Can I Give My Dog Benadryl Instead Of Apoquel?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Apoquel vs. Benadryl, which is the best dog medication for itching? The best medicine of these two products is dependent on your unique needs.

If your dog is exhibiting mild itchiness, which comes and goes, then your best option is Benadryl

.

How much over the counter Benadryl can I give my dog?

Benadryl dosage for dogs.

According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, the safe dosage is

2-4 milligrams of medication per kilogram of weight, or 0.9 to 1.8 milligrams per pound

. This amount can be administered two to three times daily, depending on your dog’s symptoms.

Can I give dog Benadryl for itching?


Benadryl is a great medication for use in dogs with mild-to-moderate allergies

. Seasonal allergies, food allergies, environmental allergies, and allergic reactions to snake and insect bites all respond to Benadryl in most cases.

Which is better Apoquel or Benadryl?

If your dog has more long-term allergies that plague them seasonally or even year-round,

Apoquel is probably a better choice

. It is meant for long-term use and generally provides more relief than antihistamines alone.

Is there an over the counter Apoquel?

Apoquel is

not available over the counter

. You cannot buy Apoquel without presenting a valid prescription from your vet.

How long does it take for Benadryl to work in dogs?

Benadryl or Diphenhydramine is typically thought to be a fast-acting medication for dogs. You can expect it to take effect in

1 to 2 hours

but often times it will begin to work in under an hour.

Is Zyrtec or Benadryl better for dogs?


Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is the most popular antihistamine for humans and can be effective for dogs as well

. Just be aware that Benadryl has sedative properties, so your dog could get very drowsy. Other safe antihistamines for dogs include Claritin (loratadine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine).

What kind of Benadryl is safe for dogs?

Most diphenhydramine (Benadryl) tablets are 25 mg, which would be the appropriate size for a 25-pound dog. Smaller dogs will require you to cut or divide these 25-mg pills. In this case,

children’s Benadryl in the chewable tablets

may be a good option. These come in dosages of 12.5 mg.

Can I give my dog 50 mg of Benadryl?


You should give 50 mg of Benadryl to a 50 lb dog

, either as two 25 mg tablets, four 12.5 mg chewable tablets, or 20 ml of a Benadryl liquid form (12.5 mg/5 ml).

Can I give my dog 25 mg of Benadryl?

Official Answer. The general dose of Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is 2 to 4 mg/kg up to three times day.

If your dog weighs 25 lbs (11.3 kg) the dose of Benadryl would be 22.6mg to 45.2mg up to three times a day

. Benadryl tablets are available in 25mg and 50mg strength.

What are side effects of Benadryl in dogs?

Side Effects Of Benadryl In Dogs & When To Avoid It

These include

sleepiness, dry mouth, sluggishness, or urinary retention

. Some less common side effects that may appear include diarrhea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, breathing problems, or loss of appetite. You should call your vet if these symptoms become severe.

Which is better Apoquel or Cytopoint?

The main difference is the method of administration.

Cytopoint is an, on average, once a month injection into the skin. Apoquel, on the other hand, requires daily oral dosing

. Additionally, Cytopoint was specifically created to target itch associated with atopic (environmental) allergies.

Does Apoquel need a prescription?

Apoquel

requires a prescription from your veterinarian

, and is sold per tablet. Apoquel is a selective janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, which targets pruritogenic (itch creating) cytokines. It effectively controls itching due to food allergies, flea allergies, contact dermatitis, and atopic dermatitis.

What is a generic drug for Apoquel?

Clinical data Trade names Apoquel Other names

PF-03394197
AHFS/Drugs.com Veterinary Use Routes of administration By mouth (tablets)

Is it OK to give my dog Benadryl everyday?


You can give Benadryl to your dog every eight to twelve hours, so about two to three times per day

. If you use the product frequently, it may begin to lose effectiveness over time. In most cases, it’s better to administer medication before exposure to allergens.

Why is Benadryl not helping my dog?

Histamines cause upper respiratory allergies in people, whereas cytokines (not histamines) cause itchy skin in dogs. For dogs with underlying allergies,

antihistamines don’t control the cytokines (signaling proteins) that cause inflammation and itch

.

What is the best antihistamine for dog allergies?

Best allergy medicine for pet allergies
Claritin (loratadine)


10 mg orally once per day

Get coupon
Allegra (fexofenadine) 180 mg orally once per day, or 60 mg twice per day Get coupon Zyrtec (cetirizine) 5 mg and 10 mg tablets (also available as a syrup and chewable) Get coupon

Is Apoquel the same as Benadryl?

This ingredient works to prevent and curb the inflammatory reaction, particularly for the itching sensation. The main difference between Apoquel and Benadryl, among other allergy medications for dogs, is that

it is distinctly an Immunomodulator rather than an antihistamine

.

What can you give dogs for itching?

  • Coconut oil.
  • Oatmeal baths.
  • Apple cider vinegar and water mix.
  • Chamomile and green tea soak.
  • Baking soda and water paste.
  • Aloe vera gel.

What human medicine can you give a dog for allergies?

The most common antihistamine for dogs is

diphenhydramine, brand name Benadryl

. Also found in ProSense Dog Itch & Allergy Solutions Tablets, diphenhydramine is safe in most dogs if given in the recommended dosage of 1 mg of diphenhydramine per pound of body weight given by mouth.

Rebecca Patel
Author
Rebecca Patel
Rebecca is a beauty and style expert with over 10 years of experience in the industry. She is a licensed esthetician and has worked with top brands in the beauty industry. Rebecca is passionate about helping people feel confident and beautiful in their own skin, and she uses her expertise to create informative and helpful content that educates readers on the latest trends and techniques in the beauty world.