Is Benadryl a Good Dog Hot Spot Treatment?

Watching your dog itch and scratch, in clear discomfort or even pain, is never easy. (It’s also a surefire way to keep you up at night.) The question is: what’s causing your dog’s discomfort – and what can you do to alleviate it? As a pet parent facing the challenge of dog hot spots or itchy skin, you might have considered using Benadryl, a common antihistamine for humans. While it can be effective, it’s crucial to navigate its usage with caution, understanding potential side effects and the correct dosage. 

Read on to discover all the do’s and don’ts of using Benadryl for your furry friend.  We’ll also explore alternative solutions for managing hot spots, skin irritations, atopic dermatitis, and any other canine itchy rashes.

Understanding Benadryl?

Benadryl For Dogs

Benadryl is an antihistamine that can be safe to use the dog allergies.

Benadryl, an over-the-counter antihistamine, is a go-to for many humans combating allergies, skin rashes, and insect bites. Its active ingredient, diphenhydramine, is generally considered safe for dogs.  Thus, it can be a tempting treatment option for pet owners dealing with canine hot spots and other irritating skin conditions (1). 

Before reaching for that Benadryl bottle (or equivalent medication) though, it’s essential to 

  1. Check with your vet, and 
  2. Check labels – many over-the-counter medications might contain additional ingredients that are unsafe for dogs.

Using Benadryl For Dog Hot Spots

Benadryl

Benadryl may be beneficial in cases where dogs suffer from hot spots.

Hot spots, or acute moist pyotraumatic dermatitis, can result from various causes, including (but not limited to): 

  • Food allergies: Some dog foods contain too much corn, soy or other “fillers,” and the dog’s system reacts to these negatively.
  • Environmental allergies: This could include pollens, molds, dust, grass, etc. These allergies may be seasonal.
    • Note:  allergies, both food and environmental, can even lead to ear infections, so it is important to keep on top of them!
  • Bacterial and fungal skin infections: Such infections can create everything in your dog from itching to scabs, discharge and odor and finally, miserable hot spots.
  • Fleas or ticks: These little freeloaders bite your dog, which initiates the scratching cycle that can result in hot spots or itchy skin. This is especially the case if your dog is sensitive to flea saliva.

Used properly, Benadryl can be beneficial for alleviating the itchiness and discomfort associated with all these conditions. (2)

Dosage and Administration

Happy Dog

We recommend using the tablets, as the liquid contains alcohol, which is not good for your dog.

Benadryl is available in various forms such as tablets, liquid, topical solutions (an antihistamine cream as opposed to a hydrocortisone cream), and injections administered by a vet. When treating your dog at home, it’s recommended to use the tablet form, and avoid liquid formulations containing alcohol. (Top tip: Break up tablets and hide them in your dog’s food. Products such as liver sausage and peanut butter work extremely well – your pooch won’t even notice and will never reject this tasty treat!)

The standard dosage is 1 mg of Benadryl per pound of body weight. For example, a 25-pound dog would require 25 mg of Benadryl. Some opt for a lower dosage of 1 mg per 2.2 lbs to mitigate the risk of overdose.2

Standard procedures call for Benadryl to be administered every 8 hours, with the caveat that you always consult your veterinarian to ensure the correct dosage and frequency. It’s also advisable to start with a smaller test dose and monitor your dog for any adverse reactions.

Important Cautions for Dog Hot Spot Treatment with Benadryl

  1. It’s a good idea to begin with a test dose to gauge your dog’s reaction in the affected area.
  2. Administer Benadryl on a full stomach to minimize the risk of nausea.
  3. Be patient: Benadryl taken orally may take up to 30 minutes to show results.
    Vet Giving Dog Benadryl

    Be informed before administering medications to you furry friend.

  4. Watch for potential side effects, including:
    • urine retention, 
    • dry mouth, 
    • vomiting, 
    • diarrhea, 
    • increased appetite, or
    • appetite loss.
  5. Avoid overdosing – too much Benadryl can be dangerous, with symptoms including things like:
    • rapid heartbeat, 
    • muscle tremors, 
    • labored breathing, 
    • confusion, and 
    • seizures.
  6. Certain dogs should never be given Benadryl:
    • Don’t give Benadryl to puppies without first asking your vet. 
    • Do not give pregnant or nursing dogs, or to dogs with other medical conditions, such as glaucoma, cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure.
  7. Beware of topical Benadryl treatments: Benadryl gels and creams can sometimes cause skin irritation, especially when used over a longer period. And remember to never apply these topicals to blistered patches of skin.
  8. Prioritize consultation with your vet to determine the best course of action (particularly in relation to the use of Benadryl).  Your vet will take your dog’s individual health and condition into consideration before a recommendation or otherwise.

Benadryl and Banixx Pet Care

banixx pet spray

Banixx Pet Spray 80z

While Benadryl, used properly, can be safe and effective, it does come with challenges – and you do always need to be prepared for any potential side effects. (3)

The solution? Pet parents have discovered significant success in combining Benadryl with Banixx Pet Care products for enhanced efficacy and immediate relief. In fact, many have found that using Banixx alone – without any other dog medication – is powerful.  It’s also a significantly less stressful and more affordable way to reduce their dog’s itching, skin lesions and skin infections. 

Why Choose Banixx for Dog Hot Spots?

Applied 2-3 times daily, Banixx Pet Care provides topical relief without the potential side effects and cost associated with oral medications. 

Banixx is also:

  • A 100% safe and powerful solution that doesn’t sting or burn, making it gentle for your dog’s skin.  Moreover, it can even be applied around sensitive areas like eyes, nose, mouth, and ears.
  • Furthermore, it’s free of steroids, antibiotics, and fragrance, ensuring your pet’s safety even if licked.

Combining Benadryl with Banixx Pet Care offers a comprehensive approach to managing hot spots, itchy dry skin, and other dog skin irritations. While hot spots are generally not life-threatening, with the right approach, and support of Banixx in your pet’s first aid kit, you can ensure a swift recovery for your furry friend.

We hope you enjoyed this well-researched blog.  Our dog  blog has many more topics to keep your pup in tip top shape and tail a-wagging!  If you are interested in how to maintain your dog’s nails/claws, or your dog’s ears without a vet, we cover that.  Interested in more quirky items ? such as how long can a dog go without peeing, or why do dogs insist on drinking from the toilet? Yep, we’ve delved into those areas too!

dog ear infection treatment

Sources:

  1. Is It Safe To Give My Dog Benadryl? – https://www.canidae.com/blog/2017/06/is-it-safe-to-give-my-dog-benadryl/
  2. Benadryl For Dogs – https://www.veterinaryplace.com/dog-medicine/benadryl/
  3. Benadryl for Dogs – https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/benadryl-for-dogs/

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