I just got my dog spayed, is it safe to give her Benadryl?

Question

The vet told me to keep her confined for the next 7-10 days so that she will heal properly, but she's so full of energy that it's killing her to be cooped up all the time. I take her out on her leash to do her business, and when I do, she pulls on her leash and wants to play. I'm just worried that she'll hurt herself. Plus she whines constantly in her crate. So I got the idea to give her benadryl to make her drowsy so that she won't mind being in her crate so much. My vet has told me to give my other dog benadryl for his itchy skin (they are both pugs). So I know benadryl is not harmful to dogs. I'm just wondering if it's safe to give it to them post-surgery.

Okay let me provide more details about my dog. I *have* to keep her in her crate or else she'll run around like crazy and jump all over the furniture. I can't stop her. She's naturally hyper and unless she's in the crate, she's usually wrestling and playing with my other dog. Also, my vet's office is closed right now, and I was hoping for a quick answer here. If I don't get one here, I will call my vet tomorrow.

Answer 1

The hardest thing about a spay is keeping the dog quiet. If she is three days or more post op, I wouldn't worry too much. She will be quiet if she needs to be. If she is less than three days post op then I would crate her.
Benadryl is given by most vets at mg/lb for allergies. It doesn't work too well to just keep them quiet. Your vet could prescribe something else if needed.

Answer 2

My little dog has a reaction to his yearly shots, so the vet gave him a benadryl shot and told me to use children's benadryl liquid form at home for a few days every 12 hours. So, yes, it is safe for dogs. But the amount would depend on the size of the dog. Also you can pick up a syringe at the vet to put the liquid in your dogs mouth. I would stop by the vet to pick up the syringe and see what they say about the amount.

Answer 3

They should have given you some form of pain meds. There are no doggie valiums. I wouldn't give her anything other than prescribed meds on the chance it could have an interaction with her anesthetic she was given. It's only 7 days. Be thank full it's not heart worm treatment where they have to be caged for up to 8 weeks.

Answer 4

I wouldn't. Does she have things to chew? Toys she can have in her crate? It's best to keep her quiet for as long as possible, but it's not realistic to keep them quiet for 10 days. Just no jumping, chasing or playing with the other dog. It's the first few days that are the worst. Try to keep her quiet and give her things such as puzzle toys like a tug a jug, kongs filled with peanut butter, nyla bones... You can find other puzzle, treat despensing toys at a pet store or online. Just make sure to get her out and walk her around and make sure your other dog isn't out when you bring her out so she's not tempted to play with him.

Answer 5

This is something you should ask your vet. Pick up the phone -- veterinarians are used to post-surgical questions! They may have better suggestions than just Benadryl, anyway.

Answer 6

Do not give her Benedryl....as for activity..it simply means no jumping, running up and down stairs, rough housing with other dogs or running..it doesn't mean totla confinement.

Answer 7

I'd say that dogs usually know what's best for them. She wouldn't be doing all those things if they hurt.

Answer 8

DO NOT GIVE YOUR DOG BENIDRYL. it was not made for your dog and it was not prescribed for the dog therefor u could hurt or kill your dog doin this i dont know why people do that with animals and kids if u cant handle it you should never have a child or animal i mean cmon how would u like it if your husband said your getting on my nerves here is some benidryl so u will get drowsy , wtf.

Answer 9

http://www.beaverlakeah.com/spayneuter.pml