My new puppy has a runny nose and is itchy. Can I give her Benadryl?

There are a number of antihistamines like Benadryl that can be safely used in puppies, but we always want to try to get to the bottom of what is causing the itching first. While we can see allergies in young puppies, it is less common than in adults. Before giving any medication, I would recommend having your veterinarian examine Houston to see if there is anything in his ears or on his skin that is causing the problem that can be treated. We can certainly see a number of skin problems in puppies that require treatment to resolve the itching. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Handsome boy! He may have allergies from spring pollen or a mild cold. You can give Benadryl to reduce the nasal discharge and itching. There is a section on this website with information and dosages of common over the counter medications that are safe for dogs. if he stops eating, the discharge gets green or he's very lethargic then I would recommend a veterinary exam. Usually this will get better in a week or so without treatment. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Bo.

Unfortunately, by law it is illegal for the experts at Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to give the dose information for any drug, including OTC drugs, without seeing the animal in person first. That's because doing so requires a veterinary client patient relationship which cannot be achieved via an internet forum. In addition, the experts cannot say for certain if a specific drug is safe for your dog. You need to check with Chewy's vet to see if it's safe to give him, and the vet can give you the dose.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It’s hard to tell from the pictures but it looks like Baby might have a skin infection. The Benadryl should help if she’s itchy but she needs to see a vet to determine if it’s an infection and get her some oral antibiotics if needed. Good luck and kisses to Baby!

This is likely just from stress and allergies but could the beginning stages of an upper respiratory infection. I would start with some benadryl twice a day. See link below. If he isn't improving or gets worse, I would have your vet take a look at him to make sure he doesn't need any antibiotics. Keep a close eye on him since he is so young and small. Make sure he is eating and drinking and acting normal. I hope this helps!

Allergies are a possibility along with the start of a respiratory infection. You can give Benadryl to dogs and at his weight it would be closer to a whole 25 mg tablet instead of a 1/4. I would say get him checked if the symptoms continue or you notice them progress

Unfortunately, by law it is illegal for the experts at Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to recommend using any human drug, including OTC drugs, without seeing the animal in person first. That's because doing so requires a veterinary client patient relationship which cannot be achieved via an internet forum. In addition, the experts cannot say for certain if a specific drug is safe for your dog. If she is shaking and feels hot, she could have a fever which Benadryl wouldn't treat anyway. I would take her temperature rectally. A dog's normal temperature is 101-102.5F, and if her temperature is above 103F, I would take her into an ER vet or a vet on call immediately. Otherwise, I would monitor her and try to tempt her to eat with some boiled white meat chicken (no bones) and white rice in small amounts several times a day. Should her symptoms continue through until tomorrow, I would have her seen by a vet. If they suddenly become worse or she develops other signs like vomiting and diarrhea, I would have her seen by a vet immediately.