My dog has a hyperactivity reaction to benadryl, and the vet prescribed .25 mg of xanax for traveling and I could even go up to .5 if needed and he is a 4.2lb dog. I do have rescue remedy for minor situations, but for the long airplane travel under a cabin seat...I want him to be calm. He should get used to it, because we travel a lot, so I do not expect it to be a problem where he will get addicted. But last time with the Benadryl it was horrible.
My "Not suitable advice" had nothing to do w/ doubting the Vet! Don't you think the "Good Doctor" (As she put it) would have given her the dose when she spoke to him? That was my concern....
Benadryl can be sedating to some dogs..I figured that was a SAFER suggestion for her dog!
I do happen to LOVE "Rescue Remedy" as Margot mentioned....It works wonders, but not powerful enough for severe Thunderstorm/Firework anxiety.....
Yes, I also know that dogs can take Xanax......The dose you prescribed is the perfect dose for a 13lb. dog! Hope that clears some of this up!! Karla
Hi, please listen to your vet!!! My dog has seizures . They started almost a year ago. She is on phenobarbatal. When it started the doctor added xanax for a week. He did this so the phenobarbatal could get in her system. She was anxious and not herself. Benadryl doesn't have the same effect on animals as it does to humans! Benadryl is an antihystimine sp...
It may relax a few people/animals. I have never been relaxed by benadryl! It helps my allergies though. Don't be afraid to give your poor dog small amounts of xanax!!!! Sometimes advice can be just not suitable for the situation. Your pup sounds like he has an anxiety disorder also. He isn't going to get addicted unless it is given all the time. You know about the drug..I am sure. Amount my dog is about 40lbs and chubby ): She was given 1 mg 4x a day. Sounds like an large dose , it is a human dose. I would give your pup to start with a bit less then .25 mg. and go from there. People advice is nice but this dog has come a long way, why doubt this vet???? Wish I had seen this before the 4th.
My dog relaxed very well with it.
Sorry you are having these issues with your dog. Worst time of the year for dogs getting out, etc. No, do not give your dog Xanax!! Like Karla said, you can give tne Benadryl.
I haven't tried them but some place like PetsMart does sell some OTC calming stuff for dogs. There is one called Rescue Remedy but not sure if they carry it.
I know there have been some studies done on the use of a vest on dogs that have anxiety issues with thunderstorms and it may help for fireworks. Of course, you don't have one of these but you might try snuggly wrapping the torso of the dog with something like a light towel, old shirt you can cut up to fit, etc. Do you have a crate for the dog? If so, you can possibly try putting the dog in the crate with it's bed and/or blankets and a toy and maybe turn the TV or radio up somewhat do help drown out the sound. The dog may feel more secure that way.
You could try OTC Benedryl....You want the caplets that you can cut...Not the capsules....It comes in 25mg. standard strength....There is also a childrens liquid.....
The dose is 1mg. per lb. every 6-8 hrs.....If nothing else, it should make him sleep.....Hope that helps....Karla