calliecritturs
Posted : 8/23/2009 9:55:01 AM
Benedryl -- the correct dose is 1-2 mg/lb body weight given 2-3 times per day (per any vet PDR or Giffen & Carlson's "Dog Owners Veterinary Handbook" or "The Pill Book Guide to Medication for Your Dog and Cat";) -- for anaphylactic 'shock' (bee/wasp sting) give the 2 mg per pound dose and give it at least twice, three times is better today. The antihistamine helps the body deal with the venom from the sting. IN fact it's good to give it for a couple of day.
Yes, it will make the dog sleepy -- but a vet can and will exceed that dose if you take them there. If the paw is still sore tomorrow, you can go to the vet and they may give the dog a shot of steroid to reduce the inflammation -- usually isn't necessary if you do the Benedryl tho. The stinger may still be in so watch it.
The OTC capsules (pink or pink & white) are 25 mg. The liquid is 12.5 mg per teaspoon. Dogs have higher metabolisms than we do -- yes, they DO take more of it but usually deal really well with it. Just make sure it is regular Benedryl/diphenhydramine -- you don't want one that has any acetaminaphen in it for 'pain' (Tylenol/acetaminaphen is DEADLY to dogs)