Benadryl help

[J20]

Hi is there any one in the UK that gives their dogs Benadryl. I have heard so many people use it but what do you buy in the UK, as I do not think they do it in liquid here :confused:

What is a safe UK equivalent :) and how much do you use

[imogene]

I would not use the liquid - it usually has sugar and alcohol in it. Liquids are also hard to administer. Belzie and Sam will eat any pill if it is covered in meat, cheese or peanut-butter. If I can find the grape flavored chewable Children's tablet Belzie will eat them just as is. As far as a UK equivalent sorry can help you on that one :( In your place I would call your vet and ask them for suggestions on over the counter antihistamines that you can use incase of emergency for first aid with bug bites. Medications in the UK use different formulas and medications - so even the Benadryl one a day relief - that I did find listed on an UK based online pharmacy was made with a different medication. So please ask your vet.

You can also ask your Vet for a prescription - Belzie has a prescription for NOVA HYDROXYZIN. When she was about 11 months she was getting really bad hives, so the vet prescribed it. We have a low dose prescription only 10 mg - but in emergency situations I know to give her a double dose. The rule of thumb for most antihistamines is 1 mg for every pound of weight. Nova Hydroxyzin is know for having less side effects, and being generally more effective -especially with dogs.

[Autumn&Remi]

Actually the veterinary office I work for prescribes 1 mg per kg for dogs.

Autumn

[imogene]

Actually the veterinary office I work for prescribes 1 mg per kg for dogs.

Autumn

You should double check what the vet would suggest for sudden histamine reaction. - 1 mg per kg does not sound like the right dose to use in an emergency first response situation. - Belzie's normal prescription -for her pyoderma is close to 1 mg per kg - and both times that she has been given medication by the vet because of a histamine reaction to a bug bite (facial swelling) it has been 20-30 mg. She weighs 20.5 lb (9.3 kg) I have seen three different vets with her and they all have recommended using Benadryl for emergencies at 1 mg for every lb

[gmacleod]

Be careful with "Benadryl" Or any other drug people recommend by brand name, and not by substance name. It may not be the same thing accross all countries, and in the case of benadryl it isn't.

The actual drug being recommended when people in the US or Canada say "benadryl" is Diphenhydramine, a first-generation antihistamine. However, benadryl in other countries (UK included) does not necessarily contain Diphenhydramine at all. In the UK, the drug in benadryl is either acrivastine or cetirizine, depending on formulation, both of which are second-generation antihistamines (the topical cream is still diphenhydramine). I do not know if these drugs are safe for pets, nor an appropriate doseage even if it is. Don't give it to your dog without finding those things out.

There are still one or two medicines around in the UK still using Diphenhydramine. Best advice is to go to your pharmacy and check what they have. I think one of the children's formulations of Benylin still uses that drug, so that can be one option.

[J20]

Now that she has been off the steroids for a few weeks she is scratching like mad.

She is due to come in to season soon, should I get her spayed now or sort out the scratching? The allegey stuff could take some time.

Will spaying lower her hormone levels :confused: That my help her

[Piperloo]

Spaying will do nothing to help her allergies. There is NO cure for allergies. You can only maintain them. Allergic dogs are high maintenance. You will always be treating them with something to make them comfortable. You really should see a dermatologist & get her allergy tested.

[Piperloo]

Btw - you can try putting a t-shirt on her if she is scratching at her body. It will protect her skin and keep her from hurting her self. If she is tearing at her head and ears you may want to try an e-collar.

[French Queen]

With Mabel's on going problems you need to discuss spaying with your vet.

Spaying is best done half way between seasons, but not too close to the next season, as the increased blood supply to the uterus, makes bleeding during or after the operation
more of a risk. Estrogen & Progesterone hormones will cease once spayed.


You will not be able to sort out Mabel's allergies till you identify & treat the underlying
problem.

Did you see the Dermatologist in December?

French Queen & the little clowns:)