[jcgm1990]

Hi there!

I am looking to give my dog Benadryl to be able to trim his nails properly as well perform a dental clean, this brings a number of questions which I am trying to get some answers, I have approached my vet twice but they are looking to see him before doing anything, I do not want to take him in as he was seen 3 weeks ago and nothing has changed since, he's not lost or gained weight, he's under the same medication and dosage, they are just looking to charge me for a consultation and I don't think that's fair from them as I just want to ask what would be to correct dosage and nothing else.

Having said that, I have done some research and I have found some people used Benadryl as a light sedative, I am looking to try this with my dog but I am just a little concern on the correct dosage and where to get it from.

Any advice is highly appreciated

 

[JoanneF]

We cannot advise you on how to use a human medicine like this (particularly for a side effect rather than its specific purpose) . You can't just divide down the human dose for your dog's weight, dogs metabolise drugs differently.

There are dog-specific calming products you can get. Try Dorwest Scullcap and Valerian for one off things (other products are available for longer term anxiety).

Longer term, you should condition him to having this sort of grooming. He might tolerate a dremel type tool for his nails, or you could teach him to do his own by scratching on a board or half pipe with sandpaper.

For teeth cleaning, some people find it easier to use a rough weave rag over their finger or a special brush that fits on your finger. Use dog toothpaste, human toothpaste froths too much. Also, long lasting natural chews help - things like pizzle, trachea, tendons etc. And raw chicken wings are good too.

You should also look online for Chirag Patel's Bucket Game which helps with consensual handling.

 

[Buzzu2]

There are numerous articles on the web about giving Benedryl to dogs safely. I would look them up and then confirm with your vet.
In addition to what @JoanneF suggested, you might ask your vet about CBD for calming your dog.

 

[jcgm1990]

There are numerous articles on the web about giving Benedryl to dogs safely. I would look them up and then confirm with your vet.
In addition to what @JoanneF suggested, you might ask your vet about CBD for calming your dog.

It's bit much about calming, he suffers from arthritis and it is incredibly painful to trim his nails, I cannot stand to see him suffer when he goes through this process, his cry is too much and I would much rather use some sort light sedative (Benadryl) to go through this process, would you be able to share a link to any of the articles you mentioned? Many thanks

 

[Buzzu2]

It's bit much about calming, he suffers from arthritis and it is incredibly painful to trim his nails, I cannot stand to see him suffer when he goes through this process, his cry is too much and I would much rather use some sort light sedative (Benadryl) to go through this process, would you be able to share a link to any of the articles you mentioned? Many thanks

Here ya go: But plz confirm with your vet!

from: Can I Give My Dog Benadryl and If So, How Much? | PetMD
"Benadryl Tablets
According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, the standard dose for Benadryl is 2-4 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, or 0.9-1.8 milligrams (mg) of Benadryl per pound.

Therefore, a simple and practical dose is 1 mg of Benadryl per pound of your dog’s weight, given 2-3 times a day. For example, a 10-pound dog might receive a 10 mg dose in the morning, afternoon, and evening."
=======================================================

Benadryl for Dogs: Dosage, Side Effects, & Uses

Can dogs take Benadryl? Here's everything you need to know about what Benadryl is used for in dogs. Always consult your veterinarian first.

www.akc.org

.

How to use Benadryl to help your dog with allergies, anxiety, and more

Benadryl is safe to give your dog, but you have to cut the pill into the right dosage for your pup — here are a vet's instructions.

www.insider.com

 

[Laco]

Check with your Vet for dosage for your dog.

 

[JoanneF]

Hold up though. Is that the dosage for its intended purpose - to treat allergies - as opposed to trying to create a side effect.

I have to be honest, I'm not comfortable with the way this thread is headed.

I'm happy to suggest antihistamines for something like a sting or bite, but using them to make a dog drowsy when there are alternatives available that are actually for stressed dogs feels wrong.

 

[jcgm1990]

It's bit much about calming, he suffers from arthritis and it is incredibly painful to trim his nails, I cannot stand to see him suffer when he goes through this process, his cry is too much and I would much rather use some sort light sedative (Benadryl) to go through this process, would you be able to share a link to any of the articles you mentioned? Many thanks

Hold up though. Is that the dosage for its intended purpose - to treat allergies - as opposed to trying to create a side effect.

I have to be honest, I'm not comfortable with the way this thread is headed.

I'm happy to suggest antihistamines for something like a sting or bite, but using them to make a dog drowsy when there are alternatives available that are actually for stressed dogs feels wrong.

I am looking to use this to make him drowsy so I can manipulate his paws and trim his nails without causing any pain, is there anything else I can use besides Benadryl?

 

[JoanneF]

I don't really get your point. If he is drowsy, he will still feel the same pain sensation. Do you maybe need a pain medication?

But how is his arthritis affecting the nail maintenance? If it is in his joints, you would presumably just hold these in a comfortable position for him while you work on the nails? And, are you trying to do them all at once rather than one every couple of days?

 

[Buzzu2]

I am looking to use this to make him drowsy so I can manipulate his paws and trim his nails without causing any pain, is there anything else I can use besides Benadryl?

As we have all indicated..these are questions to ask your vet!

 

[jcgm1990]

I don't really get your point. If he is drowsy, he will still feel the same pain sensation.

But how is his arthritis affecting the nail maintenance? If it is in his joints, you would presumably just hold these in a comfortable position for him while you work on the nails? And, are you trying to do them all at once rather than one every couple of days?

I'm looking to do all of them at once, he was with me trimming his nails when he was younger but after he was diagnosed with arthritis he just cries really loud when I handle his paws, at the vet is even worse because they just don't care and they do it in a rush, so I am looking for a way to do this myself at home and give him something so he doesn't feel any pain, I read Benadryl is good as it is a light sedative but I am open for suggestions

 

[Buzzu2]

" at the vet is even worse because they just don't care and they do it in a rush, "

I believe we are all suggesting that you ask your vet for his professional opinion on what to give your dog as a sedative.

 

[JoanneF]

OK. So, rather than making him sleepy, what's the issue with (a) making him calm, (b) using a painkiller so he isn't uncomfortable and (c) doing it over several days - although I accept that to get them into shape you maybe don't want him medicated over several days.

 

[jcgm1990]

OK. So, rather than making him sleepy, what's the issue with (a) making him calm, (b) using a painkiller so he isn't uncomfortable and (c) doing it over several days - although I accept that to get them into shape you maybe don't want him medicated over several days.

Yes that's what I am trying to avoid, I do not wish to Medicare him several days to trim his nails, I'd much rather do all of them at once, but yes I think you're right, I will see if I can find an alternative to Benadryl and will speak to the vet, many thanks for your input

 

[PoppyKenna]

My two cents as my dog has arthritis and has had to be sedated for recent medical procedures:

1. If your dog is in pain when you handle his paws, he's likely in pain just from walking or even laying around. Does he take anything for his arthritis?
2. Benedryl won't sedate him enough to get rid of pain sensation - nothing OTC will. If he needs to be sedated for a painful procedure, it needs to be done by a veterinary professional with prescription medication.

 

[jcgm1990]

My two cents as my dog has arthritis and has had to be sedated for recent medical procedures:

1. If your dog is in pain when you handle his paws, he's likely in pain just from walking or even laying around. Does he take anything for his arthritis?
2. Benedryl won't sedate him enough to get rid of pain sensation - nothing OTC will. If he needs to be sedated for a painful procedure, it needs to be done by a veterinary professional with prescription medication.

Yes he's currently on Previcox for arthritis pain management, it has helped him a lot, I think I will discard Benedryl and use Gabapentin instead