Extended use of Benadryl

We all know Benadryl is used to treat allergies, water eyes, runny noses etc. in human beings. Being a pet owner, one can observe that the dogs too suffer frequently with allergies, common cold flu. The active component in the drug is an H1 that relieves the water eyes, runny noses, and the allergic symptoms too. The common effect of Benadryl is the sleepiness seen in human, so there is no exceptions even dogs feel sleepy on the consumption of this medicine. Important not that Benadryl is not approved for giving it to the dogs but it is given over the counter by many veterinarians.

Benadryl for dogs

Benadryl can be used on dogs to treat the following symptoms

·         Allergies

·         Sickness during travel

·         Nausea or vomiting

·         Insomnia

·         Hyperactivity

·         Anxiety during fireworks or loud sounds

·         Insects bites allergies

·         Vaccination illness reactions

Keep in mind that Benadryl is just the marketing name, hence it is better to check for the ingredients inside the medicine when administrating it to the dogs. It must contain diphenhydramine or cetirizine as the main component. Now each component in Benadryl acts differently that is diphenhydramine is used to treat the allergies, motion sickness, and insomnia in the dogs. The other component cetirizine can be meant to treat the itching symptom in the dogs.  This component does not have much of side effects compared to diphenhydramine but it is not meant for treat pet allergies. Also the dog owners must keep in mind the amount of the drug to be given to the pet.

The side effects seen in dogs when administrated with diphenhydramine are

·         Dry mouth

·         Too much sleepiness

·         Sluggish reaction

·         Urinary problems

Some of the rare symptoms that can be observed are

·         Allergic reactions

·         Vomiting

·         Diarrhea

·         Appetite loss in dogs

In case of cetirizine the rare symptoms that can be seen is excessive saliva in the dog’s mouth or vomiting cab be observed. In any case if one observes the dog suffering with unusual allergic reaction say like rashes, heavy breathing, and rapid heartbeat or sneezing, immediate clinical care is need for the dog.

Dosage of Benadryl to dogs

Benadryl that contain diphenhydramine as the active component needs proper dosage administration in dogs. Never give any medicine to your dog without knowing the effects of it. Medicinal effects vary from breed to breed. The normal dosage given to the dogs is 1mg/lb. three times a day. When needed this dosage can be doubled. Mostly use the children’s liquid Benadryl to your dogs as it contains no alcohol. After 30 minutes of the dosage the effects start working. Also for motion sickness give the medicine in advance of 30 minutes.