how much benadryl to give?

[Budliest]

my 3-year-old broke out in hives this morning. how much benadryl should i give him to help with the itching?

i know a trip to the vet wouldn't hurt but i'd like to try a quick home remedy before i go spend another $40 for a visit. i just spent $225 because he had an anal gland infection.

 

[punchinella]

You should not exceed 1 mg per pound of dog. (25 lb. dog = 25 mg {or less} benadryl)

 

[Net45582]

...also try to find the cause of the allergic reaction.

 

[Budliest]

thanks... i thought it was a reaction to the antibiotic prescribed for his anal gland infection but he has been on that medication for over a week and has been fine thus far.

diet has not changed, detergent has not changed... i'm stumped. i'm hoping the benadryl will help ease his discomfort until we go back to the vet.

 

[punchinella]

Sometimes Punchinella will break out into a rash on her tummy if she gets really hot.

Just a thought.

 

[Net45582]

May not hurt to call the vet and explain what is happening. They may know something about side effects of the antibiotics etc and have better advice.

 

[Budliest]

good idea... i need to find a new vet though. my vet seems to only be interested in how much money they can get out of me.

 

[CharlyFarly]

Charlie has hives frequently. Last week we went to the park and after about 30 minutes, I noticed that one side of his body was developing hives. They never spread to the other side so I assumed it was something he brushed up against. I gave him benedryl and they subsided. I wish I could figure out what it is everytime he gets them but sometimes it's just impossible to figure out.
Last year he had an episode that included vomiting and hives all over. With such a severe reaction and being a puppy - we were off to the vet immediately. I don't think benedryl would have been enough in that instance.
I think having benedryl handy is a necessity but I have the vets number on speed dial on my cell just in case.
The 1mg per pound of body weight is indeed what is recommended but often times that is more than what ours needs. Depending on the reaction we start with a lower dose and increase if needed.
Best of luck!

 

[Thomas Liggin]

Bug bites, and bee, wasp, etc., stings can also trigger allergic reactions.

One thing to keep in mind regarding the above. A second episode can be worse, much worse. Benedryl may work fine today, and not have any effect another day.

Any animal with this type of allergy, can develop sudden and severe symptoms, requiring immediate treatment.

The allergic reaction causing hives, can also cause the passages in the airway to swell, and should never be taken lightly. The first thing should be a call to the vet. A forum response may be too late.

Your vet or a tech will ask all the pertinant questions regarding any other symptoms. Your answers will inform them as to the best course of action.

A call will, or should cost nothing. In some instances it may save your pet's life.


Tom