If your dog suffers from hives, you may have been wondering if Benadryl will help your pooch get over the outbreak. There are a few factors to consider when considering a course of treatment with Benadryl.
Among other things, Benadryl causes your dog to be drowsy and cause drowsiness. However, antihistamines may be the best option if your dog has hives.
Benadryl for Hives in Dogs
What Causes Hives in Dogs?
Hives are the result of localized histamine release. The resulting inflammation causes small, red bumps to form on the skin.
These small bumps may merge together to form larger, swollen spots. These larger, swollen areas are known as angioedema.
There are several possible triggers, but they are usually self-limiting and do not pose a serious health risk.
In some cases, hives go away by themselves after a few hours or days. However, in severe cases, they can be life-threatening, resulting in swelling of the airways and possibly anaphylaxis.
In such cases, a veterinarian will prescribe rapid-acting corticosteroids or possibly a course of steroids. In some cases, environmental allergens and certain foods may be the cause.Read also: Can Benadry Really Kill a Dog?
Can Benadryl Treat Hives in Dogs?
A veterinarian may recommend antihistamines to treat your dog’s hives. Benadryl is a popular choice, but be aware that it can cause drowsiness.
Besides Benadryl, you may want to try oatmeal or tea baths for your dog. Soaking your dog in cool water for 20 minutes or putting a cold compress on its body may help soothe his skin.
Shampooing or topical flea treatments may also be an irritant and cause hives. Rinsing them off immediately with plain water may help, as well.
Hives in dogs are a common allergic reaction. The most common causes include bee stings and vaccines.
Benadryl for dogs may help alleviate minor bouts of itching, but it is best to consult your veterinarian before relying on this medication alone.
A stronger dog allergy medication, like a vet-approved allergy chew, may be needed if your dog’s hives are persistent or severe. Your dog may also suffer from sneezing episodes caused by allergies.
Benadryl for dogs is an effective choice for mild sneezing episodes, but it is not suitable for severe cases.
Benadryl Dosage for Treating Hives in Dogs
While Benadryl may not be an effective treatment for hives in dogs, it can make your dog more comfortable and reduce any side effects of vaccinations.
Topical Benadryl should not be applied to blistered skin. Benadryl tablets should only be given under the supervision of your veterinarian.
Benadryl comes in tablets and liquid formulations, and your veterinarian will determine the appropriate dosage based on your dog’s symptoms.
To determine the Benadryl dosage for hives in your dog, first determine the severity of your dog’s symptoms. A dog may be more sensitive to Benadryl than a human.
The liquid dosage is usually given in mg/mL. Always consult your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has an allergic reaction to the medication. Do not give your dog any medication if it does not have hives.
Do Antihistamines Treat Hives in Dogs?
Does Benadryl help hives? Yes, but not for the same reason as for humans. For example, it can make your pet drowsy.
Antihistamines are the first line of defense for dogs with hives.
Natural Remedies
Fortunately, there are also natural remedies that can help your pooch with urticaria. You can try colloidal oatmeal to soothe the skin or try essential oils.
Depending on the cause, the skin swelling in dogs can range from moderate to severe. If a bee or wasp sting has affected your dog’s skin, it can swell up dramatically around the face and throat.
Some dogs may even experience an anaphylactic reaction, which compromises the dog’s breathing passages.
However, life-threatening reactions are uncommon with this type of reaction in dogs, and most cases are self-limiting and do not pose any serious health risk.
How Long Does Benadryl Take to Treat Hives in Dogs?
It may take from one to two weeks for diphenhydramine to cure hives completely. However, it starts working within the same day of oral intake. The symptoms of allergies go away within the first 24 hours.
While not FDA-approved for veterinary use, Benadryl is generally safe for dogs and cats. Veterinarians use it to treat allergies, motion sickness, vomiting, and mast cell tumors.
It can alleviate many of the symptoms of allergic reactions and can even prevent anaphylaxis.
A dog’s hives are caused by an allergic reaction to something, such as food or an allergen. Fortunately, they are very treatable with home remedies.
In severe cases, however, your veterinarian might recommend corticosteroid injections to reduce the inflammation associated with hives.
But these treatments can be expensive. It’s best to talk with a vet to see if it’s possible to use Benadryl for dogs to treat the condition.
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