A sneezing dog is likely to be very uncomfortable and may have a host of other respiratory problems that develop as a result of his sneezing. While sneezing may not, in itself, seem to be a problem, and every dog sneezes occasionally and for no important reason, you'll want to note when your pet has been sneezing quite a lot so that you can remedy this problem. Read on for a brief overview of the causes of dog sneezing and how to treat sneezing with Benadryl, a common medicine.
Instances of Dog Sneezing
If your dog is sneezing, it's likely because he has some form or another of an allergy. Dog allergies typically result from one of several reasons, as follows:
- Atopy (particles in the air that are offensive to your pet's body)
- Contact (offending allergens that your dog comes into physical contact with)
- Food
Among these, atopy and contact allergies are generally the most common causes of pet sneezing. It's important to remember, however, that some pet sneezing may be caused by other issues entirely. If your dog begins to sneeze, it's always a good idea to take him in to the veterinarian for a full examination and allergy testing.
Benadryl Overview
Benadryl is often a good way to treat your sneezing dog. Once your veterinarian has determined that the dog is sneezing because of an allergic reaction to something in his environment, it is time to think of how to address it. The two types of medicines that are commonly used are corticosteroids and antihistamines. Corticosteroids are generally seen as the most effective of the two; however, they have a host of negative side effects that precludes them from being used as a long term solution to your pet's sneezing and allergy problems.
Benadryl is an example of an antihistamine. While antihistamines are, on the whole, not as effective at treating canine allergies, they are nonetheless a great way of addressing this issue. Plus, they are safer for long term use in dogs.
Benadryl is commonly used in humans as an allergy treatment. It is typically available in oral liquid form, and many pet owners will drizzle it over their dog's food before he eats. It's important that you be aware of how much Benadryl to give your dog; the dosage recommendation is different from that for humans. The veterinarian can help you to determine exactly how much Benadryl you should supply your dog with, depending upon the severity and type of his condition, his weight, age, gender and more.
Benadryl is available at most pharmacies and drug stores. You will not need a prescription for this drug, as you can give your pet the human formulation of the medicine. That does not mean, however, that you should not still work closely with a veterinarian to make sure that your dog gets the proper treatment that he needs. Ask your vet for any additional information you may need.