My dog was bit by a spider, vomiting & diarrhea. Is Benadryl enough?

While Benadryl can be given to dogs in specific circumstances, by law it is illegal for the experts at PetCoach to recommend using 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. I would give your vet a call to see if it's safe to give Dustin Benadryl, and the vet can give you the correct dose for it. I would also wash him in warm water and Dawn dish soap to get rid of the ants, and you can make a home soothing salve to help with the bites from the ants if he has them using baking soda and water. To make this salve, mix one tablespoon of baking soda and add enough water to form a spreadable paste. You will have to keep him from licking it off, so put an Ecollar on him, which you can make at home: http://dogsaholic.com/care/homemade-dog-cone.html

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Chippy! If it wasn't a venomous spider he should be ok. If he's scratching a lot I would be worried he would cause an infection. That would require antibiotics. You can try washing the area with soap and water and make sure it's dry. You can also apply a thin layer of antibacterail ointment. We aren't allowed to give Benadryl dosing so call your vet for how much to give. That may prevent him from causing more damage. Good luck and kisses to Chippy!

I would take Harley into a vet immediately. It is concerning that she has been vomiting and having diarrhea, and that the Benadryl isn't helping her hives. Hives are typically caused by allergic reactions, and they can progress to swelling and difficulties breathing. Oftentimes dogs need stronger medications to stop an allergic reaction, such as steroids. Only a vet can give her the correct medicine for her symptoms. Please take her into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Kyle. You are giving Benadryl plus Congestion. Unless specifically directed to do so by his veterinarian, I would stop this medication. He should be receiving just Benadryl which contains only diphenhydramine. Some dogs will require ongoing doses of steroids to keep the swelling down in the days following the reaction. His veterinarian may prescribe an antibiotic for the wounds that have started as well. I recommend contacting his veterinarian and see if a recheck appointment is necessary to discuss his medication. I hope this information helps!

I really doubt this is a reaction to a spider bite. Those are usually local reactions to the skin only. This sounds more like he may have an intestinal obstruction or something going on internally. Stretching like that is relieving some pain/pressure in his abdomen. Any chance he ate something he was not supposed to? i suggest you get him to a vet ASAP. I would consider this an emergency. If there is an obstruction this could be fatal if left too long untreated. If it is not an obstruction at least you can get him some proper medications to get him some relief.

Ouch. The area does look quite swollen and possibly already infected. Depending on the spider that bit Rocco, he may need antibiotics, steroids and antihistamines to prevent the skin from being necrotic (dying off) and systemic bacteria (bacteria floating in the bloodstream which can be life threatening) from developing. i would suggest cleaning it with Betadine diluted 50:50 with warm water for tonight if a vet visit is just absolutely not possible. This will help provide some topical antiseptic cleansing of the wound. Take special care not to get any of this in his eyes. Then getting Rocco seen by a vet first thing in the morning to get this area looked at and treated appropriately. However if a vet visit tonight is possible, then getting him seen right away is best, before it gets any worse. I hope everything works out well for your pet Rocco. Best wishes and take care.

Poor pup! I recommend to have him examined again today. It’s possible the liquid Benadryl is making him throw up. The doctor may recommend to try a tablet instead. The doctor may also want to send him home with some oral steroids and perhaps a medication to stop vomiting. A bland diet for the next 24 hours may also be beneficial. I hope Kai starts feeling better quickly!