Should I give Benadryl to my dog during fireworks?

Lots of owners ask the following question: Should I give Benadryl to my dog during fireworks and bonfire night? July 4th is traditionally a difficult time of the year for dog owners as many pets are terrified of the loud noises made by screaming rockets and bangers. So whilst you might enjoy watching the pretty fireworks light up the sky, how can you help to ensure your dog does not have to spend several nights cowering beneath the bed?

If your dog has a nervous disposition and hates fireworks, a mild sedative can sometimes be the answer to your prayers, which is where Benadryl fits the bill. Used to treat allergies in humans and pets, Benadryl is a popular medication with a very useful side effect: it is a powerful sedative.

Should I give Benadryl to my dog during fireworks?

No pet owner enjoys seeing his or her beloved dog terrified and trembling on bonfire night. It might not be so bad if you could be certain the noise would only last an hour or so, but unfortunately, these days, local kids take great pleasure in setting off bangers and rockets for at least a week either side of bonfire night, which can end up causing a great deal of stress for your dog.

Thankfully, Benadryl is the perfect solution for dogs who are frightened of loud noises and fireworks on bonfire night. If the right dose is administered carefully, Benadryl will gently sedate the dog enough to relax it and send it into a light sleep for a few hours. By the time the dog wakes up again, the fireworks should be over and everything will be back to normal.

Benadryl has been used to treat the symptoms of allergies and travel sickness in dogs for many years and is generally very safe to administer to pets, but as with all over the counter medications, it is a good idea to check with a veterinarian before giving a dose to your dog as the drug does have some known side effects.

What side effects does Benadryl have?

Although Benadryl can be very useful for curing travel sickness in afflicted dogs, it sometimes causes sickness in other dogs. The drug is also known to suppress the appetite in a small minority of dogs, so if your pet is not a particularly good eater, you might need to take this factor into consideration.

Other known side effects of taking Benadryl include dry eyes and a dry mouth, and in a few rare cases, Benadryl can cause hyperactivity. Benadryl should also not be given to dogs with a history of heart disease, lung disease, or glaucoma.

What dose of Benadryl should I give to my dog?

Benadryl normally comes in tablet form and the recommended dose for dogs is one 25mg pill per 25 pounds in weight. Always weigh your dog before administering Benadryl and never be tempted to “guess” how heavy he or she is. You should also be careful to give no more than two doses of Benadryl in 24 hours.

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