Jobs & Education1 min ago
Dosages Of Benadryl For My Jack Russell
27 Answers
My four-legged pot roast has recently developed some sort of allergy. Since birth he has had the same cereal and wet food - all chicken based. However, I'm suspecting he may have developed an allergy to chicken. He's now 11, but in rather good health.
Recently the vet prescribed Apoquel. However, setting the outrageous cost aside (£45 per prescription), I've read some rather distressing things from people who have used this on their dogs.
After a month, I've decided I might try using Benadryl as an alternative. The Pot Roast weighs 10Kg and the recommended dose is 1mg per pound.
However, I'm not certain whether 8mg is a total daily dose or a dosage which I'm supposed to administer either twice or three times daily.
I'd be very grateful for any advice. This evening was the first time I've given him the Benadryl and he has tolerated it rather well. I know Benadryl is a long-standing reliable antihistamine. But what matters most is ensuring that he's receiving the best of care.
I'm sad to say that my confidence in our vet has plummeted recently. They charge £15 for a prescription and have recently been bought out by some national group who've purchased virtually all of the vets in the area. Consequently, they're controlling the prices. The polite, but sometimes challenging to understand vets from Romania, Slovakia, or Albania seem almost too quick in deciding that it's essential for me to buy food products from the vet, use the most expensive antibiotics, and subscribe to regimens that ensure I'm having to bring my dog back to their office every eight weeks. I'm not alone in voicing this concern.
I'd be most grateful for any advice. I hate that my wee friend is uncomfortable and I'm as distressed as he is when the itch attacks overwhelm him suddenly to the point he's whimpering.
Many thanks!
Ollie+
Recently the vet prescribed Apoquel. However, setting the outrageous cost aside (£45 per prescription), I've read some rather distressing things from people who have used this on their dogs.
After a month, I've decided I might try using Benadryl as an alternative. The Pot Roast weighs 10Kg and the recommended dose is 1mg per pound.
However, I'm not certain whether 8mg is a total daily dose or a dosage which I'm supposed to administer either twice or three times daily.
I'd be very grateful for any advice. This evening was the first time I've given him the Benadryl and he has tolerated it rather well. I know Benadryl is a long-standing reliable antihistamine. But what matters most is ensuring that he's receiving the best of care.
I'm sad to say that my confidence in our vet has plummeted recently. They charge £15 for a prescription and have recently been bought out by some national group who've purchased virtually all of the vets in the area. Consequently, they're controlling the prices. The polite, but sometimes challenging to understand vets from Romania, Slovakia, or Albania seem almost too quick in deciding that it's essential for me to buy food products from the vet, use the most expensive antibiotics, and subscribe to regimens that ensure I'm having to bring my dog back to their office every eight weeks. I'm not alone in voicing this concern.
I'd be most grateful for any advice. I hate that my wee friend is uncomfortable and I'm as distressed as he is when the itch attacks overwhelm him suddenly to the point he's whimpering.
Many thanks!
Ollie+
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Ollie ....has the Pot Roast ( love it !! ) been in contact with any 'strange' grass ....and no, I don't mean the sort you smoke ....recently ?? Ie buffalo or Kikuyu ....I've heard of a number of dogs developing an allergic reaction to the 'pollen' contained in some of these and this can be most distressing. Just a thought.
Ollie regarding your concern over his food, I cannot recommend highly enough a couple of raw frozen foods called Natural Instinct and/or Nutriment. Here is a chart of almost if not all dog foods and you will see they both rate 5*. Check the one you are feeding PR and see if it contains allergens etc. It's funny how many vets recommend the foods in which they have a financial interest. And I'm not knocking all vets at all but I think you should change yours by getting recommendations from friends Ollie. Poor little chap, I hope you get him sorted.
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Good morning everyone!
I began writing my reply in word, planning to clip and paste my expressions of gratitude and salutations. However, the Pot Roast and I have just experienced a bit of a kick in the rubber bits and my guilt is soaring. This is a valuable lesson for anyone who simply 'trusts' the internet. If you're a Woof Lover - PLEASE read this!
After perusing multiple websites about this challenge and the use of antihistamines; visiting sites ranging from Australia to the usa, to the UK,
I felt I was well prepared. So, off I marched, filled with the unimpeachable knowledge of 'The Internet' - the bastion of all knowledge. ("if it's on the internet it must be true?") I went to my local Lloyds and confidently told the young lady that I was looking to buy some Diphenhydramine... adding that I 'think' it's sold as benadryl. "Of course," said the young girl, as she moved to the shelves. I told her I was hopping to find possibly a 10mg tablet that was scored. "I have 8mg, would that be okay?" she asked. I was delighted. I paid and went home feeling I was going to help Sir Fartsalot last night. I gave him the tablet with his dinner and all was ticketyboo. Not a sound from him (from either end), and especially no panic attack of him jumping on top of my head demanding that I have the closest and most intimate inspection of his
undercarriage and most importantly -SCRATCH It! NOW!
This morning, panic ensued. Sipping my tea I began reading the paper insert. It turns out that in the UK Benadryl is NOT diphendydramine. In the UK, it has been replaced with a chemical called Acrivastine. Back to the source of all knowledge and wisdom - The Internet. And first thing I see are caveats admonishing me NOT to give this to dogs! Instead, it recommends Cetirizine, 5mg - something that I have sitting in my kitchen drawer!
All I can say is Oy Gevalt!
Sir Fartsalot seems to have survived the night, albeit somewhat dozy. But I despair over what I could have done to my little friend. The guilt is overwhelming! So we move ahead today, in hope!
Thank you EVERYONE for all your kind advice, hard research and encouragement. I ought to have let the Pot Roast read the packets for me.
Sadly though, he's severely dyslexic. The only thing he assures me of is that he has an unwavering faith in DOG!
Buenchico - as always, thank you for all your research and help. I've perused these sites and I'm being enlightened. Crum, this is frustrating!
Jackdaw - thank you! As I picked up the 8mg Benadryl as an over-the-counter.
ladybirder - I cannot thank you enough! Last week I made a change to one of the Wellebloved products and I bought some trays of Nature's Harvest.
These were recommended to me by a lady who has been a Judge for Crufts for the past 20 years. Are Natural Instinct similar? I'd be grateful to hear your thoughts if you feel one may be better than the other. The Venerable Pot Roast has eaten chicken since his birth. So my thought was to gently merge him into having Lamb. Over the years, no matter how I've tried, he's resolutely rejected beef in any form. And I've always been admonished not to serve him pork?
seekeerz - I don't think he's had any contact with grass at all. The most abundant grass he experiences is typically on verges at airports, around manicured gardens at hotels and lodges, or the occasional Football Pitch. So I'm not certain whether any of these areas might have contributed. We travel extensively. When in France he gets a bit more of the 'green action' when we wander through the gardens in Paris.
And almost all of last month we were in Norway, but primarily along coastal areas with cliffs and some occasional scrub brush. The Pot Roast began exhibiting his itchiness whilst on a ship. Consequentially, I'm not too certain that grass would be a contributor. And thank you, no - none; absolutely none of the 'other kind,'
Baldric - thank you for your encouragement.
Thanks again Everyone!
Ollie+
I began writing my reply in word, planning to clip and paste my expressions of gratitude and salutations. However, the Pot Roast and I have just experienced a bit of a kick in the rubber bits and my guilt is soaring. This is a valuable lesson for anyone who simply 'trusts' the internet. If you're a Woof Lover - PLEASE read this!
After perusing multiple websites about this challenge and the use of antihistamines; visiting sites ranging from Australia to the usa, to the UK,
I felt I was well prepared. So, off I marched, filled with the unimpeachable knowledge of 'The Internet' - the bastion of all knowledge. ("if it's on the internet it must be true?") I went to my local Lloyds and confidently told the young lady that I was looking to buy some Diphenhydramine... adding that I 'think' it's sold as benadryl. "Of course," said the young girl, as she moved to the shelves. I told her I was hopping to find possibly a 10mg tablet that was scored. "I have 8mg, would that be okay?" she asked. I was delighted. I paid and went home feeling I was going to help Sir Fartsalot last night. I gave him the tablet with his dinner and all was ticketyboo. Not a sound from him (from either end), and especially no panic attack of him jumping on top of my head demanding that I have the closest and most intimate inspection of his
undercarriage and most importantly -SCRATCH It! NOW!
This morning, panic ensued. Sipping my tea I began reading the paper insert. It turns out that in the UK Benadryl is NOT diphendydramine. In the UK, it has been replaced with a chemical called Acrivastine. Back to the source of all knowledge and wisdom - The Internet. And first thing I see are caveats admonishing me NOT to give this to dogs! Instead, it recommends Cetirizine, 5mg - something that I have sitting in my kitchen drawer!
All I can say is Oy Gevalt!
Sir Fartsalot seems to have survived the night, albeit somewhat dozy. But I despair over what I could have done to my little friend. The guilt is overwhelming! So we move ahead today, in hope!
Thank you EVERYONE for all your kind advice, hard research and encouragement. I ought to have let the Pot Roast read the packets for me.
Sadly though, he's severely dyslexic. The only thing he assures me of is that he has an unwavering faith in DOG!
Buenchico - as always, thank you for all your research and help. I've perused these sites and I'm being enlightened. Crum, this is frustrating!
Jackdaw - thank you! As I picked up the 8mg Benadryl as an over-the-counter.
ladybirder - I cannot thank you enough! Last week I made a change to one of the Wellebloved products and I bought some trays of Nature's Harvest.
These were recommended to me by a lady who has been a Judge for Crufts for the past 20 years. Are Natural Instinct similar? I'd be grateful to hear your thoughts if you feel one may be better than the other. The Venerable Pot Roast has eaten chicken since his birth. So my thought was to gently merge him into having Lamb. Over the years, no matter how I've tried, he's resolutely rejected beef in any form. And I've always been admonished not to serve him pork?
seekeerz - I don't think he's had any contact with grass at all. The most abundant grass he experiences is typically on verges at airports, around manicured gardens at hotels and lodges, or the occasional Football Pitch. So I'm not certain whether any of these areas might have contributed. We travel extensively. When in France he gets a bit more of the 'green action' when we wander through the gardens in Paris.
And almost all of last month we were in Norway, but primarily along coastal areas with cliffs and some occasional scrub brush. The Pot Roast began exhibiting his itchiness whilst on a ship. Consequentially, I'm not too certain that grass would be a contributor. And thank you, no - none; absolutely none of the 'other kind,'
Baldric - thank you for your encouragement.
Thanks again Everyone!
Ollie+
Morning Clover! Well, I suppose because he's always looked rather tasty....especially when I'm wandering through Sainsbury's looking that current cost of a nice joint!
I have, occasionally, threatened him with a Korean cookbook I own called "101 Ways to Wok Your Dog." So when he misbehaves, out comes the book.
He gets the message!
Have a great day!
Ollie+
I have, occasionally, threatened him with a Korean cookbook I own called "101 Ways to Wok Your Dog." So when he misbehaves, out comes the book.
He gets the message!
Have a great day!
Ollie+
Clover...that was gross! And I would suspect quite painful!
Once again, a validation as to why I never visit the Urban Dictionary for edification!
But then, I'm sure that definition is often being accessed at present, by both the american's Democratic AND Republican parties! It's a perfect description of what these two buffoons are doing to one another!
Ollie+
Once again, a validation as to why I never visit the Urban Dictionary for edification!
But then, I'm sure that definition is often being accessed at present, by both the american's Democratic AND Republican parties! It's a perfect description of what these two buffoons are doing to one another!
Ollie+
Ollie I see Nature's Harvest gets 4.5* which is very good but does contain some grain, albeit rice, whereas Nutriment and Natural Instinct are both grain free. For dogs with itchy skin a grain free diet is recommended by many if you do a search on t'internet. The thing is, does PR seem any better now you have changed his food? Has his itching lessened? If it has great, if it hasn't then try one of my recommendations, they love it. If he were my dog I would make sure he gets some fish, and turkey is a good alternative to chicken.
I do hope he gets better soon, it is so distressing to see a much loved mutt suffering. If that's him in your avatar he looks a smashing little chap.
I do hope he gets better soon, it is so distressing to see a much loved mutt suffering. If that's him in your avatar he looks a smashing little chap.
Hi Ollie and the Pot Roast ....having talked to a few doggie people about this, the general opinion is that he's suffering from an external allergy rather than one brought on by food, though trying another brand may help alleviate his symptoms
Personally I've not encountered a dog that's become allergic to its food but have certainly met some where the skin has become irritated by some external contact ...you mention he's itchy on his belly, this sounds like a contact dermatitis.
You mentioned changing your vet ...I definitely would ....and pursue this further as it may become a chronic issue for the poor lad without the correct treatment
Best wishes to you both and please keep us posted :)). Jamie, Charlie and Holly send their best as well. ( two Westies and a Curly Coat )
Personally I've not encountered a dog that's become allergic to its food but have certainly met some where the skin has become irritated by some external contact ...you mention he's itchy on his belly, this sounds like a contact dermatitis.
You mentioned changing your vet ...I definitely would ....and pursue this further as it may become a chronic issue for the poor lad without the correct treatment
Best wishes to you both and please keep us posted :)). Jamie, Charlie and Holly send their best as well. ( two Westies and a Curly Coat )
Ladybirder - Thank you so very much. Today I sauntered over to the large Pets at Home shop and bought a dozen packets each of the two you've recommended. Stupid me, I didn't realise the product I bought had any form of grain at all. That was my original objective. So hopefully.... Again, thank you!
seekeerz - The contact dermatitis was one of the things I first thought of and tried to rule out. At home virtually all of my linens are done by a professional laundry service - the same company that serves the hotels in this area. My first thought was that the Pot Roast had picked up an allergy to either the bed linens on board the Hurtigruten ship we were on in Norway, or had caught something at the hotel in Paris. But I don't think that's it as it would have most certainly diminished by now. So my thoughts still lean towards a possible geriatric allergyto his food - particularly chicken. Since birth he has always had fresh boiled pieces of chicken, mixed with his cereal or when travelling, with rice.
Now, at home, I note my cupboard appears to be better stocked than the Pets at Home store! I must have £200 worth of foods in there.
Yesterday, one of the things I bought was a lamb & turkey mix. I'd never seen it before. I'm hoping that could be a segue from the chicken...which he's mad about. Here's hoping.
Last year I did try for a week to give him fish based meals. He steadfastly refused to touch it to the extent he was making posters and organising a demonstration in the community over 'Save The Salmon!' So that endeavour became an exercise in futility.
Nevertheless, I remain resolute in doing anything I can to help him feel better. BTW - his itching isn't limited to his undercarriage: that's just where he begins first thing in the morning. There's no stronger message than having an excited, flatulent Jack Russell straddle your face at 5AM precisely each morning, screaming at you to "Scratch it Now! Anywhere!"
Today is the second day I've been giving him the Citirizine, 5mg BD. It's clearly not as effective as the Apoquel, but it has helped a bit. If that fails I will examine using other meds. But I shall do so with absolute caution. He means far too much to me not to give him the care he deserves!
AGAIN, thank you ALL for your kind support and guidance!
Ollie+
seekeerz - The contact dermatitis was one of the things I first thought of and tried to rule out. At home virtually all of my linens are done by a professional laundry service - the same company that serves the hotels in this area. My first thought was that the Pot Roast had picked up an allergy to either the bed linens on board the Hurtigruten ship we were on in Norway, or had caught something at the hotel in Paris. But I don't think that's it as it would have most certainly diminished by now. So my thoughts still lean towards a possible geriatric allergyto his food - particularly chicken. Since birth he has always had fresh boiled pieces of chicken, mixed with his cereal or when travelling, with rice.
Now, at home, I note my cupboard appears to be better stocked than the Pets at Home store! I must have £200 worth of foods in there.
Yesterday, one of the things I bought was a lamb & turkey mix. I'd never seen it before. I'm hoping that could be a segue from the chicken...which he's mad about. Here's hoping.
Last year I did try for a week to give him fish based meals. He steadfastly refused to touch it to the extent he was making posters and organising a demonstration in the community over 'Save The Salmon!' So that endeavour became an exercise in futility.
Nevertheless, I remain resolute in doing anything I can to help him feel better. BTW - his itching isn't limited to his undercarriage: that's just where he begins first thing in the morning. There's no stronger message than having an excited, flatulent Jack Russell straddle your face at 5AM precisely each morning, screaming at you to "Scratch it Now! Anywhere!"
Today is the second day I've been giving him the Citirizine, 5mg BD. It's clearly not as effective as the Apoquel, but it has helped a bit. If that fails I will examine using other meds. But I shall do so with absolute caution. He means far too much to me not to give him the care he deserves!
AGAIN, thank you ALL for your kind support and guidance!
Ollie+
ARRGH!
I surrender! After three days of the Pot Roast taking the Cetirizine it clearly is not doing the trick. So, today I phoned the Vet for a Prescription (£14.95)... and in buying the Apoquel online it will actually cost more. But I refuse to give this Vet the pleasure of making even more profit.
I've been told by a Crufts lady that there's an independent vet approximately 25 miles from where we live whom I can trust. She says he's quite expensive, but he knows his biscuits. So Sir Fartsalot and I shall head up to see him later next week.
In the meantime we now have a full segue from his lifetime diet of chicken to a turkey and lamb concoction. And, thanks to advice from Ladybirder, I'm adding a product called Natural Instinct. I just hope it's going to do him well.
We're supposed to travel to France early next week for a couple of days and I think I'll have a bit of a chinwag with the French vet as well to see if she has any thoughts. I've used her many times over the years in dealing with the Pot Roast's passport document requirements. But I've never had reason to discuss this new development.
Around 5 this morning the Pot Roast was up and at em, doing the Fandango over my head, begging me to scratch him anywhere I fancied. Come noon as he followed me down to the stable to muck out the stalls, he was doing hand stands and rubbing himself against a bale of hay, desperate to alleviate the itching. In fact, he even went into one of the stalls and stood under his favourite winnie, begging her to actively swish her tail in order to scratch his back - clearly he has NO loyalties when it comes to itching!
I've been grilled by friends, asking whether I have new carpeting, laundry detergent, clothing, whether I used any dry cleaning fluid in the house, whether the PR had been wandering through anything in the garden, etc. But it all remains a big negative. So I can only surmise that is has something to do with a latent manifestation of and allergy to his food. I even went so far as to schedule an appointment for him with the sweet little Brazilian vet who works part-time. I wanted her to check his anal glands....just in case. (I chose her because she has such tiny hands -unlike the Neanderthal Slovokian vet with the huge hands!). You guys out there would certainly understand!
Crum, I feel so badly about this! I'm sure any of us who have such symbiotic relationships with our pets can understand what I'm saying.
The poor little guy!
Ollie+
I surrender! After three days of the Pot Roast taking the Cetirizine it clearly is not doing the trick. So, today I phoned the Vet for a Prescription (£14.95)... and in buying the Apoquel online it will actually cost more. But I refuse to give this Vet the pleasure of making even more profit.
I've been told by a Crufts lady that there's an independent vet approximately 25 miles from where we live whom I can trust. She says he's quite expensive, but he knows his biscuits. So Sir Fartsalot and I shall head up to see him later next week.
In the meantime we now have a full segue from his lifetime diet of chicken to a turkey and lamb concoction. And, thanks to advice from Ladybirder, I'm adding a product called Natural Instinct. I just hope it's going to do him well.
We're supposed to travel to France early next week for a couple of days and I think I'll have a bit of a chinwag with the French vet as well to see if she has any thoughts. I've used her many times over the years in dealing with the Pot Roast's passport document requirements. But I've never had reason to discuss this new development.
Around 5 this morning the Pot Roast was up and at em, doing the Fandango over my head, begging me to scratch him anywhere I fancied. Come noon as he followed me down to the stable to muck out the stalls, he was doing hand stands and rubbing himself against a bale of hay, desperate to alleviate the itching. In fact, he even went into one of the stalls and stood under his favourite winnie, begging her to actively swish her tail in order to scratch his back - clearly he has NO loyalties when it comes to itching!
I've been grilled by friends, asking whether I have new carpeting, laundry detergent, clothing, whether I used any dry cleaning fluid in the house, whether the PR had been wandering through anything in the garden, etc. But it all remains a big negative. So I can only surmise that is has something to do with a latent manifestation of and allergy to his food. I even went so far as to schedule an appointment for him with the sweet little Brazilian vet who works part-time. I wanted her to check his anal glands....just in case. (I chose her because she has such tiny hands -unlike the Neanderthal Slovokian vet with the huge hands!). You guys out there would certainly understand!
Crum, I feel so badly about this! I'm sure any of us who have such symbiotic relationships with our pets can understand what I'm saying.
The poor little guy!
Ollie+
Hey ruthann58! I also considered using Piriton. My only hesitancy was that it has a propensity for making woof's (and some people) a bit drowsy.... But it may be a preferred option over this insipid stuff Apoquel.
I must say since making the segue from chicken to Lamb I've noticed that The Pot Roast isn't scratching as much. I'm scheduled to pick up and empty my wallet at the vet's today, but I'm thinking of only giving him one Apoquel...and then reduce it to half in a few days.
I'm hoping that with the cooler weather that Sir Fartsalot won't be as uncomfortable as in the past.
Thank you for sharing!
Ollie+
I must say since making the segue from chicken to Lamb I've noticed that The Pot Roast isn't scratching as much. I'm scheduled to pick up and empty my wallet at the vet's today, but I'm thinking of only giving him one Apoquel...and then reduce it to half in a few days.
I'm hoping that with the cooler weather that Sir Fartsalot won't be as uncomfortable as in the past.
Thank you for sharing!
Ollie+
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