Benadryl For Dogs – Is The FDA Unapproved Medicine Safe?

Benadryl is the market name for the chemical diphenhydramine HCL. Diphenhydramine can be identified as ethanolamine derived antihistamine, the first generation, to be precise.

The syrups mostly contain some specified amount of alcohol and glycerol as well. Significantly, this antihistamine crosses the brain-blood barrier while many other active ingredients in many such products can not.

This property of crossing the BBB makes this drug successful. However, like two sides of the coin, the drug’s success comes with the delirious side effects.

To sum up, this FDA unapproved 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. Benadryl is used to treat symptoms like hives, sneezing, and itching.

However, the dog’s body responds with the production of Histamine storm as an immune response.

Later stages stop the receptor-antagonists from identifying histamines in the host body, dog in this case. Thus as antihistamines block the effects of histamines released during an immunological response.

Antihistamines are used to treat allergies. Benadryl contains more of this and hence 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 tumors
• Stops allergic reactions connected with heartworm treatment
• Finally, Benadryl makes a brilliant case for your dog kit

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

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

Note – Most of the symptoms appear 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 severe 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.

• Contact your family vet to determine the safe dosage limit for your dog.
• According to the 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 an ordinary children’s liquid medication, but it contains sodium and 0% alcohol.
• 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. It takes a minimum of half an hour to show progress, and hence you plan accordingly.

Never feed pregnant dogs with Benadryl and dogs affected with chronic allergies.

Please remember that Benadryl is virtually 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 with any further questions.