There are many dogs afflicted with a nervous disposition. These are the dogs that sit quivering with fear while you attempt to brush the tangles from their coat, or the dog who tries to hide the moment “bath time” is mentioned, despite the fact that the same dog is always the first one to jump in a bog. This type of dog can make life very difficult should you need to do some routine beauty therapy, so a common question asked by fastidious dog owners who want their pooch to stay in tip top condition is: should I give my dogs Benadryl to trim their nails?
Benadryl is a medication used to treat the symptoms of allergies in humans, but it can also be used to treat the same symptoms in animals, and in particular dogs. But apart from its anti-histamine properties, one of the side effects of Benadryl is that it has a powerful sedative effect on animals and humans due to the drugs ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.
Benadryl to trim their nails in peace?
Attempting to trim the nails of a struggling dog is a recipe for disaster and if you are not careful the clippers will end up cutting the nail too high and the dog will bleed everywhere. So how can you handle a struggling dog that is determined to avoid the ignominy of a nail trimming session?
One option is to tie the dog down and get on with the task anyway, but that is likely to cause a great deal of trauma to your dog and potential injury to you, so is best avoided. The other option is to give the dog a mild sedative so that he or she relaxes and falls into a light sleep, thus leaving you to get on with the job of trimming their nails in peace.
Should I give my dogs Benadryl to trim their nails and will it cause any side effects?
Dog owners have been administering Benadryl to their pets for years and the drug is largely considered to be very safe for use in dogs. Benadryl is commonly prescribed by veterinarians to treat the symptoms of allergies and motion sickness in dogs, as well as those dogs who need to be sedated for the purposes of travel.
However, there are side effects caused by Benadryl, so you should always check with your veterinarian before giving Benadryl to your dog. Although Benadryl is commonly used for alleviating motion sickness, in some dogs it can actually induce vomiting. Benadryl can also act as an appetite suppressant, which is not helpful when you have a dog that is already picky with their food. Other known side effects caused by Benadryl include dry eyes and a dry mouth.
Less commonly, but more seriously, some dogs can become extremely hyperactive after receiving a dose of Benadryl. It is also worth noting that dogs with glaucoma, heart or lung disease, or thyroid problems should never be given Benadryl, but if in doubt as to the suitability of Benadryl for your pet, check with your vet.
This article was very helpful. I was a Paramedic for 16 plus years but I dont anything about medicene for pets. We were given a Hairless Tiny Chywawa this past summer. We are still getting to know each other. She weighs about 5 pounds and has horrible sinus problems. She is at her ideal weight for her age. She’s always shivering. Even during hot summer time. I try to keep a sweater on her through the cool/cold days but it doesnt seem to really matter. Recently she has changed her breathing rhythm. She is also from time to time, gagging on phlegm. The phlegm is white/clear in color. She feels warmer than normal and she has been sneezing alot. I’m going to try Benedryl tonight and see how it goes. I do realize I will more than likely be going to the Vet tomorrow. This article will allow us all get some sleep tonight. Thank you very much.