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Can My Cat Take Benadryl

What Is Benadryl Used For

How to Sedate a Cat With Benadryl

Usually, people give Benadryl to cats with itchy skin or allergic reactions, but you might use it to help with nausea on car or plane rides, as a sleep aid, for responses to injections, or bug bites. If you are looking for a sleep aid or something to relax for your cat, be aware that while Benadryl can make some people sleepy, it often has the opposite reaction in cats, causing them to be even more excitable than usual. For this reason, you might want to look at alternatives like CBD oil for cats or discuss prescription medications with your vet. You should consult your vet in certain situations like reptile, insect, or snake bites, as in some cases, they can be fatal to your cat if not treated quickly. Here’s a list of situations where you might consider giving Benadryl to your cat:

  • When an insect, such as a scorpion or a bee, bites or stings your cat.
  • When your cat is itching or scratching due to food or environmental allergies.
  • When your cat is traveling and is prone to motion sickness.
  • When your cat needs something to make him or her sleepy.
  • When your cat is about to have a vaccination that he or she typically has allergic reactions to.

Are There Any Risk Factors For This Medication

Diphenhydramine should not be used in patients that are allergic to it or similar antihistamines. Do not use in pediatric or neonatal pets. Diphenhydramine should be used cautiously in pets with glaucoma, prostate enlargement, intestinal or bladder obstruction, COPD, elevated thyroid hormone, heart disease, or high blood pressure. Use with caution in pets that are pregnant or lactating, geriatric, or are working dogs.

To Prevent Nausea Or Motion Sickness

You can give Benadryl to your cat while you are traveling. It will help to calm down your pet. Also, when you are hosting noisy guests in your home, its most likely that your cat will get upset by the disturbances and noises. Give it Benadryl to make it feel relaxed.

If your cat is experiencing restlessness, excessive scratching, and anxiety, all these can be suppressed with Benadryl.

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Is It Possible For A Dog To Have A Benadryl Allergy

Some dogs develop an allergic reaction to Benadryl. If your dog starts having symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek veterinary care immediately. As Benadryl for dogs is often used to treat allergies, keep an eye on your dog after giving Benadryl for the first time to make sure that the allergy symptoms dont worsen.

Do Cat Colds Go Away On Their Own

Can you give cats benadryl, ALQURUMRESORT.COM

In most cases, cat colds are harmless and will go away within 1-2 weeks. You do need to monitor their health however, and if there is no sign of improvement by the fourth day, you should make an appointment with your vet as a persisting cold that does not get treated properly may develop into pneumonia.

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What Is Benadryl For Cats

Benadryl for felines is a conventional and traditional medication primarily used for treating irritation, pain, and uncomfortable adverse effects associated with allergic reactions and seasonal allergies.

Benadryl will typically come in liquid and tablet forms, but can also be injected directly if the allergic reaction is extreme or severe. Oftentimes, Benadryl can help with insomnia as well as motion sickness nausea.

Being one of many over-the-counter medications available to you, Benadryl aims to ease seasonal allergies in humans. But, when it comes to our furry felines, paw parents need to be extremely careful. Even if your veterinarian deems Benadryl as being safe for your cat to take, even with appropriate dosage, doesnt necessarily mean that other human drugs are safe for feline consumption.

How Do You Get Your Cat To Take The Medicine

Cats are well known for being fussy eaters, so getting your cat to consume. If possible, syringe the Benadryl directly into its mouth that is, if your cat is being co-operative for you. If your cat doesnt like the taste or odor, you can disguise it with other flavours.

According to Teresa Travers, If your cat wont take it, you can try going through a compounding pharmacy where the staff can flavor the liquid with chicken, fish or another cat-approved taste, which may increase the chance of your feline taking it.

Debi Matlack, a Veterinary Technician, says that the liquid is very bitter and recommends giving Benadryl in pill form instead. A pill may be easier to get down without her tasting it. For my cat on Benadryl I have to wrap it in a little bit of Pill Pocket and poke it down anyway, she wont eat it on her own. A device called a pill popper may be of help.

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Here’s What To Do Instead

If you notice your cat is dealing with seasonal allergies , you may be tempted to give her some of that Benadryl sitting in your medicine cabinet.

But you should think twice before dosing her up on your own. While Benadryl is generally safe for use in cats to treat mild allergy symptoms or car sickness, you should only give it to your cat under the supervision of your veterinarian, since a Benadryl overdose in cats can be deadly.

The Dodo spoke with several veterinarians to find out whether or not you can give cats Benadryl and to find out what you should really do instead.

Can You Give Cats Benadryl

Ask The Doc: Remedies for Pets with Allergies

Most of us are familiar with Benadryl to help with easing symptoms of allergies for humans, and dogs as well, but can you give cats Benadryl?

JUMP TO:

Benadryl is the brand name for a drug called diphenhydramine hydrochloride, its an over the counter antihistamine medication, and doesnt need a prescription.

Its sold as tablets, capsules, liquid gels, and even liquid form. Although its safe for humans to take, it might not be safe for cats.

Always consult your veterinarian before giving your cat Benadryl.

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What Is The Recommended Dosage

The recommended dosage of Benadryl for cats is 1 mg per pound,given up to three times daily.

If your cat is an average weight of 10 pounds, then the correct dosage from a 25-milligram tablet is simply half of it. In its liquid form, you need to administer four milliliters as the concentration is typically 12.5mg/5ml.

Treatment For Kidney Failure

In human medicine, dialysis and kidney transplantation are the main methods of dealing with advanced kidney failure. These methods are also employed in treating cats but impose heavy financial and time burdens on the pet owner and some stress on the patient who is already stressed by the disease.

Unfortunately, once the diagnosis of kidney failure is made, most patients are so sick that response to treatment is unrewarding and slow. You may need to consider euthanasia in order to prevent the long, slow, and agonizing death that comes from complete renal shutdown.

In very extreme and special circumstances, a kidney transplant may be an animal’s only hope of long term existence. Kidney transplantation is a controversial topic but the science and success rate in cats has advanced greatly in recent years.

The goal of treatment is to allow the patient to live as close to a normal life as possible under the circumstances. Since the kidneys do not heal or regenerate new and functioning tissue, the remaining functional tissue carries the entire burden normally handled by two healthy kidneys. Intravenous and subcutaneous fluids can be administered for varying lengths of time to try to correct acid-base imbalances.

Dietary Considerations

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How Do I Know If I Have A Cat Allergy

Although the symptoms of a cat allergy may seem fairly obvious, it’s not always the cat that causes them. It’s a good idea to get confirmation from your doctor. After all, you wouldn’t want to blame Mr. Whiskers unjustly.

Your doctor can do a skin or blood test to see if you’re allergic. However, allergy tests aren’t always correct the doctor may also want you to try living without a cat for a few months to see how it affects your allergy symptoms.

Giving Your Cat Benadryl: Taking A Closer Look

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The first thing to do is make sure the active ingredient is diphenhydramine.

This is an antihistamine which tames symptoms of allergies

This means that it deals specifically with histamines inside the body.

These are what your immune system makes to get rid of things in your body that bug you.

Get this:

When you get allergy symptoms from pollen, pet dander, or dust like:

  • Redness of the skin

Thats the histamines attacking it and trying to get it out of your body.

Like a bouncer at a club.

Thats where the anti-histamines come in to help relieve those allergy symptoms.

Taking Benadryl blocks them from doing so, preventing symptoms.

Note: If youre treating your cat using Benadryl and they have an allergic reaction or your cat gets worse or doesnt get better, go see a Veterinarian immediately.

If theres no improvement you could also discuss with your vet other antihistamines that work better than Benadryl.

Allergic reactions of cats taking Benadryl could be:

  • swelling of the face
  • difficulty breathing
  • Collapse

Please take your cat to an emergency veterinary facility for immediate medical care for a potentially fatal allergic reaction.

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Travel Litter Box For Car Travel

One thing that we can never get away from is cat litter. When you are on the move it is crucial to keep this simple.

One suggestion is a disposable litter box . This will allow you to get rid of the mess when you stop off. However, the material on these things is quite thin so make sure you line it in case your cat has a heavy leak and causes a mess.

Potential Side Effects Of Benadryl

The most common side effect in dogs while taking Benadryl is drowsiness, so you may see your dog a littlesleepy. And if thats the goal then were happy for you.

There are potential life threatening reactions that all dog owners should be aware of, especially if your doggo is taking any other medications or has preexisting medical conditions. Talking to your vet beforehand will not only give you the insight you need but a clear and confident yes before pulling Benadryl out of the medicine cabinet.

Like many allergic reactions, side effects will occur within the first hour, so keep an eye on your pup and watch out for any of these symptoms.

Side effects for Benadryl in dogs include:

  • Sedation of the central nervous system
  • Dry mouth

If you notice your dog having any of the above symptoms, contact your vet immediately.

You should also watch out for signs of an overdose, which may include:

  • Constipation
  • Dilated pupils
  • Seizures

Feel comfortable knowing that for the most part, over-the-counter Benadryl is totally fine, and sometimes even the best option for your dog. Bottom line: if your veterinarian gives you the ok, youre in the clear.

If youre in a pinch and having trouble contacting your vet, speak with us at Airvet wed be happy to help you decide if Benadryl is the best option for your furry friend.

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Home Remedies For Pets Allergies

There are home remedies that can help alleviate certain symptoms. Lifestyle changes that can make a difference include:

  • Home improvements: Making your home as hypoallergenic as possible can help. Consider installing an air cleaner with a HEPA filter and cleaning fabric surfaces regularly.
  • Soothing baths: Your veterinarian might recommend bathing your dog or cat with a pet shampoo that contains oatmeal, Dr. Marsella explains.
  • Dietary supplements: Supplementing your pets diet with fish oil can reduce flaky or itchy skin. Probiotics can also offer pets relief from skin allergies by restoring balance to bacteria levels in their GI tract, Dr. Marsella says. By improving the health of their GI tract, probiotics can help reduce allergy symptoms.
  • Physical blockers: A simple intervention for itchy pets is to have them wear a T-shirt, since it appears it may reduce their drive to scratch, suggests Dr. Sypniewski.

Why Is My Cats Mouth Foaming After Giving Them Benadryl

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This can be quite alarming to see and you may think its a sign of overdosing but this is completely normal and not a cause for concern. When cats ingest something that tastes particularly unpleasant they can display this side effect and Benadryl is known to taste bad to cats.

It tastes very bitter to them and thats what causes the foaming. Just wipe everything up and they should be fine eventually. Even though this is harmless you want to avoid this happening because it will be harder to give them medication in the future as they know it will taste bad.

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How Cat Allergies Are Diagnosed

There are two ways to test for any allergy, including to cats: skin testing and blood tests. There are two types of skin allergy tests. A skin prick test and an intradermal skin test. Both tests give fast results and tend to cost less than blood tests.

Certain medications can interfere with skin testing, so talk to your doctor about which test is best for you. Skin testing is usually done by an allergist due to the possibility of severe reactions during testing.

Can Cats Have Benadryl We Explore The Uses Side Effects Dosage And Natural Alternatives

Christopher Kjolseth – August 14th 2020

Accuracy Review& Edit: Nicole Wanner, DVM – July 9th 2021

When you have symptoms of allergies, you probably reach for a Benadryl to ease the itch. Likewise, it is also common for dogs to take Benadryl to fend off any allergic reactions, but what about Benadryl for cats?Though Benadryl is readily available and considered safe for people, drugs don’t always react the same way for our cats as they do for us. Read on to learn more about Benadryl for cats as we explore the usage, side effects, and natural alternatives.

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Benadryl For Cats: Final Thoughts

Here at Innovet, we want you to be as knowledgeable as you can when giving your pet anything. After all, cats, dogs, and other pets are a part of the family.

If your veterinarian has recommended Benadryl for your cat, then it is likely to be helpful. To avoid an overdose, follow the recommended dosage and instructions that your veterinarian gives you. Remember, Benadryl is safe for cats but only use to treat symptoms.

Make sure to consult your vet with any concerns or changes that your cat is experiencing. The bottom line is that giving your cat Benadryl is a decision you will have to make for yourself.

Dr. Ivana Vukasinovic

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Belgrade

Ivana Vukasinovic grew up in Serbia and attended the University of Belgrade where she received a degree in Veterinary medicine in 2012 and later completed surgical residency working mostly with livestock. Her first year of practice was split between busy small animal practice and emergency clinic, and after two more years of treating many different species of animals, she opened her own veterinary pharmacy where an interest in canine and feline nutrition emerged with an accent on fighting animal obesity. In her free time, she acts as a foster parent for stray animals before their adoption, likes to read SF books, and making salted caramel cookies.

Thanks for stopping by!

Sincerely,The Innovet Team

Is It Safe To Give Your Cat Benadryl

How Much Benadryl Can I Give A Cat

The short answer is Yes. According to John Faught, a medical director, Benadryl is just an antihistamine, and its relatively safe for both dogs and cats.Thats reassuring.

You the pet owner should be aware that, as with any medication,there may be side effects. Benadryl may cause your cat to get drowsy or,alternatively, hyper.

Care must be taken with doses. Overdoses can lead to seizures,breathing difficulties, coma, and even in death in the worst case scenario. It is important that you always seek medical advice from your vet and read instructions carefully.

You should consult with your vet to see if the Benadryl might interfere with other medication your pet is taking.

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Diagnosis Of Kidney Failure

One of the first signs an animal will show when beginning to be affected by kidney failure is an increased thirst, which is known as polydipsia. Increased toxins and other metabolic waste products triggers sensors in the brain that the blood is too concentrated and through a series of chemical reactions the animal may have a sense of dehydration. Your cat, in turn, drinks more water to alleviate this sensation. Compounding this sense of dehydration is actual water loss through the kidneys above normal amounts due to the kidneys being inefficient in retaining water within the body.

The increased thirst/water intake also causes an increased urine output. Known as polyuria, the increased urine output seems unintuitive if the animal is actually affected with kidney failure.

Many pet owners have been baffled when the veterinarian mentions that the patient may have early kidney failure. They often respond “How can that be, its urinating a lot more than it usually does?” What really is happening is that much more urine is being produced and eliminated however the urine is becoming more and more dilute the urine is not bringing along all those toxins and waste products for removal from the body.

In order to make a diagnosis of renal failure your veterinarian will use two sources of data: a urine and blood sample. Checking one without the other may render an inccurate diagnosis.

The Urine Sample

THE BLOOD SAMPLE

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