We Kid You Not Childfree Forums

Anyone here ever give their dog Benedryl?

Here's the back story: Kelly has an annoying habit of picking at a spot on her back leg and has created a "hot spot," apparently very common in Labs but very difficult to treat. We have been to the vet on two separate occasions for antiobiotic injections, antibiotic tablets and a spray that we apply 3 X a day.

At first, everything works. The leg heals, she stops picking at it, and it's fine. Then she starts everything up again. We are at our wits end.

A neighbor down the street, who also has a big Lab mix, says she gives her dog Benedryl to alleviate the itch with no side effects.

Since Kelly is a big dog, about 75 pounds, I felt OK about it but as a precaution, I cut the pill in half.

I realize this is not a cure but if it gets her to stop picking at it over time, maybe it will heal properly.

Does anyone else on here give their dog Benedryl? Any problems? Also, any advice about hot spots will be appreciated.

I have given Sadie Benedryl for bee stings. Double check with your vet about the proper dosage. A big girl like yours may be able to do a full tablet. Or if it is still on the market the kid's version of Benedryl.

Yes, always. It works great and does them no harm. My vet recommends it for stings and bug bites.

As far as hot spots, we had to just stay on top of ours and poke them all the time. Wouldn't let them sleep alone, and put a big clown collar on them. One the spot heals, of course, they quit it.

I had a lab/chow mix that had hot spots. She also would have allergy issues in the spring & fall. I gave her Benadryl & it seemed to help. She was about 100 lbs & I would give her one pill. I would check with your vet just to be sure of the dosage, and I wouldn't give it to her on a daily basis for extended periods of time unless the vet ok'd it.

Check the dosage. Children's benadryl is okay for cats, but I'm not sure what the weight threshold is.

Kirby's suggestion made me think... I'm pretty sure that if you call the company that makes Benedryl they would give you the weight threshold, if it isn't already labelled for children. You might want to ask them generically at first, just in case they don't want to give recommendations for the unintended purpose, and then perhaps afterward you can ask about giving it to a dog.

Quote:apparently very common in Labs but very difficult to treat

WOW I did not know that. Thanks for the info. I always loved Lab's But I am not looking to get another dog that has a potential for any health isssues.
for you & your dog Kelly I hope the Benedryl helps
I see no harm in it either.
Misty was on the same Epilepsy medicine people take. So, I see no reason why a dog can't take Benedryl either.