calliecritturs
Posted : 5/10/2008 8:28:23 AM
Make sure you are giving the *dog* dose of benedryl, which is not small. Dogs have faster metabolisms and they actually require a larger dose than we do. 1-2 mg/lb bodyweight given two to four times a day. That means a 25 pound dog needs a whole over the counter capsule.
The OTC caps/caplets are 25 mg.
The OTC elixer (liquid) is 12.5 mg/teas. So again a 25 pound dog needs TWO teaspoons.
You can confirm that dose in any dog PDR in the library, the "Pill Book Guide to Medications for Your Dog and Cat" (Dell ref., 1998) or even in Giffen & Carlson's "Dog Owner's Veterinary Handbook".
Usually I use the 2 mg dose strictly for things that are emergency -- like a dog who ate a wasp or who got into bees or who broke out in hives because of something.
As to the lawn -- make sure when you mow you 'catch' the clippings rather than letting them fall.
The white fluffy heads are the seed pods -- the yellow flowers are simply the 'flower' part of the cycle. Digging them is tough -- because they have a LONG root -- but if you haven't put down pesticide they are edible (the green leaves of the plant) -- they're like spinach or endive. More the bitter green like endive actually.
Good luck. But make sure you use the proper dose of benedryl -- it won't help nearly enough if the body doesn't have the right amount to accomplish the task and you can safely give that all thru the season.