How does Benedryl benifit my dog that has allergies since itching it the main problem?

Question

My miniture schnauzer has allergies and is on immunotherapy treatments. I have been giving him an antihistamine for the itching but it does not seem to be helping. How does Benedryl benifit itching?

Answer 1

Itching is part of an allergic reaction..and antihistamine suppresses the immune system..therefore should help control the itching...

I would consult the pet doctor for proper dosage for this..and the other thing is that the dog may be developing a tolerance to the antihistamine

Answer 2

I never used Benedryl for itching on my dog, only for hives breathing problems caused by insect bite/allergy. My boxers were very allergic and had major skin problems, itching. The vet finally put them on steroids and this was the only thing that really helped.

Answer 3

We have a Pom and believe me scratching is his middle name, the Vet gets him a shot monthly, but he get 1/2 Benedryl every day and this really helps. If his itching gets really bad I give him a whole Benedryl (only use the pills not the caps)

Answer 4

Seek professional help is my suggestion. Diagnosing and medicating your beloved pet should be left to the professionals. Only they can determine if the itching is caused by allergies or some other skin disorder. Over the counter medications for humans can have adverse reactions in animals.

Answer 5

I have been using it for my dogs, but just recently switched to loratadine (claritan w/o decongestant). With benadryl I wasn't around enough to give it to them every 6 hours to keep them up on the doses. I have also read that these work better when you use them in conjuction with omega 3 and 6 supplements (fish or flax seed oil) One of mine gets it for her reverse sneezing and the other gets it for her actual itching and scratching, but I also have her on prednisone per the vet.

It helps to really determine what your dog is allergic to see if it is something that you can keep him away from. If it is something you can afford and have a specialized dermatology vet in your area, I would recommend you take him to have allergies test performed.

Answer 6

I have one question have you been to the Vet for it and did they prescribe the Benedryl. cause. they told me that one dose of Benedryl for a dog is equal to two for adults over the counter.
anyways i am not totally for sure but i think it's a way to relax your dog and causes them to relax and also is like a sleeping aid to chemically inbalance them to not want to itch so much but your still going to have a little. as we do when we have allergies . but as long as you don't over do it he'll or she will be a happier dog.

Answer 7

I give my Bichon benadryl and it has worked better than any vet medicine except steroids which he is too old to take safely. The doctor looked up a formula for how much to give him based on his weight. He gets one capsule at a time following the directions on the box.

Someone mentioned that you should always use tablets and not capsules. Why is this?

Answer 8

Benydryl is an antihistamine.
The body has what is called a mast cell (lots of them actually).
When the body is exposed to a foreign object it is allergic to, it produces histamines, which in turn attack the mast cell. This is what triggers an allergic reaction. An antihistamine, such as benadryl, counters the histamines to protect the mast cell from destruction.
Now you know. :)

Answer 9

Benadryl blocks the body from making the histamines that cause the itch.

Answer 10

I'm sure how it wouldn't help your dog, I give my dog Benedyl durning the Spring and Summer months, cause he licks his sink undereath. When he gets done its real red. The benedyl helps that. Make sure you are giving them enough?