This seems like the kind of question that you would only ask if you were very tired, perhaps due to staying up all night worrying about your dog. Or maybe you’re feeling a little bit silly because of that spiked eggnog.
The answer is no, you can’t put Benadryl cream on your dog. This isn’t because it will hurt your pet or cause them irreparable harm. Rather, there is no need to do so because dogs have an entirely different skin type than
humans.
Humans have what is known as “sebaceous glands” in their skin. These are small pores that secrete an oily substance called sebum. The sebum helps to protect the skin from dehydration and sunlight exposure, which can lead to damage and accelerated aging.
What Benadryl is, and what it does for humans
Benadryl is an antihistamine medication that is used to treat a variety of different conditions in humans including allergies, itching, eczema and hives.
Since these conditions are commonly accompanied by severe itching, Benadryl is a great solution. It binds to histamine receptors in the skin and reduces the amount of histamine that is produced, which stops itching.
Histamine is a chemical in the skin that causes itching and swelling. When you have an allergy, your immune system overreacts to a substance that would normally be harmless, like pollen or pet dander.
When this happens, you body produces too much histamine, which creates an allergic reaction. Benadryl works to balance out the amount of histamine in your skin, which brings the itching under control.
How can you tell if your dog has sebaceous gland issues?
Most dog breeds have sebaceous glands, so it is unlikely that your dog has a problem here. If you are unsure, you can try this simple test: Rub your dog’s skin vigorously with a cotton ball. If you notice an oily substance, then you’re good. If there’s no sebum present, get your vet to check your dog for a deficiency.
Sebaceous gland problems can cause inflammation and infection in the skin, which can lead to a variety of serious health issues if left untreated.
What Benadryl products are safe for dogs?
Benadryl liquid is safe for dogs, but only in small doses. You can choose to give your dog a very small amount, or you can give them half of a 10 mg. Benadryl tablet.
If you are going to give your dog liquid Benadryl, make sure that you use a small syringe to get the proper dosage. Do not use a household squirt bottle because you cannot control the dosage.
If you choose to give your dog a half-tablet of Benadryl, cut the tablet in half using a pill cutter or a knife. Make sure that you don’t swallow the half-tablet yourself. It is not safe to take Benadryl as a human.
Never give your dog Benadryl tablets that are designed for adults. Dogs need a much lower dosage.
What other over the counter anti-itch creams are safe for dogs?
If you have exhausted all other options and still need to get some Benadryl into your dog for itching, there are a few over the counter anti-itch creams that might work for your dog.
A number of dog owners have reported success with using hydrocortisone cream on their pets. There are human-grade hydrocortisone creams that are safe for dogs. You can also try using a mild oatmeal cream. Make sure that you thoroughly read the ingredients in any product that you want to use on your dog. There will be plenty that you cannot use.
Bottom line
Benadryl is a great product for humans with allergies and itching, but you cannot use it on your dog. If you feel that your dog has sebaceous gland issues, seek out treatment from your veterinarian as soon as possible.
During the holidays, dogs can be exposed to all sorts of dangerous substances that can cause itching and irritation. Benadryl can help you and your dog get through that season without too much trouble. Simply be sure to use the correct dosage for your dog’s size, and use a product that is safe for dogs.
