Australian Shepherds are known for being extremely active. If your Aussie is outdoors for long periods, their allergies may act up and need immediate need addressing. While some human medicines may harm your Australian Shepherd, others are totally safe for dogs. Benadryl is one such medication that you can give to Australian Shepherds without a worry.
However, as a rule of thumb, consult your vet before giving your dog any medication.
This is because every medication comes with side-effects and Benadryl is no different. In some cases, it can prove harmful for your Australian Shepherds. Furthermore, the drug should not be used if your dog has certain pre-existing medical conditions.
In this article, we lay out everything you need to know when giving your Australian Shepherd Benadryl.
Dos And Don’ts Of Giving Bendaryl To Dogs
Benadryl is an antihistamine that can be used by both, humans and dogs, to treat allergic reactions. And although the active drug in Bendaryl is Diphenhydramine HCl, it may also sometimes contain Cetirizine – both are safe for dogs, but it is not advised to give your dog Cetirizine unless absolutely necessary.
You can also find other anti-allergy drugs with Diphenhydramine to give to your dog in the market. But remember to check the ingredients of the medication; if it contains acetaminophen and pseudoephedrine, do not use them on your Australian Shepherd or any other dog – as both are not safe for canines.
Types Of Benadryl Suitable For Dogs
The most common form Benadryl comes in is tablets. Giving your Australian Shepherd Benadryl tablets is completely safe.
If the Benadryl is in the form of a capsule, do not use it on your Australian Shepherd. This is because time-release capsules are dangerous for dogs. Dogs absorb capsules differently, and so the dosage is affected. As a result, your dog may overdose.
Dogs also tend to bite medicines when they consume them; which can overwhelm your dog’s system if it is in the form of a capsule.
Avoid liquid Benadryl. It contains both sodium and alcohol, as they are dangerous for dogs. Your Australian Shepherd can get severe side effects from these.
There is also a Children’s Benadryl pill, which is safe for dogs.
But remember to ask your vet about the required dosage for these pills.
What Is Benadryl Used For In Dogs?
For Australian Shepherds, Benadryl can work very well to treat mild or moderate allergic reactions. These include allergies from insect bites, food, environmental and changing seasons.
The most common use of Benadryl is to treat itchiness among dogs. Skin allergies can make your Aussie restless, which can be greatly reduced with the use of Benadryl.
The signs to look for to tell if your Australian Shepherd has allergies include:
- Hives
- Swelling
- Inflamed skin
- Redness on skin
- Runny nose
- Phlegm in eyes
- Watery eyes
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Headaches
- Itching
Other Uses Of Benadryl For Australian Shepherds
The active ingredient in Benadryl – Diphenhydramine – has a calming effect. Because of this, Benadryl can be used to help with the following in dogs:
- Nausea
- Travel Sickness
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
The medicine can be used for Aussies before high-stress activities such as car rides, plane flights, storms, events with loud noises, and more. For example, if your Aussie is running around all night, unable to sleep, Benadryl can help relax him/her.
If you want to use Benadryl for any of the above reasons though, please check with a vet first.
How Much Benadryl Should I Give My Dog?
The general dosage of Benadryl is 1mg per pound of weight for your dog. A Benadryl tablet is usually 25mg. Fully grown male Australian Shepherds usually weigh 50-66 pounds, so you need around 2 tablets.
Fully grown females weigh around 40-55 pounds, so you will need to give them 1.5 to 2 tablets.
Nonetheless, you should never give Australian Shepherd puppies any medication without asking your vet. Your vet will recommend what to use and the dosage. Benadryl for puppies can be potentially dangerous.
Benadryl For Dogs With Pre-Existing Health Conditions
Some pre-existing health conditions make Benadryl use for dogs dangerous. Benadryl can exacerbate these conditions, and your Australian Shepherd can face side effects that further harm their health.
If your dog has any of the following, consult your vet before administering any dose:
- Glaucoma
- Cardiovascular disease
- Hypothyroidism
- Seizure disorders
- Hypertension
- Allergic lung disease
- Pregnancy
Note: Do not give your female dog Benadryl if she is nursing as the medicine can negatively affect her puppies.
When Should I Consult My Vet About Benadryl?
Check with your vet if you have never used Benadryl on your dog before.
Also consult your vet about Benadryl if your Aussie has any of the health conditions mentioned above. Do the same if your female Aussie is nursing, pregnant, or if you suspect she may be.
Furthermore, if your dog is on any other health medication, Benadryl may react adversely with those. If your dog is already on medication, consult your vet.
The symptoms of allergies can also be indicators of even worse medical conditions. For example, itching, runny or red eyes can be dry eye symptoms or glaucoma and not an allergy. If your dog has some other condition, giving him/her Benadryl will not help; in fact, it might worsen their condition.
What Side Effects Will Benadryl Give My Aussie?
There are some side-effects associated with Benadryl that can affect Australian Shepherds. Most of these can be noticed within one hour of taking the drug.
For this reason, you should monitor your dog after giving them Benadryl.
Common Side-effects
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Trouble urinating
- Excess saliva production
- High heart rate
- Rapid breathing
Rare Side-effects
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Increase in appetite
Benadryl Overdose In Australian Shepherds
Always remember, dogs can experience a Benadryl overdose. This will vary negatively affect their health.
A Benadryl overdose in dogs can be fatal. For this reason, you should administer doses carefully and consult your vet if you are unsure.
Some Benadryl overdose warning signs in dogs are:
- High heart rate
- Dilated pupils
- Seizures
- Agitated behavior
- Constipation
- Disorientation
- Fever
Overdose of Benadryl can trigger your dog’s nervous system to overreact. If you suspect your dog is overdosing, take them to the vet immediately. Or reach out to your nearest animal hospital as soon as you see the warning signs.
What To Do In Case Of A Benadryl Overdose
If you suspect your dog has overdosed on Benadryl, contact your veterinarian or emergency veterinary hospital immediately.
Some dogs also develop severe allergic reaction to the medicine itself. If your dog starts having symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek veterinary care immediately.
Should I Give My Australian Shepherd Benadryl?
It is perfectly safe to give your Aussie Benadryl.
If you consult your vet and give the correct dosage, you should not face any issues. Benadryl can greatly help your dog with allergies, anxiety, and insomnia.
First, make sure you know your dog’s pre-existing conditions and any medications they are on. Then you can use Benadryl on your full-grown dog and relieve the discomfort faced by your furry friend!
FAQs
How long does Benadryl stay in a dog’s system?
Benadryl usually stays in a dog’s system for 24 hours. If your dog has any liver or kidney issues, this can be longer.
Will Benadryl make my dog sleepy?
Yes, one of the side effects of Benadryl is drowsiness. This can be of benefit, though, as you can help an overactive dog calm down with Benadryl. It can also help if your dog experiences insomnia.
Will Benadryl kill my dog?
A Benadryl overdose can be fatal for dogs. However, giving your dog Benadryl in the correct dosage will not harm your dog. Also, consider your dog’s pre-existing health conditions and any medication they are already on before giving Benadryl.
Will Benadryl help kennel cough?
Kennel cough is an infection. It is usually treated with antibiotics. Benadryl will not help with kennel cough.
Will Benadryl reduce swelling?
If your dog is experiencing swelling related to an allergic reaction, then yes, Benadryl will help. However, if you are unsure what is causing the swelling, talk to your vet.
Will Benadryl help with insect bites?
Yes, one of the main uses of Benadryl is for reactions caused by insect bites. The correct dose will help your dog.
Where can I buy Benadryl?
Benadryl is an over-the-counter drug. You can purchase it at any pharmacy or supermarket.
When Benadryl is not enough?
Suppose your dog is suffering a very severe allergic reaction. Benadryl may not be enough to help. Consult your vet if your dog is still in discomfort after taking Benadryl.
Benadryl would also not help if your dog has some other condition, such as glaucoma or dry eye. Consult your vet before giving medications.
What Benadryl can dogs have?
Dogs can have Benadryl Tablets. However, Benadryl in the form of capsules or liquid can harm your dog. Children’s Benadryl is the safest for dogs, for that reason.
What is Benadryl good for?
Benadryl works to give relief for allergic reactions, improve sleep, and help with anxiety. Suppose your dog has swelling, redness, itchiness, runny eyes or nose, insomnia, or anxiety. Then, Benadryl is a good option.
