on other medications.

What are the commonly used antihistamines for dogs?

The most commonly used antihistamines for dogs include:

• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• Loratadine (Claritin)
• Cetirizine (Zyrtec or Reactine)
• Chlorpheniramine (Chlortrimeton)
• Hydroxyzine (Vistaril)

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is the most sedating antihistamine on the list. Cetirizine (Zyrtec or Reactine) is one of the most commonly used over-the-counter antihistamines recommended by veterinarians. Claritin can be used but is not typically recommended by veterinarians as some forms of Claritin contain decongestants such as pseudoephedrine which is very toxic to dogs.

There is no clear evidence that any one antihistamine works better than another, so other factors can be considered when choosing an allergy medication. These include cost, mode of administration, and side effects (a sedating antihistamine such as diphenhydramine can be administered in the evening instead of in the morning).

What is the typical dosage schedule for antihistamines in dogs?

The typical dosage schedule for antihistamines in dogs is every 8-12 hours, with the exception of cetirizine and loratadine, which are every 24 hours. Medications are dosed based on milligrams (mg) of antihistamine per patient weight in kilograms, i.e. mg/kg.

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) dose: The typical dose is 2-4 mg/kg every 8-12 hours.

Loratidine (Claritin) dose: The typical dose is 0.5 mg/kg every 24 hours.

Cetirizine (Zyrtec or Reactine) dose: The typical dose is 1 mg/kg every 24 hours.

Hydroxyzine (Vistaril) dose: The typical dose is 2-4 mg/kg every 8-12 hours.

It is important to discuss with your veterinarian if an antihistamine is right for your dog prior to using it.

What are the side effects of antihistamines in dogs?

The most common side effects of antihistamines in dogs include sedation and drowsiness. This is more commonly noticed with first-generation antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Newer generation antihistamines such as cetirizine (Zyrtec or Reactine) have less of a sedating effect.

At higher doses, a paradoxical reaction can occur, which is an unexpected increase in activity or stimulation. Other possible side effects include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea.

When should you not use antihistamines on your dog?

Antihistamines should also be used with caution in dogs that have known sensitivities to antihistamines or have respiratory diseases such as asthma, liver disease, and seizure disorders. Use cautiously in working animals due to the risk of job performance being affected, especially when using first-generation antihistamines such as Benadryl.

Frequently asked questions about antihistamines for dogs

How much Benadryl can I give my dog?

The typical dosage for Benadryl in dogs is 2-4 mg/kg of body weight every 8-12 hours. Higher doses greater than 5 mg/kg can have toxic side effects such as seizures, respiratory depression, and cardiovascular effects.

Are antihistamines for dogs safe to use?

Antihistamines are safe to use in dogs when the correct dosages are followed. As many over-the-counter antihistamines may also contain a decongestant such as pseudoephedrine, it is important to read the ingredient list prior to giving it to your dog. Decongestants such as pseudoephedrine are toxic to dogs and need to be avoided.

Can antihistamines for dogs be used to prevent motion sickness in cars?

Yes, while not as effective as maropitant (Cerenia), antihistamines can be used to prevent motion sickness in dogs. The most common antihistamine used for this purpose is diphenhydramine (Benadryl). It is best to administer Benadryl on an empty stomach and 1 hour prior to car travel.

Are antihistamines a good allergy medication for dogs?

Yes, they can be. Antihistamines seem to have the best effect when used for an acute allergy flare-up or when started at the beginning of the allergy season. Starting antihistamines when symptoms have been present for many weeks may not be beneficial for the dog.

Antihistamines for dogs are commonly used to treat allergic reactions and aid in treating seasonal or environmental allergies. When used correctly, antihistamines are a safe and effective way to manage your dog's allergies. Be sure to talk to your veterinarian about the best antihistamine for your dog's individual needs. They will be able to advise which one would be best and at the correct dose for the needs of your dog.