In small doses, both Xanax and Benadryl are safe for dogs when they need to relax. Both of these drugs have been used to calm nervous or anxious dogs for many years. Both drugs can also be very beneficial if your dog is experiencing anxiety or stress that’s leading to a behavior problem.
However, it’s important to note that both of these drugs are also potentially dangerous for your dog. If you plan on giving either of these substances to your dog, you should always follow the dosage instructions and monitor your pup closely during their first few times taking either drug.
Let’s take a closer look at how much Xanax and Benadryl is safe for dogs, which drug is safer for them, and their potential side effects.
Table of Contents
Xanax For Dogs
Xanax, also known by the generic name alprazolam, is a very common prescription medication used to treat anxiety and panic disorders in humans. It is also commonly used to treat insomnia, PTSD, and certain types of headaches. Dogs can have all of these same issues, and veterinarians will often prescribe this drug to help treat them. Xanax is a benzodiazepine and works by affecting the neurotransmitters in your dog’s brain.
Neurotransmitters affect your dog’s mood, anxiety levels, and sleep patterns. When your dog takes Xanax, those neurotransmitters are calmed down, and they relax much more quickly and easily.
Xanax is a short-term treatment that should be given to your dog for no longer than one month. After that, it can become addictive in your dog’s brain and lead to really dangerous withdrawal symptoms. If you expect your dog’s anxiety to last longer than one month, you should talk to your veterinarian about other treatment options.
Benadryl For Dogs
Benadryl, also known as diphenhydramine, is an antihistamine that is often used for allergy issues in humans. It can also help humans who have sleep issues or motion sickness, but it is less commonly used for these issues than for allergies. Veterinarians commonly prescribe Benadryl to dogs with allergies or to dogs who are suffering from anxiety or stress.
Benadryl is a short-term solution that is safe for dogs to take for a few weeks at a time. It can be very helpful to dogs who are anxious or stressed to help them calm down or sleep.
However, it is not a long-term solution to a dog’s anxiety or stress. If you give Benadryl to your dog for more than a few weeks, it will become less and less effective, and your dog will probably build up a tolerance.
Which Is Safer: Xanax Or Benadryl For Dogs?
Both Xanax and Benadryl for dogs are safe, as long as you follow the dosage instructions and only give your dog the amount that they need. The biggest difference between the two is that Xanax is a long-term solution for your dog’s anxiety or stress. It is okay to give your dog the recommended amount of Xanax for several weeks or even months at a time. Once you stop giving your dog the medication, he or she will go through very mild withdrawal symptoms that last for only a few days.
Benadryl is strictly a short-term solution. It’s okay to give your dog a few weeks worth at a time, but after that, you need to stop giving it to him. If you are giving your dog Benadryl, you will have to keep re-dosing it every few weeks or your dog’s symptoms will come back.
Side Effects Of Xanax And Benadryl For Dogs
One of the biggest concerns with both Xanax and Benadryl for dogs is that they can become addictive. Both of these drugs can be very helpful to dogs when they are given the right amount and for the right amount of time. However, if your dog is given either of these drugs on a long-term basis, they can build a tolerance to them and become addicted.
Even if your dog becomes addicted to these drugs, they can still have a normal life. They just need to take the drug every day so that they don’t have symptoms of withdrawal. However, as with any addiction, these drugs can be dangerous if your dog tries to stop taking them.
Benadryl and Xanax for dogs can also cause drowsiness, nausea, and dizziness. They can also make your dog very lethargic and slow moving.
Final Words
Xanax and Benadryl for dogs are perfectly safe for short-term use. Dogs who are anxious or stressed out can greatly benefit from these drugs, especially if there is a behavioral component to their issues. When used correctly, these drugs can help your dog relax and sleep more easily.
However, you need to be careful about taking your dog off of Xanax or Benadryl. Both drugs cause withdrawal symptoms, and you don’t want your dog to experience those symptoms if he or she suddenly stops taking the drug.
Now that you know which is safer and more effective in dogs – Xanax or Benadryl, you can make a better decision about which drug to use for your dog’s anxiety or stress.
