When a dog has mild-to-moderate allergies, Benadryl is a fantastic drug to utilize. Most of the time, Benadryl works to treat allergies such as seasonal allergies, food allergies, environmental allergies, and allergic reactions to snake and bug bites. Benadryl is frequently used to alleviate itching in dogs brought on by skin allergies, and it also lessens many other allergy symptoms, such as:
- Hives
- Angiogenesis and inflammation
- Redness
- runny eyes and a nose
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- allergic response
Drowsiness, one of Benadryl’s adverse effects, aids in calming agitated dogs. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, diphenhydramine may help pets who are experiencing mild-to-moderate travel-related anxiety symptoms. Additionally, it might lessen motion sickness. It’s best to consult your veterinarian or an animal behaviorist to identify and treat the cause of the anxiety, even if Benadryl may occasionally help.
Dogs with mast cell tumors are given Benadryl by veterinarians to lessen the symptoms of the significant histamine release brought on by mast cell degranulation. Diphenhydramine is occasionally prescribed by veterinarians for use during heartworm treatments because it lowers the possibility of an adverse reaction to the medication. A great addition to your pet’s first aid kit is Benadryl.
What home remedies can I use for my dog’s allergies?
If seeing the veterinarian is not an option, you can treat your dog’s itchy skin at home. You may treat yourself at home with things like baking soda, coconut oil, and colloidal oatmeal baths. And while you may be able to provide some comfort and minimize the itching, it’s crucial to treat the underlying issue, whether it be an allergy, flea bites, or an inflammatory disease.
When Should You Call the Vet?
Mild itching every now and then is typically not a sign of serious medical conditions, but if your dog starts to exhibit other symptoms such as persistent or frequent licking or itching, trouble falling asleep or being restless due to itching, loss of appetite, or a downcast mood, call your veterinarian right away. To prevent further skin infections and open sores, it is crucial to treat the underlying cause of the severe, persistent itching. Your veterinarian will administer the best treatment based on the cause.
However, if your dog just sometimes or mildly scratches, there are a ton of completely secure, all-natural options to address this at home. In fact, the majority of the treatments are probably already in your pantry. Continue reading for seven easy solutions that will provide your scratchy dog with lasting relief.
Before beginning any skincare routine for your dog, speak with your veterinarian, and discontinue the regimen if your dog’s problems persist or get worse.
What canine medication relieves allergies the best?
You probably already know that dogs can have allergies. Like us, they sneeze and have scratchy skin and eyes. While most dogs may get by with an over-the-counter remedy, some can have conditions that are so serious they need a prescription. Depending on your dog’s condition, a select few medicine types may be most helpful.
Apoquel Tablets For Dogs are the greatest allergy medication. Skin irritation, the most prevalent type of dog allergy, is swiftly and safely treated with this drug.
How can I treat my dog’s allergies?
other canine-safe antihistamines
- Cetirizine. 10 to 20 milligrams each dog, once or twice day, or 1 mg per kilogram of body weight.
- Clemastine. Two times daily, 0.1 milligrams per kilogram of body weight.
- Chlorpheniramine. dogs weighing less 20 kg.
- Cyproheptadine.
- Fexofenadine.
- Hydroxyzine.
- Terfenadine.
- Trimeprazine.
What allergy medications are available over-the-counter for dogs?
A number of over-the-counter (OTC) human antihistamines have been shown to be effective in treating canine allergy symptoms, but we advise you to speak with your veterinarian before using any of these drugs.
The most popular antihistamine for people is Benadryl (diphenhydramine), which is also useful for dogs. Just be aware that because Benadryl has sedative effects, your dog may get extremely sleepy. Zyrtec and Claritin (loratadine) are additional canine antihistamines that are secure (cetirizine). They may still make your dog sleepy even though they generate less sedation than Benadryl does.
Attention: Verify that the OTC allergy medication you’re using only contains antihistamine. Some might have unsuitable substances for dogs, like decongestants.
Dosing For Dogs
- 1 mg of Benadryl per pound of body weight, administered twice daily
- Claritin: 0.1 to 0.5 milligrams once or twice daily per pound of body weight.
- Zyrtec: once or twice day administration of roughly 0.5 mg per pound of body weight
What does a dog’s natural antihistamine consist of?
A flavonoid formed from plants called quercetin is naturally present in many fruits and vegetables, including kale, green tea, blueberries, and broccoli. Because it is actually a plant pigment, you can find it in deeply colored fruits and vegetables.
Because of its ability to reduce inflammation, quercetin is widely utilized in human nutrition and wellness. It is also believed to increase stamina and athletic ability. However, quercetin is most frequently used to treat the itching, irritation, and pain brought on by allergies in pets.
As a result of its inherent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antihistamine characteristics, it is frequently referred to as “nature’s Benadryl. When our dogs are exposed to allergens, inflammatory cells release histamine, which contributes to their itchy, watery eyes and irritated, itchy skin.
How much Benadryl may I administer to my allergic dog?
Due to their curiosity and energy, dogs inevitably get themselves into difficult situations. There are numerous issues that could cause your dog to experience an allergic reaction, like running through some poison ivy or being bitten by a bee.
But there is no need for your dog to endure pain. You can administer diphenhydramine (Benadryl) under a veterinarian’s supervision to lessen the severity of your pet’s allergic symptoms. Here’s a safe way to provide Benadryl to dogs.
Antihistamine Benadryl, also known as diphenhydramine, aids in easing allergy symptoms in both people and animals. If a dog needs to be moved over long distances, it can also be used to ease the symptoms of motion sickness. The right dosage of Benadryl is entirely safe for the majority of dogs. In approximately an hour, it will start to lessen symptoms like skin rashes.
Given that the majority of Benadryl tablets are made for human consumption, getting the dosage right is crucial. Due to their smaller size than humans, some dogs may require less Benadryl than others. It’s not a good idea to depend on human dose recommendations for Benadryl because dogs digest the medication differently.
dosage of benadryl for dogs. Diphenhydramine for dogs should be administered according to their weight. A tiny dog will require a lot less than a large dog to experience the same benefits. The safe dosage is 2-4 milligrams of medication per kilogram of weight, or 0.9 to 1.8 milligrams per pound, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual. Depending on your dog’s symptoms, this dosage can be given two to three times each day.
While it’s preferable to utilize Benadryl products that have been approved by veterinarians, it is occasionally possible to use human-grade tablets. If you decide to go that route, bear the following in mind:
- First, never give your dog any medications that contain decongestants or alcohol. Offer them only diphenhydramine-containing drugs with no other active components. Alcohol and decongestants can be harmful to your dog.
- Second, time-released medication capsules should never be administered to dogs. A pill that works fine for humans may overdose your dog because of how your dog’s stomach functions differently from yours. Additionally, if they bite the capsule, they might take the complete amount at once rather than over time.
- Third, using children’s Benadryl rather than adult Benadryl may be preferable for tiny dogs. You can carefully control the dose thanks to this.
- Finally, consult your dog’s veterinarian if you plan to use liquid Benadryl instead of tablets to ensure the correct amount. Since liquid medications are absorbed differently, the recommended dosage of 2-4 milligrams per kilogram may not be appropriate.
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dangers of giving dogs Benadryl. The majority of dogs are safe while taking Benadryl in the recommended dosage, but rarely a dog may be allergic to the drug itself. Diphenhydramine allergies share symptoms with other allergies, such as:
What symptoms indicate dog allergies?
The following are symptoms and indicators of pet allergies that are brought on by nasal inflammation:
- Sneezing.
- a stuffy nose.
- Red, watery, or itchy eyes
- nasal blockage
- throat, roof of mouth, or nasal itching.
- the postnasal drip.
- Cough.
- soreness and pressure on the face.
What can you give a dog for severe itching?
It’s time to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are itching a lot. Giving them a relaxing bath, antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl), and an efficient next-generation flea medication can all be good starting points for minor cases though.
How can I help my dog stop itching?
Finding the cause of the itching and giving your dog relief, such as the choices mentioned above, will help your dog stop scratching.
Why is my dog so itchy but has no fleas?
Apart from fleas, there are numerous other reasons for itching, including infections, irritants, allergies, and more. Fleas may not always be visible, though, so don’t assume they aren’t present. Because they are so tiny, fleas can easily hide in dog fur, especially longer dog fur. Before excluding other reasons of itching, it’s still a good idea to have your veterinarian check for fleas.
What is the best anti-itch medicine for dogs?
The most effective anti-itch medication simply depends on the potential source of your dog’s itching. In some circumstances, anti-allergy medication will quickly eliminate itching. Others could require several weeks of antibiotic therapy to get rid of an infection. Given your dog’s diagnosis, your veterinarian will be able to decide what the best course of action is.
What antihistamine for humans is suitable for dogs?
You must provide antihistamines to your dog for two to three weeks before deciding whether they are effective. If it doesn’t, you should stop providing it to your dog and try a another one until you discover one that does, as advised by your veterinarian.
Antihistamines can also cause a range of adverse reactions in dogs, including drowsiness, stomach discomfort, hyperactivity, drooling, and an elevated heart rate.
This is only true generally, and depending on each dog’s individual requirements or underlying health issues, not every dog should take antihistamines. Before giving your dog any antihistamines, you should always see your veterinarian to ensure their safety.
As long as you take the antihistamines in accordance with your veterinarian’s dose recommendations, they are often safe to use in pets. Although you may purchase human antihistamines over the counter at pharmacies, your veterinarian may prescribe them. Are these still secure for your dog, then?
CAN YOU GIVE DOGS HUMAN ANTIHISTAMINES?
For the majority of healthy adult dogs, antihistamines containing the active components diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine, cetirizine, clemastine, or loratadine are typically harmless. Another excellent antihistamine that is safe for dogs is hydroxyzine, although it can only be obtained with a prescription.
The antihistamines that we humans purchase from the pharmacy are typically marketed under a brand name, so it is important to read the label to determine the active ingredient and confirm that it is safe for dogs.
You must ensure that the medication doesn’t contain any additional substances in addition to determining what the active ingredient is. Your dog shouldn’t take any antihistamines that have more than one active ingredient or decongestant medications. Always ensure that the drug just includes antihistamine and heed the advice your veterinarian has given you. Some compounds in human medications can be lethal if your pet ingests them.
If there is no similar animal product, a human medication will only be recommended for a dog. However, as long as medication has been prescribed by your veterinarian and you heed their recommendations, it should be OK for your dog.
If your dog’s symptoms don’t get any better, you should visit your veterinarian again and you might need to give your dog a different antihistamine (as we previously stated, not all antihistamines seem to work with all dogs!).
NOT EVERY DOG CAN HAVE THEM
Always consult your veterinarian before giving your dog any medication since they can advise you on the safest and most suitable course of action based on your dog’s particular requirements. This is crucial if your dog has any underlying medical issues because some medications may exacerbate their ailment.
Antihistamines might not be suitable for your dog if they have any of the following conditions.
Can I feed human Benadryl to my dog?
Veterinarian Sorin McKnight, DVM, of the College Station, Texas-based Wellborn Road Veterinary Medical Center, gave this paper a thorough medical assessment.
To make sure you receive the most accurate and practical information on your health and fitness, our stories are checked by medical experts. Visit our medical review board for further details.
- Giving Benadryl to your dog is safe for adverse effects from vaccines, motion sickness, anxiety, and allergies.
- Despite the fact that a standard Benadryl tablet has 25 mg, you should only give your dog 0.9–1.8 mg per pound of weight.
- Do not give your dog any Benadryl that contains anything other than diphenhydramine.
Dogs can safely take benadryl, but you shouldn’t give it to your pet without first talking to a veterinarian because the improper dose could be toxic.
Your veterinarian may advise giving your dog Benadryl to assist treat issues like hives or nervousness, and they can also advise you on the proper dosage and administration of the prescription.
What you need to know about giving your dog Benadryl dosage and when to take them to the vet is provided below.
Which canine allergy is the most prevalent?
One of the most prevalent allergies or hypersensitivities that can affect dogs is a food allergy. An allergic pet’s immune system overreacts and makes antibodies to substances that it normally would not. In a food allergy, antibodies are made against a specific food component, typically a protein or complex carbohydrate. Since an allergy must produce antibodies in order to develop, food allergies typically show up after repeated exposure to a single brand, kind, or form of food.
What are the clinical signs of food allergies in dogs?
The symptoms of a food allergy in a dog are typically hives on the skin, paws, or ears, as well as stomach issues like vomiting or diarrhea. There may also be other, more subtle changes, such as hyperactivity, weight loss, fatigue, and even hostility.
Are some ingredients more likely to cause allergies than others?
Proteins, particularly those derived from dairy, beef, chicken, chicken eggs, soy, or wheat gluten, are the most typical food allergies in dogs. When a pet consumes food containing these ingredients, the antibodies interact with the antigens and cause symptoms. But almost any food element has the potential to cause an allergy. The most frequent offenders are proteins, but other elements and additives may also be at fault.
How is a food allergy diagnosed?
A food trial known as an elimination trial, which is fed for eight to twelve weeks, is the best and most accurate way to diagnose a food allergy. This particular diet cannot contain any items that your dog has consumed in the past if you want it to be a true elimination trial for it. Additionally, it mandates that no additional foods, treats, or supplements—including flavored vitamins and specific parasite preventives—be fed throughout the trial time.
Performing a food challenge by reintroducing your dog’s old food is the next step if your dog’s allergy symptoms disappear while they are being treated with the food trial. If your dog’s symptoms go away after the food trial AND come back within a week of a subsequent food challenge, a food allergy has been conclusively diagnosed in your pet.
Blood tests can reveal whether a dog is allergic to a particular food. Your veterinarian will go over whether these so-called serum IgE tests would be helpful in identifying your pet’s problem. This blood testing may not be as effective as food elimination tests, according to some studies.
How is a food allergy treated?
A diet that excludes the harmful dietary component is chosen after it has been discovered. Your veterinarian can provide your dog with a variety of hypoallergenic diets that can be fed to them for the rest of their lives. Three different hypoallergenic diets exist:
- veterinary hydrolyzed protein diets, such as Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d, Royal Canin Hypoallergenic Hydrolyzed Protein or AnallergenicTM, and Purina ProPlan Veterinary Diets HA Hydrolyzed, in which the protein molecules are broken down to a size too small to be recognized by your dog’s immune system.
- Veterinarian novel protein diets that don’t contain any ingredients found in your dog’s previous foods, like Rayne Nutrition’s Kangaroo-MAINTTM, Rabbit-MAINTTM, or Crocodilia-MAINTTM, Hill’s Prescription Diet d/d, Royal Canin Selected Protein PD or Selected Protein RC, or Kangaroo-MAINTTM from Royal Canin.
- home-made novel protein diet that is free of any elements included in your dog’s previous diets; this diet must be created by a veterinary nutritionist and frequently calls for the addition of a balancing supplement like Hilary’s Blend for DogsTM or Balance IT.
Retail pet foods are not produced using the stringent health and safety standards to prevent cross-contamination, in contrast to veterinarian diets.
Contrary to veterinarian diets, which are produced under strict health and safety guidelines to prevent cross-contamination, pet meals sold in retail establishments may not always claim to be “limited-ingredient” or to not contain ingredients that your dog is allergic to.
Can food allergies be cured?
For dogs with food allergies, there is no treatment. Avoidance is the only available remedy. When symptoms are severe, some dogs will need medication, but a hypoallergenic diet can successfully treat the majority of canines.
Is it likely that my dog will develop other food allergies?
When a dog develops an allergy to one food, they may later develop allergies to other foods. In addition, a lot of dogs who have food allergies also have additional allergies, like atopy (an allergy to inhalants or the environment) or a flea allergy. Talk to your veterinarian if you suspect your pet has a food allergy so they can help your pet get back to living a healthier, more comfortable life.
