As a dog owner, you may have heard of Benadryl as it treats various issues of dog. And if you know about it, then you may also know that Benadryl is often used to euthanize dogs. In today’s article, I will inform you of how to euthanize a dog with Benadryl.
While the use of this medicine usually takes place under a vet’s observations, you need to be aware of the risks and consequences too. So, I urge you to give the article a read to find out everything, because you don’t want to make a mistake.
Why Does A Dog Need To Be Euthanized?
Dogs are euthanized so that they don’t need to suffer anymore. Dogs often end up suffering from accidents or grave illnesses due to aging or other issues. If they cannot recover from these issues, it means they will keep suffering until they die.
Vets check up your dog and run tests to see if there is any possibility for them to recover from the suffering. If not, euthanizing is the best option to help your dog finally rest.
Euthanizing A Dog With Benadryl At Home
If a dog owner chooses to euthanize their dogs with Benadryl, it is because they want to do it at home with some privacy. However, you will have to know how to euthanize a dog with Benadryl before attempting to do it.
Be Certain That Your Dog Needs To Be Euthanized:
How would you know if your dog needs to be euthanized? Look for the signs to know that he or she is suffering. You can consult a vet to be more confident about the situation.
Find A Comfortable Spot:
The euthanizing procedure takes a while to kick in. So, you need to make sure that your dog will lay in a comfortable spot because the next few moments will be difficult.
Get The Right Dosage Of Benadryl:
Usually, dogs are given a 1mg dosage of Benadryl for each pound of their weight. Each Benadryl tablet is 25mg. That means one tablet is for a dog that weighs 25 pounds.
You are to give one tablet to your dog each time and 3-4 times a day. Starting slowly will help your dog’s muscles relax, then you can carry on further. As the medicine starts working more and more with the next dosages, your dog will drift to his or her final sleep.
Euthanizing A Dog With Benadryl At Vet
After the vet concludes that it is the right time to put your dog to sleep, you need to prepare yourself for the following procedures.
- The vet will explain the dog’s health condition to you and might ask a few questions before starting the procedure.
- The vet him/herself, or with the help of an assistant, will lay your dog on a comfortable table.
- At this point, the vet will insert an IV into the dog’s vein to inject him or her with Benadryl.
- Slowly, the vet will increase the Benadryl dosage, and the medicine will take over your dog.
- Once your dog has been put to final sleep, the vet will check with his stethoscope to ensure that your dog has passed away.
- Don’t feel uneasy if you notice any stool or urinary of your dog that was caused by the procedure. It is normal to happen.
- Finally, you will be given a moment with your furry friend.
Benadryl For Canine Treatment
Benadryl isn’t only used for euthanizing dogs. It is an effective medicine to treat various types of canine health issues.
Allergies:
Dogs may not suffer from allergies the same way we do. However, allergies in dogs are not uncommon either. The standard type of allergy they suffer from is a skin allergy.
Vets often recommend a small dose of Benadryl. But, do not try using this medicine on dogs without consulting a medical person.
Insomnia:
Insomnia is not uncommon among pets, especially when they are moved to a new location. Benadryl relaxes their muscles and helps them to sleep rather than staying awake and stressed.
Anxiety:
A sudden change of surroundings, too much noise, loss of the owner can lead to anxiety. Dogs are kept calm and off-edge with the help of Benadryl.
Swelling And Itching:
Dogs are curious animals and may end up messing around with hives. As a result, it gets served with a swollen face. Benadryl helps them recover from both swelling and itchiness really fast.
Motion Sickness:
The last thing you need while traveling is getting nauseous and sick and ending up making a mess with vomit. A small dosage of Benadryl can fix the problem.
Common Side Effects Of Using Benadryl
Just like any other medicine, Benadryl also comes with some side effects.
Dry Mouth:
Dry mouth is the most common side effect of Benadryl. Your dog will start licking his or her mouth more frequently and will drink more water. And drinking water helps to overcome the problems.
Drowsiness:
I’m not sure if I should put it as a side effect as Benadryl is prescribed to make your dog relax and sleep. It keeps your dog stress-free for a long time.
Increased Heart Rate And Rapid Breathing:
Your dog’s heart rate and breathing will increase because of the dosage. An overdose can mess up everything. So consult a vet before you give your dog the medicine.
Uncommon Side Effects Of Using Benadryl
While the above side effects are very common, here are some of the uncommon side effects of Benadryl. If any of these happens, call your vet or take your dog to the clinic immediately.
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Increase or decrease of appetite
- Hypertension
- Seizure
Final Verdict
Saying goodbye to your pet is like saying goodbye to a beloved family member or a child. It is heartbreaking, even for the tough grownups. And if you are planning to put your dogs to sleep, you are probably weighing your options.
But, if you know how to euthanize a dog with Benadryl, it becomes a lot easier to take care of everything. Your pet is a part of your family, and you would want to make things easier for them. So do make sure to consult an experienced vet before you go for the next steps.
Related Article: