Benadryl For Dogs – Is The FDA Unapproved Medicine Safe?

Firstly, Benadryl refers to the company name for the chemical diphenhydramine HCL. In other words, diphenhydramine can be identified as ethanolamine derived antihistamine.

Especially, this antihistamine crosses the brain-blood obstacle from those that cannot.

As a result, this ability to somehow cross the brain-blood barrier not only make this drug successful but also cause side-effects.

To sum up, this FDA unapproved for vet drug Benadryl is now used as a medication for both cats and dogs across America.

In particular, the receptor antagonist, diphenhydramine functions by controlling histamines. At the same time, Benadryl removes any signs linked with hives, sneezing, and itching.

However, the dog still develops histamines and but the drug stops the receptors from identifying histamines.

In essence, it refers to a situation where the postbox is full and a new letter finds no room inside the box.

Benadryl is mainly used for

• Treating dogs with minor to middle-level allergies
• Other allergies that are treated with Benadryl are insect and snake bites, environmental allergies, food allergies, and seasonal allergies
• Manages skin allergies and the subsequent itchiness
• Controls other signs of allergies such as
  • Anaphylactic reaction
  • Sneezing
  • Coughing
  • Runny eyes and nose
  • Red patch
  • Inflammation and swelling
  • Hives
  • Itching
  • Alabama Disease
• Vets also suggest Benadryl for treating mast cell tumours
• Stops allergic reactions connected with heartworm treatment
• Finally, Benadryl makes a brilliant case for your dog kit

• Quick or abnormal breathing
• Rapid heart beat above normal
• Hypersalivation
• Retention of urine in the bladder
• Mouth dryness
• Sedation

• Abnormal Intake of food
• Abnormal loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea

Note – Most of the symptoms appears within the first 60-75 mins of administering Benadryl. So, keep watch.

Before enquiring about Benadryl, consult your family vet about these health issues

• Red eyes and itching are also considered serious symptoms.
• For dogs affected by glaucoma, Benadryl can make the condition turn even worse.
• Again, Benadryl does not cure goopy, red eyes.
• In the case of skin diseases, this drug does not produce the desired results.
• Finally, if you treat your dog with Benadryl without informing your doctor, keep your eyes glued to your dog.

• In the first place, contact your family vet to determine the safe dosage limit for your dog.
• According to Merck Manual, administering 2 to 4 mg of this drug Benadryl per kg of your pet’s body weight appears safe.
  And also not more than 2 or 3 times daily. But, this dosage depends on your dog’s health condition.
• Avoid using time-release capsules because capsules work differently in dogs and may cause an overdose. Moreover, capsules may break open and might release too much medication.
  However, you can also use a normal children’s liquid medication but it contains sodium and 0% alcohol.
• Also, kids Benadryl tablets or pills are also recommended for small sized dogs.
  Caution:  Dosage for capsule Benadryl and liquid Benadryl differs. So, contact your vet and use a correct measurement syringe to administer the drug.
• Furthermore, it takes a minimum of half an hour to show progress and hence you plan accordingly.
• To sum up, never feed pregnant dogs with Benadryl and dogs affected with chronic allergies.

Please remember that Benadryl is effectively safe when all the instructions of your vet are followed. In essence, after medication, you watch your dog for any adverse reactions and contact your vet about any further questions.