A pet Nurse told me it was okay to give my Chihuahua Benadryl to calm him when we travel by air. Suggestions?

Question

It's a six month old male who is super hyper.

Answer 1

yes it is okay - I give my dogs benedryl when I groom them. Good Luck

Answer 2

Benadryl is relatively safe in most dogs, but its sedative effect in dogs has recently come into question (see link below). The key to using any sedative for travel, though, is to test your dosage before making the trip! Try giving your dog 1/2 tsp children's Benadryl (12.5mg/5mL) on a day when you will be around to monitor him, and see how he reacts. If you don't notice any significant effects, wait a day, then try a whole tsp. If you still don't notice any effect, it is unlikely that Benadryl will be effective. Your veterinarian has other prescription sedatives that can be considered as well. There has been some concern, though, that sedated pets may be at risk for unsafe drops in blood pressure during flights. Bottom line: if Benadryl doesn't work, talk to your vet! Your pet may not be a good candidate for sedation, and you may just have to "deal with" his anxiety during the flight.

PS: "Pet Nurse" is what Banfield (the veterinary hospitals inside PetSmart) calls their veterinary technicians.

Answer 3

I use 1/4 valium for my toy poodle. You could also use the herb valerian root (base of valium). It is a natural tranquilizer and doesn't have all the other chemicals benadryl has in it. I believe it might be a safer alternative because benadryl has ingredients that affect the lungs also. Research this on a pet website.

Answer 4

Benadryl will calm some dogs just like it does some people. I would be more inclinded to ask for a sedative from the vet. Here's a web site with the otc dosage by weight
http://animalsunlimited.net/meds.htm

Answer 5

I have a chihuahua too. I have to give him benadryl in the early spring because he is allergic to some kinds of grasses. The vet can give you some - although it's the same thing you can buy at the store. I give Keanu 1/2 a tablet - it just makes him a little sleepy - she is right - it will calm him down.

Answer 6

Benadryl can be used to calm a dog. Its antihistamine properties can cause drowsiness in animals just like it can in people. Be sure to check with your vet tech or vet before giving Benadryl to get the proper dosage. There are other medicines available that will also help with a hyper dog. Again, check with your vet.

Answer 7

Baby doses. Try children's benadryl. Traveling in passenger area or cargo hold? I hope he'll be able to fly in the passenger area, he's small enough for his carrier to fit under the seat but you never know with airlines these days. A little benadryl, a t-shirt or something that smells like you might help keep him calm too.

Answer 8

benedryl makes me more hyper but it does knock my daughter out. It could go either way. I would say a full dose of benedryl would be too much for a chihuahua size pet.

I would suggest rescue remedy. I get it at the health food store and it is also good for pets and kids. Put him in a carrier that doesn't allow for a lot of movement and this will make him lay down and calm him more. If they can get up and jump around like fools they will and it will just get them more hyped.

http://www.vitaminshoppe.com/store/en/browse/sku_detail.jsp;jsessionid=RLAFN3JXPSEEGCQUC4WVAFQKCQL1AUNE?id=EL-1097&source=Go300&_requestid=1377731

Answer 9

It definitely has to be baby benadryl, and it has to be a very low dose. I personally know of dogs dying from benadryl due to allergic reaction, so I would never use it myself. But I know a lot of people do, and they have no problem with it. Up to you I guess if you want to take the chance.

Answer 10

http://animalsunlimited.net/meds.htm

My puppy takes 1 ml. Benadryl daily for allergies.

Answer 11

Bach's Rescue Remedy is much better than Benadryl.