Can dogs react badly to Benadryl
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.
Ant Bites In Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment, And Prevention
It may seem like an ordinary day until your dog is bitten by an ant.
Sometimes, our dogs can be too adventurous, and all we can do is help them out afterward!
If your pooch has found themselves venturing into an ant's nest and got themselves in trouble, lets find out about ant bites in dogs!
Although not all ant bites in dogs are dangerous, some dogs may suffer anaphylactic reactions. Its important to monitor the dogs condition for the time being.
Ants have over 10,000 species but fire ant bites in dogs may be the most threatening for our fur buddies.
Fire Ants have a venom known as piperidine. This alkaloid can cause inflammation in the bittern area.
Harvester Ants, Leafcutters, and Carpenter Ants are species that owners should also watch out for.
Ant Bites in Dogs
Since dogs are often found walking around and sniffing anywhere, there are more common places for ant bites.
This may occur, especially when theyre outdoors or in places where there is food.
Although ants may bite dogs anywhere, there are more prone body parts for ant bites.
Primary targets for Ant Bites in Dogs are found in:
Symptoms for Ant Bites in Dogs
Ant bites may occur in other body parts as well. Its best to inspect the dogs body for any bites.
This can be difficult for long-haired or thick-haired dogs.
There is a variety of ants, but there are common symptoms of ant bites. Here are some common symptoms:
- Visible multiple bites
- Sores
- Inflammation around the bitten area (Localized swelling and reddening)
- Repetitive itching of the bitten area
- Repetitive licking or biting of the bitten area
- Repetitive pawing of the bitten area
- Restlessness
- Whining
Unfortunately, some ant bites in dogs may cause anaphylactic reactions. Here are the symptoms to watch out for:
- Excessive inflammations
- Difficulty in breathing
- Weakness
- Diarrhea
- Pallor
- Collapsing
For dogs who are having anaphylactic reactions, its important to bring them to the veterinarian immediately.
If the anaphylactic reactions are prolonged and not addressed immediately, they may go into shock, affect some organs, and possibly be fatal.
Diagnosis for Ant Bites in Dogs
Consultation & Physical Evaluation
Owners may evaluate their dogs at home for ant bites.
But its still best to contact the veterinarian for any precautions that may happen.
When the symptoms worsen or do not subside for long periods, it is advisable to undergo a thorough physical evaluation with the veterinarian.
Veterinarians may further check the dog for any other complications as well.
This can help address any other symptoms and have the dog administer any necessary medication.
Treatment for Ant Bites in Dogs
Its best to treat ant bites immediately as they may induce repetitive scratching and biting, which may lead to lesions and infections.
Unfortunately, ant bites are also sometimes painful.
Before going through treatment, owners must make sure there are no more ants on their dogs to reduce any more inflammation and rashes.
If there any ants are spotted, owners may brush them out or use a damp towel to remove them.
Be cautious with fire ants, as their bite is very painful. Make sure to use gloves when removing them.
Owners may contact their veterinarians for assistance or guidance regarding the ant bites.
Veterinarians may advise doing the following:
Apply an Ice Pack to the Bitten Area
Owners may find the ant bite and apply cold pressure. Once the ant bite area is found, owners may apply a cold pack for 5 minutes.
Remove the pack and apply cold pressure again to prevent frostbite in the area.
This can be done for 20-30 minutes or until the area has improved.
If the ant bite is on the forelegs, feet, or paws, owners may soak the feet in cold water instead. The same duration applies.
Soak the area for 5 minutes and remove it for a while, then soak again.
This can be done for 20-30 minutes or until the area has improved.
Prevent Your Pet from Licking and Biting the Bitten Area
Inevitably, the ant bite will be prickly. Repetitive licking and biting can cause new lesions to the bitten area.
So, owners need to prevent their pets from licking and biting the bitten area.
Owners may use an e-collar, inflatable collars, or sleeves to cover the area for a while.
For more preventive measures, owners may also use toys or treats to distract their dogs until the ant bite has improved.
Monitor Your Pets Condition
Ant bites in dogs can subside after a while. After getting home treatment, ant bite symptoms may lessen in no time.
Unfortunately, some dogs have a slower or different response to ant bites and other have allergic reactions to them as well.
Owners may monitor their dogs condition for any cautionary measures.
If the symptoms do not alleviate for a long period, they should contact their veterinarian immediately, as the dog may have undergone an anaphylactic reaction.
Oral or Injected Administration
Some dogs who have ant bites may be prescribed medication by the veterinarian. These are for those who have severe symptoms.
Veterinarians may prescribe Benadryl or diphenhydramine with specific dosages.
Its important to consult with the veterinarian regarding these medications as they may have adverse effects if taken improperly.
Home Remedies
Some home remedies can also be used to alleviate the dogs condition. Owners may also use
Aloe vera gel, apple cider vinegar, and baking soda salve to relieve itchiness and pain.
Owners may ask their veterinarians what other home remedies they may use for mild symptoms of ant bites.
Its important to consult with the veterinarian for products that will be applied to the dogs as some products are not pet-friendly.
Prevention for Ant Bites in Dogs
Although owners can not ultimately avoid Ant bites in Dogs, there are some ways to prevent them.
Owners can watch out for where their dogs are sniffing and wandering about.
In areas like backyards, parks, forests, or areas with soil, owners may be extra cautious and watch out the trail for ants.
Owners may also avoid ant bites in dogs by removing food from the floor or any area where its accessible to the dog.
Ants may accumulate in areas where food is present, especially food crumbs on the floor or in the kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do dogs react to Ant bites?
Dogs will physically react to ant bites by whining, scratching, and pawing the area of the bitten area.
Dogs will repeatedly scratch and bite the bitten area, and it may be itchy and painful.
Can dogs eat ants?
Yes, sometimes ants may be in the food bowl and consumed by the dog. Don't worryants are not poisonous to dogs.
But its best not to have their bowls cleaned before any meals to prevent other insects or worms from inhibiting the bowl.
Does Benadryl help dogs with ant bites?
Benadryl alleviates the inflammation in insect bites. It can help dogs react badly to insect bites.
Ant Bites in Dogs: Summary
Ant Bites in dogs are generally not dangerous unless the dog has an allergic reaction and goes to anaphylactic shock.
Nevertheless, owners should always consult with the veterinarian to make sure we are doing things right!
Insect bites and parasite bites are also somewhat similar, so its best to have a consultation with the veterinarian to further examine the bitten area.
Theres nothing wrong with being sure about your dogs condition.
This can be a preventive measure for any conditions in the future as well.
