Dog Community

Benadryl over steroids and Question

Posted : 7/25/2006 1:11:22 PM

My 6 year-old Jack Russell Terrier has had a history of skin issues/allergy problems. Mostly scratching, hot spots, and itching. I have tried EVERY topical medication/shampoo out there, have had her on various antihistimines from the vet, have tried numerous diet changes, but nothing has worked. The vet recently recommended a regimen of antihistimines and steroids. I was immediately leery of the steroids, and after doing some research, decided to hold off and try the Benadryl.

Guess what? It's working wonders!!! I give her 1/2 a tablet morning and evening. She is only 15 lbs, and at first I was afraid, so I only gave her about 1/4 of a tablet, but then upped it to 1/2 when she seemed OK. Her hair is starting to grow back on her previously itched/licked hot spots, and she is much happier. Before, she would hide under the couch, I assume because she was so miserable. But I highly recommend the Benadryl, based on my experience so far. I am glad that I didn't have to go the steroids route, because I worried about the long term effects the steroids would have on her.

My question is, how long do I keep her on the Benadryl regimen? I know her allergies usually calm down in the fall, but is it safe to keep her on it for a few months at a time? This is my first experience with Benadryl, so I wanted to seek out some input from you all.

Thanks in advance for any help you can give!

Circe

cakana

Posted : 7/25/2006 4:49:21 PM

That's great that it's the Benadryl is working for your girl. I use it daily with my lab too and I really do feel that it helps. I've used it for about a year now, off and on, and from what I've read, there's not much to worry about (until a study comes out saying it causes some crazy kind of cancer [8|]). If you know that the allergies taper off in the fall, I'd continue using it until then and then try to taper off. The alternatives aren't great (itching, sores, etc.), so I think we have to weigh the benefits and go with what's working, right?

jessies_mom

Posted : 7/25/2006 7:18:37 PM

It sounds like your pup was pretty miserable before you tried Benedryl; it's great that she's doing so much better now. [

] It didn't help Jessie at all but a prescription antihistamine from the vet called Doxepin does. I think most people in this forum with dogs that have allergies tried Benedryl first before trying other antihistamines, but not every dog will respond to the same antihistamine so it's often necessary to try different types until you find one that works. You're right about avoiding steroids; they can cause liver and kidney damage when used long term. Cathy is right about Benedryl being safe for long term use; much safer than steroids. She's also right about waiting until fall to stop giving it to your dog; you need to wait until a good frost.

circe221

Posted : 7/26/2006 7:48:33 AM

Thanks Jessiesmom!
Yes, the vet had tried several different prescription antihistimines. The last of which I still have 1/2 a bottle of because they weren't working and I tried the Benadryl. The steroids scared me immediately, because I know how bad they can be for people when abused or not taken properly. The dog in question is a small, @13-15 lb. Jack Russell Terrier, and I worried about the dosage, and how it would metabolize in her body, affect organs, etc.
As I started to research it, here and on other sites, I see that it can have adverse affects in the body if used for too long, and I just wasn't willing to take that chance.
I will stick with the Benadryl until it starts to get colder here on a regular basis (prob. around late October-November) and then maybe wean her off to 1/2 tablet a day, then none for the winter and see how she does.
Thanks again for the reply!

Circe

Jenny Stromsdorfer

Posted : 7/26/2006 8:25:23 AM

Yep! I was in the same boat. Bogey is a Brittany Spaniel and TERRIBLE itching and scratching and both she and we were miserable. She'd go down to the basment and itch in private - the vet has given shots in the past (I think about 2-3 times) and it worked temporarily, but like everyone else here, I didn't want to keep giving the steroids. So, I tried Benedryl this weekend and it's worked like a miracle. Bogey's a big Brit at about 50 lbs, but didn't want to give the full dosage the first time and see how 1-1/2 tabls did (37 mg.) and it was almost instantly. We're all happy now and her redness on her belly is gone, she's not constantly grawing on her pads and is sleeping through the night and when she sleeps through the night - so do I. She's on the bed with us. So, I'm going to keep using the Benedryl until it gets cold and then try to taper off like others and see what happens. I've heard that there are NO long terms effects known at this time for the Benedryl. It's in and out of your system fairly quickly. Thank God for that ! ! !

M.W.Lewis

Posted : 7/26/2006 2:57:32 PM

That's great news! It's always wonderful when you can find a way to make them comfortable.