Hives and benedryl

[aggiesteph]

My one year old male boxer is having another fight with hives. We went through this last September and took him to the vet and they could not give us any answers, but did not want to do an allergy test (hoping that it was something he was not emune to since he was still young). They gave us a prescription but also said that we could give him benedryl. I was just checking to see if anyone had better luck with one variety over another (since there is a whole isle to choose from at the store) How many pills 25mg can you give them a day. They need to have dog instructions included on the boxes Thanks, Steph

 

[Brutus and Amaya's Mom]

From vet info (www.vetinfo.com - Great site)

The usual dosage range for diphenhydramine, when used for allergies, is 25
to 50mg once or twice a day. Some vets use 1mg/lb of body weight.

 

[aggiesteph]

Diphenhydramine is probably the word I could not remember that the vet told us to make sure the Benedryl had in it last year. Thanks for the post

 

[JenBo]

I think Heidi also has hives, but they are only under her front left armpit (by the way, do dogs technically have those?). They don't seem to be bothering her, as far as itching, but maybe that's because she realizes she can't reach that spot? Can you get hives in just one place, or do they have to be all over? We have a vet visit this Friday, so I'll ask her about them then, but I read in my pet first aid book to put a paste of baking soda and water on the area. I just did that about 1/2 hour ago, so we'll see what happens. If they persist, I might try the Benadryl, too... but, I'm just not sure if they're hives or something else.... the whole area is pink and there are these little red bumps... it kind of reminds me of "heat rash" that people can get, so maybe it's that? Oh the trials and tribulations of being a first-time boxer mom!! It's probably nothing and I'm just overreacting.... again.:rolleyes: -Jen

 

[aggiesteph]

The hives (or bumps, I am not sure what to call them) that Rowdy has do not really affect his attitude he still wants to play like normal. But he looks like a bumpy rug:( This is our first boxer also and he is practically our child:D Let me know if the vet is able to give you any news. Hope Heidi gets to feeling better!!

 

[Sabrina Jay]

You can safely give 1 mg per pound of body weight, at one time.
Talk to your vet to see how many times per day (in a 24 hour period), they advise giving it.

 

[aggiesteph]

That is a relief that you can give them 1mg per pound. I will be sure to call my vet tomorrow and find out the times per day that they can handle if there is no signs of the hives decreasing with the first dosage. We gave him two tablets tonight and will have to wait and see the effect of them. Thanks for the info.

 

[Scrapper's Mom]

My vet said twice a day (once every 12 hrs.) with the benedryl. But check with your vet to get his opinion for your dog. Scrapper had terrible hives for over a month between Christmas and the end of January. Yes, like a bumpy rug, ALL over - good description. Thank heavens, those are finally gone.

 

[BXR MOM]

My Lucy has had terrible trouble with hives. We finally decided that the major outbreaks were caused by the grub control that we put on the lawn. The emergency vet told me that I could give her 25 mg (which is one tablet) for each 25 pounds, every four to six hours. I am not sure though that you can give it to the every day for prevention. I also keep prednisone around because when Lucy has a major break out, the benadryl only controls the hives until it wears off. The prednisone allows me to control them until I can get to my regular vet since every time she has had major outbreaks it has been on the weekend. I am glad to have the emergency vet around, but it costs $50 just to get in the door!

 

[aggiesteph]

All the troubles and worries our babies put us through I wonder were the Boxer breed picked up these skin/allergy problems? Despite some of the problems that they inherited I will never own another breed. You can't replace their character, charm, and powdy faces :p