Can I give my dog Benadryl after neutering? Will it help reduce pain? Will it have any unwanted side effects? What else can I give for allergies to dogs? Let’s find out the answers below in this article.
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Benadryl is an over-the-counter medication used to treat running nose, sneezing, and other cold allergy symptoms. It is an antihistamine that helps in reducing the natural chemical histamine produced by your body. Histamine can cause symptoms of itching, running nose, and others, and Benadryl helps in treating it.
But what about dogs? Can you give Benadryl to your neutered dog? If your neutered dog suffers from allergies, you can give Benadryl to him.
Some dog owners even use Benadryl as a sedative and give their dog Benadryl during extremely noisy events like a new year party or any function at home. After neutering, if the dog is experiencing pain, Benadryl may help him sleep better.
You can purchase Benadryl from any pet medicine store. But give Benadryl to your furry friend only after consulting a veterinary doctor. The doctor will tell you about the current dosage and potential side effects.
In this article, I discuss several questions related to the use of Benadryl in neutered dogs. So, keep on reading the article for more information.
Is Benadryl Safe For Dogs?
Your dog can have allergies after taking vaccines or because of different environmental allergens. Even an insect can bite him and cause an allergy.
Benadryl is a human drug and has not been approved till now by U.S food and drug administration. But still, you can give it to your neutered dog after approval from a veterinary doctor.
Remember, Benadryl is the name of the brand and not the drug that treats allergies in human beings and dogs. There are several drugs available under the Benadryl brand. So you need to carefully read the ingredients of Benadryl before giving it to your furry friend.
What Dosage Of Benadryl Shall I Give To My Dog?
Veterinary doctors usually recommend 0.8 to 0.9 milligrams of Benadryl for every pound of your dog’s body weight. But don’t forget to consult your veterinary doctor before giving Benadryl because numerous factors need to be considered.
One tablet of Benadryl is usually 25 mg. So, if your dog’s weight is 25 pounds, you can give the complete one tablet of Benadryl to him. But remember to check the dosage on the packet because every product is not identical.
Well, the formula does not work for liquid Benadryl. Again, liquid Benadryl contains alcohol content which can produce a sedative effect on your dog. If you have a small dog, then you can use the children’s formula. The children’s formula of Benadryl does not contain any alcohol. So you can safely give your puppy.
A topical form of Benadryl is also available in the market. If your dog has itching, you can apply it to your dog’s skin. You can give Benadryl to your dog twice or thrice during the day.
What Will Happen If I Overdose Benadryl To My Dog?
I am listing below a few symptoms which may find if you give an overdose of Benadryl your doggo.
- Seizures
- Heart rate become rapid
- Pupil becomes dilated
- Constipation
- Anxiety
- Nervous
Some dogs will have allergies after taking Benadryl. So, you should keep an eye on your dog after giving Benadryl.
What Are The Uses Of Benadryl For Dogs?
Benadryl reduces allergies in your furry friend. Moreover, it also helps reduce itching, sneezing, watery eyes, headaches, and various other symptoms.
Benadryl has sedative properties. So many dog owners give their pet dog Benadryl in high-stress conditions or when their dog gets scared after hearing fireworks or thunderstorms.
What Are The Side Effects Of Benadryl And When To Avoid It?
After taking Benadryl, the side effects are almost similar to those found in human beings. It includes vomiting, breathing problems, rapid heartbeat, urinary retention, and loss of appetite.
If the condition becomes severe, you need to take your pet to a veterinary doctor. The doctor will evaluate your pet dog and do the treatment accordingly.
There are times when you need to avoid giving Benadryl to your dog. For instance, if you have a puppy, you need to give this drug to him safely. Incorrect dosage can cause severe side effects in your dog.
Again, if your dog is taking any other medications and you give Benadryl, then he may have severe side effects. So make sure that your veterinary doctor is aware of all the medication your furry friend is taking before prescribing Benadryl to your furry friend.
Again, if your dog has lung disease, glaucoma, bladder problems, or enlarged prostate gland, then avoid giving Benadryl to him.
How Can I Calm My Dog After Being Neutered?
Here are a few things that you can try:
Try To Interact Calmly With Your Dog
You need to take your neutered dog to a quiet environment with less noise and distractions. Don’t become too excited in front of him; otherwise, it will have a negative impact on your dog.
Cuddle Your dog
You can sit on your couch or bed and cuddle your dog. Holding your dog closer can help your furry friend to heal faster.
Place Your Dog In Crate If He Is Hyper
Some dogs become hyper after being neutered. So it’s better to keep him in the crate. You can keep the crate in a room where you and other family members can watch him.
Put Your Dog On Leash
You can put your doggo on a leash to better control him after surgery.
Keep Your Furry Friend Away From Other Animals.
You need to keep your dog away from other animals after surgery. It is because having close contact with other animals can excite your dog.
You Can Give Your Dog A Food Toy
Your dog cannot run for a few weeks after surgery. So, you can give him a food toy so that he can happily play with him.
Allow Your Dog To Watch Window
Your dog cannot go outside for a few days after surgery. So, you can pull the curtains and allow your dog to bask in the sun.
Frequently Asked Questions
#1. How much Benadryl can a 20 lb dog take?
If your dog weighs 20 lb, then you can give 8 ml of liquid Benadryl or one 12.5 mg tablet to your dog.
#2. Can I give my dog Benadryl for itching after surgery?
Yes, your dog can take Benadryl for itching after surgery. But it’s best to ask your veterinary doctor before using it on your dog’s skin.
#3. Why do Vets give dogs Benadryl?
Veterinary doctors use diphenhydramine (most popularly known as Benadryl) to dogs to treat allergies, motion sickness, or travel anxiety. The medication will take effect after 1-2 hours.
#4. What kind of Benadryl is safe for dogs?
All Benadryl is safe for dogs. Veterinary doctors usually recommend giving 0.9 to 0.8 milligrams of Benadryl tablets per pound of body weight.
However, if you want to give liquid Benadryl, consult a veterinary doctor before giving it to your dog. The liquid medication is absorbed in your dog’s body differently, and the 0.9 to 0.8 milligrams per pound guideline does not apply here.
#5. How long does Benadryl take to work with dogs?
The Benadryl will take nearly 1 to 2 hours to affect the dog.
A Few Final Words
If your dog suffers from allergies, you can give Benadryl to your dog. But try to give the proper dosage to your dog after consulting a veterinary doctor; otherwise, it may have adverse reactions.
Thank you for reading, we hope this article answered all your questions. You might also like to read: Can I Give My Dog Benefiber? And Can I Give My Dog Zzzquil?