Should I give my dog Prednisone and Benadryl for Hives?

Question

I wanted to ask a question about hives and prednisone. My 5 month old boxer pup came in yesterday with a swollen face and hives. We assumed he had gotten stung by some sort of bug. We had to take him to the emergency vet because he seemed to passout and urninated on himself. The vet gave him a shot of Benadryl and cortisone. His swelling has gone down but we had to make another visit earlier this morning because the hives came back in such big patches. The vet sent us home with prednisone but also a lot of warnings. We have just been treating him with the Benadryl 1mg per pound he is 38 pounds.

He seems to be hot always seeking non carpeted surfaces. He also seems to act like he is losing his mind at times. Do you have any suggestions? Should we go ahead and use the prednisone or is it that dangerous? I really appreciate any help you can offer.

I don't know anyone else to ask and our vet will not open until tomorrow.

Additional Details

The vet told us that this drug is one that would have to be tapered off. You can't just give it to him and when the symptoms end just take him off of it. He has this rash on him now and is sedated because of the Benadryl. The predisone was given by the vet at t dose of 20mg. Bandit is to take 10mg every 12 hours. The vet warned that prednisone can also cause blood in the stool, vomiting and diarreah (sp) Should I risk the extra side-effects?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

Prednisone is safe if administered under a vets instructions. Don't be afraid to use it for his hives...he needs it to get fast relief!! The only time prednisone can be a problem is if high doses are given every day for a long time. Your vet is not going to do that unless it is being used for chemotherapy. The correct dose for benedryl in dogs IS 1mg per pound. It can be given every 8-12 hours. Biggest side effect is drowsiness. Try hosing him off with cool water for some relief as well.

Source(s):

Cert. Vet Tech, 20 yrs

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

Thanks so much for your advice. Bandit goes to see the vet later today and the breeder has offered to pay for his bloodwork up. But it was the advice here that prompted me to go ahead with the prednisone and today Bandit is much better. Thanks
Jewel

Answer 2

i dont know.

Answer 3

As long as it's prednisone that the vet prescribed I would definitely give it to him. Just heed whatever warnings the vet gave you. Although prednisone prescribed over a short period of time should not cause any permanent problems, so I'm not sure what warnings the vet could have given.

Answer 4

Prednisone should help with the itching and swelling as should benadryl.

1 mg per pound for Benadryl seems like a lot. 50mg is the prescription adult dose for a 150 pound adult. I would give a 38 pound dog 1/2 of a 25 mg caplet.

Prednisone in the prescribed dosage is not dangerous. I had a dog who took it regularly. He died at age 17.

Answer 5

If you are giving medicine under the direction of a vet then it's ok...but it's not a good idea to give medication to a dog on your own. Dogs may react to a medication differently then humans and the doses aren't the same.

Answer 6

The reason the vet gave you the warnings about the Prednisone is because you have to be careful with steroids. When taking these meds, the dosage usually has to be stepped down gradually, not to stop suddenly. My dog was on them for a long time for respiratory problems, and they did tend to make her feel hot. Best to do what the emergency vet said at least until you see your own vet tomorrow. I also noticed Prednisone made her thirsty and she drank a lot of water, and of course this made her need to go outside a lot.

Answer 7

Go for it I give my dog benadryl,for itchy skin and hives. the amount you give them depnes on how heavy they are.

Answer 8

I personally would not give my dogs prednisone for something as minor as hives, nor would I take it for that.

Steriods are VERY hard on the body, ours as well as our animals. I do not understand why human doctors are so careful with prescribing it, yet some vets give it out for any little thing.

If you do decide to use it, be prepared for appetite and drinking increases, as well as possible aggression tendencies.

It is your choice, but not MY dogs, unless absolutely neccessary.

Source(s):

Medical classes. I also had a dog on Pred long term, it was a life or death situation, so I had no choice.

Answer 9

If your dog is having a systemic allergic reaction, he needs to be on the Prednisone. It must be given as directed or the animal could become ill if taken off it suddenly. Benadryl is an antihistime and couterdicts the effect of the prednisone. Do not give them at the same time. Use one or the other.

If your dog has had vaccinations in the last 48 hours, he could be having a severe allergic reaction to that. Regardless of the cause, you need to following the instructions of the DVM.

PS...If you use Benadryl on your dog, it should be the children's liquid...not adult....not capsule.

Source(s):

Vet Tech