Using Benadryl for Dog Allergies
Benadryl For Dogs
Diphenhydramine For Dog Allergies
I have always kept Diphenhydramine (common brand name Benedryl) in my first aid kit. In fact, I saved a dog’s life once using Benadryl after he stepped in a ground nest of yellow jackets! It was an emergency use on the way to the E-vet.
Benadryl blocks histamines, the cause of your dog’s allergic reaction. But it treats symptoms not root cause.
Benadryl is not without side effects — which is one of the big reasons I don’t like to use it for anxiety or restlessness. The sleepiness experienced when taking benedryl is a side effect, not a root cause resolution. I tend to reserve Benadryl in my first aid kit for an emergency, or acute situations.
Benadryl Side Effects Include:
Increased heart rate
Rapid breathing
Vomiting
Dry mouth
Sluggishness
Urinary retention
Sleepiness
Natural Alternatives To Benadryl
After learning more about homeopathy and essential oils, these are my primary go-to remedies for sudden onset issues, such as a single sting, or contact dermatitis, or even perhaps first aid for other bites or ingesting material that causes swelling, rashes, and hives. But this is in response to first aid.
Soothing Relief for Itchy Dogs
Apple Cider Vinegar
Green Tea or Chamomile Tea
Espom Salt Soaks — I add essential oils to epsom salt soaks.
Essential Oils: Lavender, Copaiba, Frankincense, Tea Tree, Melissa, Chamomile, Geranium, etc. I like to make a misting spray with the ACV or Teas above and include a combination of essential oils.
Animal Scents Ointment
When talking about a dog that has chronic or recurring allergies, you need to get to the root cause. And Diphenhydramine is NOT the ideal remedy for a long-term solution, in my opinion. Using an antihistamine in this way may stop working in the future — but it’s definitely not doing anything to resolve why it keeps happening. You’re masking the issue. Chronic underlying health issues that are not being resolved is not healthy for your dog. The body is not in balance. And do you know if the long-term use of an antihistamine is safe? Or is it potentially creating other issues you just don’t see yet?
We have to look at several factors when trying to identify the root cause
Food sources
Chicken is a common allergen
Some proteins like chicken, lamb, farm-raised salmon, Kangaroo — are considered HOT proteins according to 5-Element Theory In Traditional Chinese Medicine — which may be like throwing gas on a fire to your already inflammed red-hot itchy dog?
One reaction to vaccines may be the development of food intolerance or allergies
Grains — while not all grains are bad, some of them may be creating inflammation and heat in your dog’s body, making him even more red hot and itchy.
Many of your household daily use products may be creating skin irritants. Yes, this means your lotions, potions, laundry soap, dryer sheets, & cleaning products — even fragrances in you home.
These are just a few examples of a number of factors that your dog may be responding to. Finding the root cause begins with looking at what your dog eats and most likely making a change in his food. Doing a wellness review with me will help you take the guesswork out of this process. We’ll look closely at your dog as a unique individual and come up with a plan!
The consultation process includes:
Detox Diet (Optional — depends on the individual)
Fresh Real Food Transition — options for a homemade or commercially prepared base food with raw meat or lightly cooked proteins
Protein Selection & Rotational Plan
Evaluation of Supplementation needs and purpose
Strategy and Products for Topical Relief during transition and healing phase
In-depth education on vaccine requirements, immune-boosting strategies to prepare for receiving vaccines & aftercare with a strategy for nutrition, essential oils and/or homeopathy.
Support to tweak and refine your dog’s wellness strategy during the transition phase and as your dog ages.
I’m here to help you. There are many better options than Diphenhydramine! Let’s get to the root cause and actually solve the issue.
Benadryl Dosage For Dogs
So Yes — keep Diphenhydramine in your First Aid Kit! Dosing is typically 1mg per pound. For the issue like I had with the dog attacked by yellow jackets, I doubled that — and then did it again en route to the vet — and it still took 2 EpiPens to save him! But without the Diphenhydramine — I know he would not have made it. Call your vet, trust your gut, and move fast with emergencies.
For other first aid use I also keep Apis homeopathy on hand.
Benadryl To Calm Dogs
See Side Effects Above
Note: I’m not believer in Benadryl as a calming aid for dogs. For many humans, taking a benadryl or two will make you very sleepy. It does me. But honestly, I have never seen it break through a dog under anxiety or stress. Further, I don’t believe in using an antihistamine for it’s secondary side effects. I think we we use products too frequently for their side effects would could reach a point where the body is less responsive to it for it’s antihistamine properties.
You have many options for calming aids in essential oils or perhaps even a good CBD depending on severity! And again the key is to get to the root cause and help the dog make state of mind adjustments, not just use products.
WARNING: Some children’s Benadryl or other generic flavored brands may contain XYLITOL which is deadly to dogs. Read the label. Do not use any product containing Xylitol.