calliecritturs
Posted : 2/22/2010 7:28:59 PM
Sorbitol in quantity can cause some diarrhea but it's not toxic -- it's xylitol (like in chewing gum) that is majorly toxic to dogs.
The correct dose of Benedryl for something like that is 1-2 mg/lb body weight given 2-3 times a day for a few days.
A teas. of the children's elixer (liquid) benedryl is 12.5 mg -- so a 6 pound dog really should have a full teaspoon. For something like a drug allergic reaction I'd give the 2 mg dose.
The over the counter tablets have 25 mg -- make SURE it is just Benedryl and not "severe cold" formula (you don't want decongestant or acetaminaphen in it). But if you have the caplets you can just break one in half. DON'T try to break a capsule - the Benedryl will cause the dog's whole mouth to go to sleep -- capsules aren't meant to be broken, but the caplets work fine that way.
Even the 2 mg dose is NOT a large dose (vets can and will exceed that amount in a heartbeat).
Go ahead and give the Benedryl for several days -- it will make the dog sleepy -- just make SURE the dog has LOTS and LOTS of water ... literally all it wants.
Other suggestions (things to do in addition)
1. But I would also tell you to simply "pluck" at that lump -- not to make it sore -- but literally pick up the lump between thumb and finger and let ti snap back. Do that 2-3 times along the length of it (stop if the dog objects or shows pain). But do that once a day for a few weeks -- it will help that dissipate into the body and should resolve it -- you don't want to just let that 'stay' there because you can encourage an injection site sarcoma. Even just massaging the spot will help -- but "plucking" at it (this was my vet's suggestion actually) will usually make it go away.
2. If you stop at a health store -- get Boiron's Homeopathic (little blue tubes) "Thuja" -- and "Ledum". Both are really good for post-vaccines. Don't give them together -- but you can give them one after the other.
NOT in food, NOT near a meal. Just take 2-3 of those little pellets (if you feel about 2/3" down from the top you will find a ridge -- score it with a knife and you can carefully lift that weirdo top right off -- but be careful -- those tiny pellets will bounce forever!!) and put in a folded piece of paper with tweezers.
Then crush with the edge of a hammer or something hard. Pour the powder onto the dog's tongue. it's sweet and not at all bad tasting. My dogs will crunch them up.
Homeopathics are absorbed IN the mouth on/under the tongue. You don't want to put these in food or get them to swallow them whole -- you want it to dissolve in the mouth.
But Thuja and Ledum will help, together, to dissolve that lump. Only give them for 3-4 days -- given 3 times a day.