Even though it is mainly intended for human use, Benadryl can also be successfully used as a dog allergies treatment. There are several varieties of Benadryl, but after learning which one is adequate for your dog, you will be able to improve the symptoms of his allergy. This one is one of the safest antihistamine drugs,
Mechanism Used for Improving the Allergy Symptoms
Allergies occur when histamine is released as a reaction to a stimulant that may be inoffensive for other beings. In humans, this protein acts as a neurotransmitter and is involved in more than just the allergic reaction. In dogs and other animals, on the other hand, histamine is not the main allergy mediator. Because of this fact, antihistamine medication may not be very effective.
However, Benadryl represents one of the first treatment choices for dog allergies. Even though it is not among the most effective antihistamine drugs, it is one of the safest, so it is recommended to anyone who fears serious side effects. In addition, it is widely available and it has an affordable price, fact that makes it one of the preferred anti-allergy drugs of the most veterinarians.
Benadryl is able to interfere with histamine. The redness that characterizes the allergy gets reduced as a result of the vascular smooth muscle contraction that occurs. The temperature of your dog will become normal again. The drug will also calm the associated pain, and it acts as an anesthetic due to its sodium channel blocking effect.
Administration of Benadryl
This anti-allergy drug is available in both capsule and injection form. Benadryl capsules are classified as over the counter medication, which means that they can be purchased without a prescription. There are 2 available concentrations: 25 mg and 50 mg. The injections, on the other hand, cannot be purchased without a prescription, so you will have to visit the veterinarian. It is best to use plain Benadryl instead of the other available varieties, such as the Cold and Sinus version. Only the plain one is able to improve the symptoms of the allergy. Oral suspension includes a high amount of alcohol which could harm your dog.
Recommended Dosage and Overdose Risk
The weight of the dog influences the dose of Benadryl that will be administered. Basically, you have to make sure that the dose does not exceed 1 mg/lb, given 3 times a day. Higher doses are almost never lethal, but they can make side effects more serious.
Contraindications, Side Effects and Interactions
Drowsiness is the side effect that can be observed more frequently. Other common side effects are:
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth, nose and throat
In several situations, Benadryl is contraindicated. More precisely, you should not give your dog this drug if he suffers from:
- Asthma
- Bladder problems
- Glaucoma
- Hyperthyroidism
- Increased blood pressure or heart diseases
- Increased pressure in the eye
- Prostatic disease
- Stomach ulcer
Regarding the interactions, this drug will enhance the effect of alcohol. The following types of central nervous system depressants also become more powerful when taken along with Benadryl:
- Hypnotics
- Tranquilizers
- Sedatives
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, on the other hand, will increase the duration and the intensity of the drying effect that appears when administering allergy medication.