Benadryl VS CBD for Easing Pet Allergies

While Benadryl can provide quick relief from your dog's allergy symptoms, it's just a temporary solution that doesn't address the underlying cause. As a result, you may be exploring natural alternatives that can boost your furry companion's innate defenses against allergens. Personally, I believe in identifying the root cause of allergies and using natural supplements to tackle inflammation, which often lies at the heart of your pet's itchiness and discomfort.

Interestingly, both CBD and Benadryl share the ability to reduce inflammation, but CBD offers a more holistic approach. For many pet parents, CBD is a relatively new concept that can seem daunting, which is why you may initially gravitate towards the familiarity of Benadryl when your dog starts scratching. It's surprising how well CBD can effectively alleviate allergies and itchiness, and I'm excited to share its benefits with you!

Benadryl

You've probably heard of Benadryl, the over-the-counter antihistamine drug also known as Diphenhydramine. While it's most commonly used to treat mild allergy symptoms in humans, many pet parents give it to their dogs as well.

Benadryl can help relieve a whole range of issues for our furry friends. It's often used to ease hay fever and seasonal allergy symptoms, as well as cold-like symptoms. It can also provide relief from itchy skin caused by bug bites, hives, or other irritants. Thanks to its sedative effects, Benadryl can even help with motion sickness and anxiety in dogs. Veterinarians have also been known to prescribe it to treat mast cell tumors as well.

Benadryl for Dog Allergies

Allergies occur when the body reacts to harmless substances like food or environmental elements, triggering an immune response. This response involves the release of histamine, which binds to cell receptors, leading to symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and increased mucus production - all familiar signs of allergies.

When it comes to managing these symptoms, antihistamines like Benadryl come into play. Benadryl contains Diphenhydramine, which works by blocking histamine receptors, effectively reducing allergic reactions. While it's effective in providing quick relief, it's important to note that Benadryl doesn't address the root cause of your pet's allergies or their immune system response. Instead, it focuses solely on alleviating the symptoms.

Is Benadryl Safe for Dogs?

While Benadryl hasn't received FDA approval for veterinary use, it remains a popular choice in veterinary practices throughout the United States. However, it's essential to be aware that Benadryl can induce both mild and severe side effects in dogs.

Common side effects of Benadryl in dogs include:

• Excessive drowsiness

• Dry mouth

• Hypersalivation

• Urinary retention

• Rapid breathing

• Increased heart rate

Less frequent side effects may include:

• Diarrhea

• Vomiting

• Changes in appetite

Can My Dog Overdose on Benadryl?

Both dogs and humans have been reported to overdose on Benadryl, and such occurrences can be fatal. An overdose typically manifests in an overloaded Central Nervous System, resulting in symptoms such as:

• Dilated pupils

• Rapid heartbeat

• Agitation

• Constipation

• Seizures

• Fatality

Should you suspect your dog is experiencing an overdose, it's imperative to contact your emergency veterinary hospital immediately.

It's crucial to adhere to the recommended dosage of Benadryl. Overdosing can lead to severe symptoms, including abnormal heart rhythms, hallucinations, seizures, and, in rare cases, death.

Combating Dog Allergies Naturally: CBD as an Alternative to Benadryl

So, how exactly can CBD help with dog allergies? Well, CBD, along with other compounds present in full-spectrum hemp extract, work together to restore balance within the body's systems. This balance, known as homeostasis, is essential for overall health.

Our pets have numerous cannabinoid receptors scattered throughout their organs, which play a crucial role in regulating their immune systems. Unlike Diphenhydramine, which suppresses immune responses, CBD enhances communication between immune system cells. This means that CBD for dog allergies can promote a more controlled and targeted response to allergy symptoms.

Moreover, cannabis contains a variety of compounds known for their anti-inflammatory properties. THC and CBD, the most prominent phytocannabinoids in cannabis, are particularly effective in reducing inflammation. Additionally, other compounds like CBC, CBG, and THCV have also shown anti-inflammatory effects.

Inflammation has historically been recognized as a prominent symptom of various infectious diseases. However, recent research indicates that chronic inflammation isn't merely a symptom but a contributing factor that exacerbates many prevalent diseases. Conditions such as allergies, anxiety, chronic pain, and autoimmune diseases are all linked to inflammation. By alleviating inflammation, we're not just treating symptoms but targeting the root cause of the issue, thus providing relief from the associated discomfort.

We've talked about CBD's effectiveness, but how do you know which one to choose? If you're considering CBD for your dog's allergies, CBD Dog is a great brand to consider. They're known for their high-quality products and commitment to pet wellness.

CBD Dog's EASE Tincture is crafted with a focus on alleviating allergies in our beloved pets. Designed as a natural alternative to Benadryl, EASE is enriched with ingredients like frankincense and turmeric, for their anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, perfectly complementing CBD's effects.

Recent studies have shed light on turmeric's impressive ability to mitigate food allergy symptoms in dogs by reducing specific antibodies linked to allergic reactions. This solid scientific validation influenced the decision to incorporate turmeric into the EASE formula.

Furthermore, recognizing that allergy symptoms often manifest on the skin, CBD Dog Health offers the SOOTHE salve, delivering targeted relief where it's needed most. For a comprehensive approach, we highly recommend combining the benefits of both EASE and SOOTHE for both localized and systemic allergy relief in dogs, conveniently bundled together in the Allergy Duo package, offering not only relief but also significant savings for pet parents.

While it's essential to acknowledge that holistic pet care and natural plant medicine may not provide the immediate relief of Benadryl, it's crucial to recognize that CBD operates differently. CBD works synergistically with the body to address the root cause of issues, promoting balance and well-being over time. CBD Dog Health's commitment to holistic medicine underscores their dedication to providing comprehensive care that nurtures the overall health and vitality of our furry companions.

Is CBD Safe for Dogs?

Full-spectrum hemp extract is exceptionally safe for both short-term and long-term use. Extensive studies have consistently demonstrated the safety of cannabis-based medicine, even at significantly high doses. Dogs have shown remarkable tolerance to doses as high as 640.5 mg of CBD-rich extract, with only minor adverse effects reported.

The potential side effects associated with full-spectrum hemp extract are typically mild and transient. In most instances, the most severe side effects are mild diarrhea or temporary lethargy upon initial CBD administration. Fortunately, there are plenty of herbal remedies out there that can help ease these symptoms. And, as your pet's body gets used to the CBD, these effects tend to fade away over time.

CBD Dosing

Contrary to common belief, determining the right CBD dosage for your dog isn't solely dependent on their size or weight. Sensitivity to CBD can vary significantly among dogs and may even change over time due to factors like age or chronic illness. The key to finding the optimal dosage lies in understanding each animal's unique physiological condition.

For managing dog allergies with CBD, I typically recommend a daily dosage ranging from 9 to 18 mg. The most effective method of administration is direct application to the gums, divided into two to three separate doses throughout the day to ensure consistent usage.

The EASE tincture is specially designed so that one full dropper (1mL) equals a standard dose of 9mg of CBD for dog allergies. For topical allergy symptoms, a topical CBD product like the SOOTHE salve is can make a big difference. Apply the salve 2-3 times daily, or as needed, for relief.

Many pet parents worry about inadvertently giving their pets too much CBD and causing harm. However, more often than not, insufficient dosage is the reason for not achieving the desired results. If you're hesitant to experiment with dosage to determine the upper limit of your pet's sensitivity, rest assured that it's perfectly safe to do so.

Final Thoughts

I understand how frustrating it can be to watch your pet constantly itching and scratching or experiencing more severe allergy symptoms. Unfortunately, without identifying the root cause, your pet's condition won't truly improve, and any relief will only be temporary.

It's crucial to investigate potential triggers for your dog's allergies. Consider examining their diet for food sensitivities, assessing their environment for chemical irritants, and promoting the proper function of their natural immune responses. The proper functioning of our pets' bodies and immune systems involves numerous factors. Did you know that 70% of the immune system resides in the gut? That's why maintaining good gut health is essential for overall wellness.

As pet parents, it's important to advocate for our furry friends' well-being. Rather than seeking quick fixes to mask symptoms, let's strive to enhance their quality of life. After all, we want nothing but the best for our beloved companions.

Related Resources:

Subliminal Energy Healing Video for Soothing Your Pet's Allergies

Have More Questions or Need Personalized Pet Care Advice?

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