So, I gave Belle her first in a long time dose of 25 mg of diphenhydramine last night with food. This was around 7:30 p.m. We sat down to have dinner and then watch some TV. Belle slept like a rock. A couple of times I tried to wake her up by calling her name, which usually does the trick. However, she just kept on sleeping. Now, she could have been worn out from the vet’s visit; she did get her 6-month exam and shots at the same time, but it didn’t really seem like it.
This morning, she was sluggish to get up and moving and just seemed a little loopy. We just checked on her again and she seems to be getting better. However, this prompted me to start looking in to the side effects of the allergy medicine on dogs.
The first site I went to was written by a veterinarian and discussed the side effects of diphenhydramine or Benadryl. The common ones they listed were
- sedation
- dry mouth
- retaining urine
Ok, that explains the sleepiness. The vet also went on to mention that the side effects might be stronger in older dogs and that different dogs may react differently and the dosage should be tailored to your animal. Belle definitely reacts poorly to most medicines, as seen in her urinary incontinence side effect with both prednisone and antibiotics. Even though the vet recommended 25 mg dose twice a day, I think we will try out once a day for a while. If Belle’s sluggishness doesn’t go away, but she is still itching, we will cut that dose in half and try that.
Read more about the side effects and details about diphenhydramine.
My vet gave my dog Captain an allergy shot two days ago, and suggested Benadryl to give at home to help with the itchy skin. After 3 or so days of giving the Benadryl, my dog has begun drinking excessively and peeing in the house literally every time I look up. This is unusual because he is usually very well house trained. Has this happened to anyone else? I called the emergency vet line and they basically just told me to get him into the vet when I could.
Let me begin by saying thank you to Belle’s mom. What you have done for her is insiprational. Today was supposed to be my baby girl’s Final Vet Visit, but after reading Jordin’s post and then a bit further I realized it may not need to be. Last night for a treat I decided to forego her meds and gave her a special treat of six plain cheeseburgers. Today she is up and walking on her own. My baby girl Chloe is 14, suffers from fecal incontinence and has trouble standing and walking on her own. Last week she began losing control of her bladder which I took as a sign of the end. This may be partly my fault as I have recently increased her benedryl dose. She still has a voracious appetite and drinks plenty of water. Although not as active as she once was, she still tries. I cannot let her go because of mere inconvenience and have been stuggling with my decision. I go through much of the same routine that Belle’s mom does, with the constant cleaning, bathing and laundry. I’m on my way to the hardware store to buy some cheap carpet squares to ply all non- carpeted areas of the house (genius idea) and have switched her appt to a check up to inquire about medication interactions (she also gets a liquid form of glucosamine for her hip) and the pressure sore on her leg. I cannot thank you enough for giving me the hope that I can have more time with her and possibly increase her quality of life.
Thank you for your kind comments Becca! You are doing a wonderful job caring for your Chloe. I know it is not easy and it takes a lot of work and patience. Keep hanging in there! It is never an easy to decision and people were always telling me you’ll know when it is time. Honestly, it was still the most difficult decision ever. I haven’t written about it yet, because I still tear up about it and I’m not ready to share that grief yet. I hope you find some comfort in knowing that you are doing all that you can for Chloe and that I am rooting for you.